4wd problems

i have an 02 Tacoma 4wd trd 5 speed with that manual 4wd stick. Some of my dash lights are burnt out so I just figured the 4wd light is burnt out. When I put in 4hi the engine seems to rev alittle higher and a lot more in 4lo. I've only played a bit off road but I will get stuck in any little puddle. It's like as soon as one tire looses traction I loose power to the rest of the wheels, in other words I don't think the axles lock in. I don't know much about the truck but I would think the axles would lock to be able have power to all wheels. Someone please help me out and educate me on this if you can.

 

Long story short if you dont have an actual locker in one of your diffs 4 wheel drive really only drive 2 wheels at any one time. One front and one rear. Thats due to your differentials differentiating.

With that said u could have a transfer case problem since youre not getting an indicator light.

 

Ok so do some come with locking diffs from the factory or is that something you have to do aftermarket? also how hard would it to be to add lockers?

 

It sounds like it's gearing down for 4x4. There is a little wire there at the front diff that activates connection to the front driveshaft. There could be a problem right there with the front not engaging.

EDIT: after re-reading your OP, it is probably like the guy said, power only going to one side because of lack of traction.

 

If yours is aTRD, it should have come with the locking rear. You should have a diff lock switch to the left of your steering wheel.

 

well I looked in the truck and couldn't find it so I looked up the TRD package for my year, the locking rear diff did not come in the 4 cylinder model, so that sucks. I guess I should have held out for a 6 cylinder. I guess I need to jack up the front and back to see if all the wheels turn. I wonder if it's possible to add a locker?

 

Always possible to add a locker, its quite common. I have an ARB air locker myself.

 

^^ nice... ARB lockers are great.

OP, there are many places to purchase lockers and in many different configurations. Select one that fits your needs and driving style.

Check out Marlin Crawler, many to choose from.

Good luck.

 

Ok cool but will I need to change out my rear diff to add a locker or can this be done with any diff??

 

Its the internals inside the center of the axle, if that makes sense. .. so youll keep your existing axle/rear end. Long story short you can do it with any differential.

If youre considering this, id strongly urge you to get a selectable locker so you can turn it on and off when needed. An all time locker isnt condusive for daily driving.