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4WD Actuator on transfer case

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Keistercough, Oct 9, 2023.

  1. Oct 9, 2023 at 4:16 PM
    #1
    Keistercough

    Keistercough [OP] Well-Known Member

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    TRD supercharger
    Having 4WD troubles thought I would share what I know so far/what I've done.
    As you can see the plastic housing for my current 4WD Actuator is kind of shot as well as the 2/3 snapped bolts holding it on. I have no 4wd when hitting the button and no light appears on the dash (if I unplug the unit from under the truck I get a flashing 4wd light)

    I recently bought new actuator said to be for an 05 Tacoma. My plan was to fit the new black plastic cap to my old actuator. (I cannot find a direct replacement for my current one)

    Both look almost identical with the exception of the new one having an extra black electrical port on the far end of the unit, as well as the back side having an extra triangle plate.

    Anyone know what makes these different or have experience with this issue?
    PXL_20231009_225137689.MP.jpg
    PXL_20231009_225137689.MP.jpg PXL_20231009_225519806.jpg PXL_20231009_225839501.jpg PXL_20231009_230026731.MP.jpg
     
  2. Oct 9, 2023 at 4:23 PM
    #2
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    I am not going to outright say "no way".. but 2004 to 2005 was a generational change, and the 2nd gen trucks share very little components. It would be pretty surprising if it worked. I would focus on finding a direct replacement.
     
  3. Oct 9, 2023 at 5:31 PM
    #3
    Keistercough

    Keistercough [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Understood, however this part is apparently compatible with the 2000 tundra, so my rational is maybe they were sharing parts out of the bin?
    At least for the black part which is the electric motor and position contacts.
     
  4. Oct 9, 2023 at 7:03 PM
    #4
    02hilux

    02hilux What do you mean there’s no road, I’m here

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    2000 tundra still share the same 5vz. IIRC, 1st and 2ng gen actuator are different
     
  5. Oct 10, 2023 at 12:32 PM
    #5
    mattyosh

    mattyosh Well-Known Member

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    Be careful when you open the actuator up. It can be difficult to get back together correctly.
     
  6. Oct 17, 2023 at 3:22 PM
    #6
    Keistercough

    Keistercough [OP] Well-Known Member

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    TRD supercharger
    Quick update.
    I plugged in the 2nd Gen actuator and was able to get it to move the rod in and out when pushing the 4WD button.
    However with it plugged in there was no green flashing 4wd light on the dash like there was without any actuator plugged in at all.
    Also when shifting into 4L and hitting the button there was no response.
    I am not sure if this is all because the truck was not running or in gear?

    Also having trouble pulling off the plastic black plastic piece of the old actuator off since all 3 bolts broke. Any tips on getting that off?
     
  7. Oct 17, 2023 at 3:32 PM
    #7
    Andy01DblCabTacoma

    Andy01DblCabTacoma Well-Known Member

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    I am not sure why you are expecting parts from a completely different vehicle to work.
     
  8. Oct 17, 2023 at 4:27 PM
    #8
    Keistercough

    Keistercough [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Who said I was expecting it to work?
    I'm just trying to get some technical knowledge on the component, or any other useful info to see if it can work.
    I can't find a direct replacement and maybe someone else would benefit from my experimenting.
     
  9. Mar 17, 2024 at 1:18 PM
    #9
    Keistercough

    Keistercough [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2003 Tacoma TRD
    TRD supercharger
    mattyosh likes this.

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