4 Low cracking noise

I shifted into 4 low and thought it was engaged(solid 4 low light on). Right when I put it into first and applied gas I heard a horrible cracking noise and the beeping of the 4 low sounded. I have a 6 Mt and was on an incline. Everything worked just fine the rest of the day.

Do I need to be concerned? If it wasn’t fully engaged and I applied throttle what potential damage could there be?

 

How long did the cracking sound go for, and what made it stop? How long was the 4 lo beeping for?

 

The beep and noise was for a split second as I applied throttle... then it appeared to drop into 4 low. I am hoping was just slamming into 4 low and no damage was done. I am hoping im just being paranoid. thanks. Just looking for second opions or if anyone else has had this issue.

 

One time I was with someone and they were in 4hi for a steep ascent. Couldn’t make it and while on the hill, shifted into 4lo. I guess they rolled back at the perfect time, and 4LO didn’t engage all the way. Sounded like a spoon in the garbage disposal when he kept hitting the gas.

After that couldn’t shift out of 4wd and needed a new transfer case. It was blatantly obvious something was wrong. I think you’re fine.

 

If it was driving fine after that, you probably just had an extra forceful engagement of 4 lo, and should be fine. Have you shifted in/out of 4 lo since then?

If you want to be sure, though, change your T-case fluid. When you drain it, look for metal shavings and chunks.

Here's a little how-to on how to change t-case fluid:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-diff-and-transfer-case-oil-change-howto.147631/

For future reference, it's best to "plan ahead" and do your shifting before you need it. The E-lockers and T-cases don't like to be shifted while under a load. Not that they snap in two when you do that, they just are hard to engage.

 

Its shifts into 4 high and Lo no problem. Probably not a bad idea to change the fluid soon anyway.

Thanks,