Can't Engage any gears in 2WD!

Okay a bit flustered here, searched to no avail. (Hopefully this is the right section to post in)

My 1998 4WD 5MT V6 Tacoma couldn't engage into reverse 1st or 2nd while in 2WD. Rolled out of my driveway while in reverse but the clutch depressed, then when I tried to engage reverse I heard banging/grinding/clunks. So I shifted to first and manage to get going for all of 15ft before more of those noises (never even fully got off the clutch pedal) and the same grinding in 2nd from a stop. I was awkwardly half in the street so I tried 4WD High and it ran just fine and got it back to the driveway and parked it.

Nothing leaking, engine just had an oil change and fluid top off a couple hundred miles ago. Recently had a 2" lift installed and the rear carrier bearing replaced during the oil change if that could be a culprit.

EDIT:
Other potential symptoms over the past month or so:
-Vibrations when getting off the gas at speeds 50mph+ (occasionally lasting, but usually just for a half second)
-On a very specific turn shuddering/ jumping rear wheel feel even at low speeds on a right hand 15-20mph turn (been that way since i Bought it 6 months ago though)

Really could use some help here guys! Thanks
-Nathaniel

 

Wow.

Engaging 4hi links the trans to the front wheels. I have no idea why that would make the noises you describe go away.

 

You and me both. But it operated totally fine in 4hi. Or at least appears to.

 

Something isn't right in the t-case is my guess. I don't know enough about how the work to say any more.

 

Something is wrong with the rear drive either you have a trashed rear drive shaft U joint or rear diff issues.

 

So when I'm in 4hi I'm basically in front wheel drive? Because when making a sorta sharp turn, I still feel that binding shudder which would only occur in 4wd I thought?

 

Added some more potential symptoms in the OP. Really hoping to figure this out so lmk if there are any tests or more info I can provide!

 

Depends on what is trashed in the back end. If it only moves in 4WD it's driving the front wheels. The transfer case are pretty tough they have never been known to have issues. Basically rear drive is the default regardless of the transfer case it is the connection to the front drive that once engaged drives both so if the rear drive does not work the only way it will move is by engaging the front diff. If you remove the rear drive shaft it will not move unless you shift to 4WD

 

I'm not feeling any play in the U joint. It all looks okay?

 

Sounds like your rear diff went kaboom considering noises described, but could be transmission related. Good luck.

 

Think its worth replacing the diff fluid in order to check the magnet for metal chunks?

 

That's a start.

 

A broken axle or trashed spider gears will produce the same effects.

 

The trans has 6 forward gears and a reverse the chances are pretty high one would work.

 

Was the noise under you or behind you? That will tell you if it's rear related or t-case related. Also, did you make sure you where in 2wd? As in push the shifter into the 2wd position? Sounds like it could be as simple as the shifter was between 2wd and neutral.

 

Definitely behind me. And yeah I haven't shifted it out of 2wd in a few months.

 

I;m not saying you did but it's possible someone else did. My buddies and I used to do it to each other all the time. A guy walks away from his rig and you sneak in and knock him into neutral. Then you all continue down the trail while your buddy panics thinking his truck is fubar'd. It gets a lot of laughs. Unless your the one in neutral. lol

 

Any way to check for this? (either to rule it out or confirm)

Just tried again. Those noises make me cringe so hard. It drives in 4hi, wont engage at all without very loud and ugly sounding clunks in 2Hi

 

Sorry man I was hoping it was really simple.

Lift up the rear of the truck with it in neutral. Spin a tire and listen.

 

You and me both. I assume spin it while in the 2hi neutral?