4WD switching problems

Winter is coming and I thought I would test 4wd before the snow flies. I have an 08 TRD SR5 off road that seems to have a problem going from 2H to 4H and back. When I try to switch from 2H to 4H, the green 4wd indicator in the dash keeps blinking even though I can tell its in 4wd. Usually it takes several attempts to get 4wd to positively lock in and the dash indicator light to go solid green instead of blinking. In theory, any speed below 60mph is acceptable, but I was having trouble getting it to work at 15-20mph so Im really hesitant to do it at a higher speed. When going from 4H to 2H, there is a loud bang, the truck lurches forward and I can feel 4wd disengage. It also takes several attempts to get it to come out of 4wd after finally getting it there. Does anyone else have this problem, or is there something wrong/about to go wrong with 4wd?

 

Were you in mid turn during your tests, like making circles in a large parking lot? You should make the switch while driving in a straight line. I prefer to do it at low speed, neither accelerating, nor using the engine to hold the truck back. Just easier on everything.

 

Make sure tires are the same size as well. If front tires are different diameter than rear, it will bang, going to 2wd. My truck was bought used and I never knew the tires were different.

 

front diff actuator id bet.

 

I know it sounds dumb, but I saw where another member here in a different thread suggested turning the knob slowly. Since I have been doing this I haven't had any issues.

 

This is the first 4wd I have owned, but not the first Tacoma. I was going in a straight line at 15-20 mph while testing things. While trying to get it back into 2H I had to turn a corner and I noticed that steering was really stiff while in 4wd, is that normal? Turning the switch slowly sounds like a good idea, Ill try that and see if things work better.

 

Normal

 

^This

 

Well that's like applying breaks and the truck pulls to one side, solved by applying pressure to the center of brake pedal...Really lol

 

Thanks for all the responses!