Ground metallic smell while in 4wd?

So finally go a chance to take the Taco off road. I did not take it easy on her. Climbed a few hills that started at 45 degrees gradually increasing and finishing with the last 12 inches being 90 degrees and then flattening out to a level top. She went over it like a champ in 4 low so I'm impressed to say the least.

Anyway, I got out to see if i was going to high center the truck and smelled what I can only described as a ground metallic smell. If you ever cut metal you'll know what I'm talking about. Kind of what you'd smell welding.

Is this normal with the transfercase in operation? There were no clunks or grinding sounds. Everything seemed operational afterwards. The smell also went away after I took it out of 4wd. Could it have been the brakes or traction control which I noticed kicked on in 4 high.

Thanks for any info.

 

No ideas?

 

I would guess it was the brakes. Have you every serviced the transfer case and the front differential?

 

No. I bought it used. Dealership said all the previous owner did was oil changes. But I did notice that they had installed a uhaul trailer hitch. Just changed the rear diff as a precautions. Tech said front diff and transfercase looked clean. I plan on changing the fluids as soon as possible. I did thrown on the e-brake to check if I was going to high center.

 

Is your truck a manual? Could be a clutch smell?

 

Yes it is. If so, do I need to change fluid?

 

clutch is dry. Im betting it was the clutch caused by excessive feathering of it.

 

Does that mean its low on fluid? Or just caused by the feathering? Thank you.

 

sounds like you were burning up the clutch no big deal, you'll just have to get used to that beast and learn to not use it as much. In 4L you should be able to crawl pretty slow in 1st. It is just your clutch overheating, over time and continuous abuse that clutch will wear out faster than normal use.

Again just get used to your truck, It wont be the last time you smell that either. As you might find yourself in a sticky situation where you have clutch a lot.

 

Ok. Thanks.

 

you are welcome, happy wheeling!

 

no, the clutch has nothing to do with any type of fluid. You were simply slipping the clutch too much causing it to burn and glaze over.