06' TRD Sport 260,000 . . .engine's great. Popping when in 4x4 and being tested?

Hey y'all, I just bought my dream Taco a few months back. High mileage but always been dealer maintained etc.

I'm a off road kind of gal.... took it mudding in the quarry today and it performed well until I went to turn while in 4hi. Loud popping noises! Is it my axle? Doesn't do it in 2x.. thanks for the input!

 

How much were you turning? And you were on mud? Most likely axle bind. Turning too hard and the wheels caught traction

 

The noises coming from the front end I assume? What type of "popping"?

 

@NYCTaco52 Was turning pretty hard and tight and yes, in the mud. My mechanic has it now. This past week he's put in new axles and wheel bearings. Told me not to turn so sharp

 

@SR-71A Yes front end drivers side mainly. My mechanic just installed new axles, ball joints and bearings this week. There was a leak I thought could of been transmission fluid but (since it was dripping off the pan) but turned out to be differential oil from a bad seal. Do you have any experience with replacing transmission fluid (fluid change-not flush) and filter/seal? Was curious if I could get a kit from a auto parts store or not?

 

Not me personally but there a few good threads on it. A lot of people do it with every oil change. Up in the top right search for "drain and fill", that should get you on the right track

 

Transmission Drain and Fill with each oil change is a bit excessive.
I see no need unless you cooked the fluid some how Towing?

FYI, OP.
There is no Dip Stick to check the transmission fluid.
Here is the DIY for Drain and Fill.

Here is also a good guide for DIY Maintenance.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

 

@TnShooter Yes thank you for the heads up. Been researching on the fill plug/drain plug a lot this week. How convenient! Lol.

This'll be the first time checking and changing ATF. After my off roading last week not only were my axles bad but a leak came about. Bad burnt smell. Supposedly leak was differential oil and a bad seal. Want to check ATF for peace of mind and hopefully won't have to do it again. Thanks for the info!

 

@SR-71A that was just what I was looking for! Thank you