clunk when disengaging out of 4WD

I remember reading something on this, but have done a search for the last hour with no results. On my 2007 with the automatic transmission, I'm trying to figure out the smoothest way to get out of 4HI back to 2 wheel drive...sometimes I experiance a clunk noise. I've read that this is normal for our trucks, just wondered if anyone has found a way to avoid it from happening. Also, when climbing a steep grade where the truck doesn't need to be shifted down into 4LO, but needs a bit more climbing ability than 4Hi, is it safe to downshift without worrying about the transmission overheating?

 

Are you disengaging on the road? Try to dissengage going straigt even if you're on the dirt and that will relieve a little stress and make it a little smoother.

I don't think down shifting can hurt it going up a steep hill. It would take a long time to overheat it. If you have the tow package then you have the tranny cooler for a little added peace of mind.

 

anytime you are going from 2hi, 4hi, or 4low:
1. stop truck
2. put in neutral
3. then move switch to selection. you may still here a clunk but thats ok.
if the light does not go on or off as it should, put the truck into reverse and move it a little. that should do the trick to get gears lined up.

keep in mind, you should engage and disengage the 4wd once a month.
I usually do it on the 1st of every month ( easy for me to remember)

1. stop truck, put in neutral, put in 4hi, drive for a few miles
2. stop truck on a STRAIGHT street, put in neutral, put in 4low.
want to do this only where you can drive straight, usually only go the length of street is good.
3. stop truck, put in neutral, put back in 4hi, drive alittle bit more
4. stop truck, put in neutra, put back in 2hi, done.

have done this on all tree of my trucks and have never had a drivetrain problem.

 

You can shift whenever you want in 4hi and 4lo, it's ok. Most of the time I wheel in 4 hi I leave it in 1st or 2nd (automatic).

Also, the "clunk" just means it's working. It won't always do it, sometimes it will be silent. Just make sure the front tires are straight and some forward momentum helps... coasting, not under acceleration.

 

I really doubt this is necessary. I know it's in the manual, but as long as you keep good oil in your transfer case, it's going to lube up as soon as you engage 4wd. The front diff is going to be lubed regardless from regular 2wd use.

I put my truck in 4wd when I need 4wd, and that seems to be plenty often enough.

As for the OP: my truck does the same thing...I'm given to understand it's normal and nothing to worry about.

 

I have an offroad as well and I dont have to stop to put it in 4hi, and I dont have a clunk noise when disengaging.

 

You have a MT. That might make the difference. I have no idea why it would, but eh, whatja gonna do?

 

yeah I also have 98,000 Kms on the truck so if it happens to a mt would it not have happened already?

 

I guess?

 

correct, the truck has the ability to engage 4hi up to 55, but i would rather do it from a stop. the laws of physics would agree. some people buy 4x4s and dont ever engage the 4x4 untill years later, and then something goes wrong. doing it once a month is called Preventative Maintence !!! Like changing your oil, oh that circulates the oil every time - hmmmmmmm So doing the 4wd once a month seems like a good idea.

 

I wouldn't wait years, but I still think 1x/month is overkill, and I would never engage 4WD on pavement.

If you can get to it once a month, power to you and keep it up.

 

j, you would never engage 4wd on pavement ???? and your criticizing me ! I think i will stick to my routine of monthly lubrications

 

Mine clunks when disengaging 4Hi, the first couple times it was so loud I thought for sure looking in my rear view mirror would find a 3rd member laying in the road.

None of my other previous Toyota's ever did that and the dealer gives the typical excuse about it being normal and then says to let them know if it keeps doing it

Damn I hate dealership shop managers, I swear if you went in with a driveshaft sticking out the tailpipe they would somehow try and justify it as "Normal"

 

Not on dry pavement, no.

Would you?

Edit: And I'm not criticizing you. I'm rendering my opinion. Settle down.

 

I find it disengages quieter if I wait till I'm driving away, as in a couple hundred feet down the road out....

 

If all your wheels are the same size, and turning at the same speed, there is no harm in going into 4X4 on pavement. As in driving straight.....

 

Except for the harm that is there, you're right, there is no harm.

Of particular note:

 

j, i was never upset. in fact just laughing at my monthly lubrication quote - hahaha
yes i drive 4wd on pavment, every month in fact. the only difference between 2wd and 4wd is the front driveshaft now spins. do i do it for long periods of time, no. but both ends have open diffs so nothing is going to break, unless you got your diff locked for some reason. yes your will feel it if you turn sharp. but this monthly ( not going to say lubrication ) maintenance ensures long life of equipment. just like your pecker - use it or lose it.

 

Ten Stupid Things men do...
...to mess up their four wheel drive

• 1 ignoring wheel cheat
(men know - friends are important -- tires are good friends - treat them well)

• 2 using too much speed or power
(many times, faster than too slow is too fast)

• 3 steering at standstill
(power steering is a wonderful tool to break tie rods etc)

• 4 using the clutch the same way as on pavement
(if you don't know what "starting in gear" means and you still use the clutch to regulate speed - see "A smart thing some men do" below )

• 5 following one's gut feeling
(most likely it'll be wrong - humans have no genetic imprint for driving cars yet)

• 6 straddling obstructions
(men should know - they would not take anything high between their legs either)

• 7 rushing through water
(humans want to rush away from danger and get in trouble in the process)

• 8 keeping thumbs in steering wheel
(bruised or broken thumbs really hurt)

• 9 hanging head out of window during difficult driving
(makes you "feel" you are in control - but you'll miss potential danger on the other side)

• 10 using 4WD after getting stuck
(now that is really stupid)


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