2006 Tacoma 4x4 issues and rear diff issue.

Hi everyone,

I'm just going to start by introducing myself a bit. This is my first post, although I have scrounged these forums for a while already

I'm from eastern Canada, where the snow and salt is our biggest enemy I'm NOT mechanically inclined like most in these forums. But I get by and love to learn.
I have a 2006 Tacoma SR5 6 speed. other than my frame and 4x4, truck runs well
This is my second Tacoma, previously had a 99 SR5.

Now with my issue.
Last winter my 4x4 would work periodically.
I decided to take a look at the actuator below the driver seat. Took it apart, cleaned it, no broken solder points. Put back together properly following this thread post 44, bottom picture.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...or-t-case-actuator.358059/page-3#post-9723210

To confirm it was put together properly, the 4x4 decided to work one day, then stopped again. lol Go Figure!

I also confirmed that when I engage the 4x4, I can spin the driveshaft by hand and it spins the front driveshaft also, but the front wheels don't turn.

Today, I noticed my rear diff leaking a bit, when I got a closer look, I noticed this small what seemed like an actuator, cracked.
First, what is the name of that part pictured below? lol

Second, it seems its not the diff seal leaking, but rather where the u joints meet the diff.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Shane Aka Duke

 

Never played with my actuator. However, any way you can jump the actuator and confirm the actuator is working? Issue could be in the control upstream of the actuator.

 

Replace the front seal,by pulling the yoke off the front where it connects to the driveline.

 

I think thats actually the rear diff locker...from what I've been finding in my research. The actuator is located below the drivers seat. There's also another "actuator" on the front. This one has a fork from picture i've seen online. I do know for a fact my actuator below the drivers seat works. I can hear it, and the 4x4 works when it wants. But, when the 4x4 works, I hear a "clunk" noise upfront, like something engaged. When I don't here the front "clunk", it makes me think the front actuator is not engaging, hence the 4x4 light always blinking.

 

cool thanks i'll attempt that over the weekend