2H 4H 4L switch

How reliable is the switch that controls 2H 4H 4L. I had that on a Jeep Cherokee 25 years ago, and it rarely got into 4x4 drive. I would much prefer a manual stick to shift. Your experience

I am probably going to buy a 2008 Certified Tacoma V6.

Is there a web site that tells you what kind of differential you have based on the VIN?

 

I had no issues with the Tacoma, however in past vehicles i had more issues with the actuator than the knob itself.

 

No manuall 4x4 on Tacoma unless you swap transfer case with some other Toyota vehicle.
Knob works but needs to be exercised once a month to be lubricated. I only had problem day after I bought the truck and first few times I tried engaging 4x4. Now has been working with out any problems.

 

Had mine 6 years as of next week, and no problems whatsoever with it or the actuator. And it gets used a lot in the winter and regularly in the summer.

You should be able to tell what type of rear diff is on the '08 based on the model or by looking under the rear of the truck at the back of the diff. TRD Off-Road will have a locker, TRD Sport will have a LSD, and some SR5's depending on the SR5 package will have LSD. For the LSD, simply look at the back of the rear diff and there'll be a white sticker with red letters saying LSD Oil Only. Link to the picture is in my sig below.

 

granted i have only had my truck for a week but the switch has worked well...no issues....was hwy driving and pulling a trailer, so up the steeper hills would switch into 4H for better traction on the compact snow...worked wonderful and could maintain the same speed to do so!

 

thinking about what happened 25 years ago is not a good comparison about today's switches and mechanisms

 

I have had now 2 second gen Tacomas (with 4WD dial), over 6 years, over 120,000 miles... zillions of times 4 wheeling, NEVER any problems with them working.

A mechanical limited slip differential was only available on SPORT TRDs from 2005-2008 (as best I know)... The OFF ROAD TRDs has a locking rear differential (better for off road conditions)... 2009 + have 'traction control' which provided various levels of limited slip using the brake system.. works great!

 

And most SR5 packages. It's been said that you could not get a DC LB without a LSD. My SR5 package came with it, and EVERY Xtra Cab SR5 I've seen around here has it too. So now you know better.

 

all second gens have an 8" front diff, reverse 30 spline

trd offroads have a 8" rear with eaton e-locker
the rest have 8.4" rearends

 

It would be more correct to change the several words 'axle' to the word 'differential' in the above post. An axle is the entire drive area from the left wheel to the right wheel, seperated by the differential, which gets its drive force from the driveshaft. A differential is sometimes refered to as a 'pumpkin'.

 

mine works great, never had anyprobs with my 08. I've had more probs with my 85 4runner manual shifter.

 

this^

 

My 08 refused too engage 4L unless I actually shut the truck off and restarted it and getting it out of 4L was pretty much the same joke.
I'd try all the usual, back up, go forward, turn wheels, ect ect

Had the dealer work on it twice and it is better but it still can have it's moments.

I call it the Plastic Piece of Shit Knob and I hate it

Wish I had a mechanical system like I had in my past Toyota's, they never failed me.

 

Dumb question maybe , but you are stopped and in neutral when shifting to 4L ?

 

Lets just say it takes me about 20 minutes to get in and out of 4L

 

Of course the electronic transfer case will never hold up like the mechanical lever engaged versions.. But, with proper maintenance (using it monthly) it will last a good long time.

 

If anyone is having that much of a problem, then there is something wrong... It is not that the dial is bad, only your dial is bad.

Three Tacomas, three with dial or push button transfer case, three with a total of 256,000 miles over 9 years with hundreds of 4WD engagements and NO PROBLEMS.