Did my transfer case just explode? Please help!

This site will do that to you.

You did nothing wrong.

 

engaging 4x4 in a straight line on dry payment makes zero difference. All 4 tires are turning the same speed.

 

Yeah, and?

 

Exactly, it won't hurt it unless mis matched gears lol

 

I believe the following can be benched and left to decay.
1.) Engaging 4WD on dry pavement while driving straight. This is a recommendation in the Owner's Manual on a monthly basis for roughly 10 miles.

Probable Cause:
1.) Error in assembly.

Less Probable Cause:
1.) MIS-matched gears in the front and rear diff. Simply due to the fact the OP has previously driven the truck in 4WD after the re-gear.
Mis-matched gears will become known within a few revolutions of the drive train.

 

Or turn sharply, but yeah OP confirmed that didn't happen.

 

That's why tw needs a downvote button

 

It is?? Is there a reason? I have never done this on any of my vehicles

 

yeah, but that might hurt someone's feelings.........................

 

Lube the system per the manual.

 

You just hurt mine

 

You're more tender than I thought.

this is a violin playing "My Heart Bleeds for You"

 

https://giphy.com/gifs/south-park-violent-literal-wSU1U3h1PFFsc

 

For the 10th time, it's fine to do if going in a straight line and not turning hard

 

It's in the manual, it helps to keep everything lubed and gives the ADD Actuator some exercise, which is a good thing as some who have gone long-periods of time without using 4wd have had issues with the Actuator 'sticking' or just not working.

Personally I don't engage 4wd on dry surfaces, even in a straight-line because I worry what will happen if I need to swerve suddenly, but that's just me. If nothing else it gives me a good excuse to go play in the dirt or snow every so often

 

OP, very sorry that this happened It can be pretty nerve wracking.

If I were in your shoes, I would settle down and relax. You can drive yourself nuts about what could have happened, what it might be, etc.

First thing I would do is call the shop and explain what happened. Ask if they can pick up the truck (as someone suggested, put it on a flatbed), take it apart and find out what the real issue is. I suppose you can drive it there in 2WD but I wouldn't. If there is something wrong -- why make it worse?

Second, rent a cheap car for a week. You can always return it early but you need reliable transpiration -- and I think you don't have another vehicle. Make sure you have what you need to go to work, etc. No sense compounding the problem.

Then wait to hear what the shop says. It may be huge but it may be something small. They may take care of it. Or you may have a conflict on your hands. You need to relax and find out what you are dealing with. I understand the panic ... but the faster you get the truck to the shop and find out exactly what the issue is the better off you will be.

Do post back here so that we can all learn from your experience.

We are rooting for a quick and affordable resolution !

 

Enterprise will bring a rental to you.

 

Nice makes sense. Thanks

 

It's what we do at Tacomaworld, teach and inform in a friendly and kind manner. If we can help just one owner learn more about his/her truck, we had a good day.

Today's learning is done, now we can get rowdy and short with each other.

 

and now its back to business no more talking about my Rig