4wd Clunk

Theres been a few threads on the clunk you hear when changing in and out of 4wd. Is there any additive that could be added to minimize this? Ive always tried to match the rpms, basically adding very little load to the engine, but it seems like this has gotten more difficult to do to make a smoother shift. Can someone tell me what that actual clunk is, and what would happen if you didnt give a rats a$$ if you just clunked away?

 

It is NORMAL!
The sound of your truck DOUBLING the drivetrain components going into operation.
I have heard (and felt) it on all three of my Tacomas (2001, 2005, 2010) and nothing bad comes of it. If it is too irritating, then don't shift-on-the-fly, come to a stop first, rotate dial to H4 and slowly move on.

 

every 4wd truck with an electronic transfer case I've ever owned does this. The Tacoma is better than most actually.

I compensate by kicking it in/out of 4wd by RPM matching and trying to have as litte power in the drivetrain as possible whenever I switch in/out.

 

My xterra was always pretty smooth no matter the speed, thats why i asked.

 

The clunk is normal, mine does it to some varying degree every time. Occasionally it's barely noticeable, sometimes it's even a little violent. But usually somewhere in between.

Keep the wheels pointed straight when engaging disengaging.

 

Mine does it too...very loud

 

Even when your crawling thru 2' of snow and your almost stopped until your 4wd kicks in? That's when I hear my biggest clunks...and I cringe because it's hard on the system. But...it's better than digging out when I'm trying to get work on a snowy morning.

 

Why would you be in 2WD if the snow is 2 ft. thick? You can stay in 4WD all year if you need to.

 

I know, but I'm weird. I always try to use 2wd with 450 lbs of sand in the back until I absolutely need 4wd. That morning I should have had it locked in before I even backed it out of the garage... I had it locked in 4wd for a week straight after that close call

 

10-4... if your tires are not slipping, then 2WD is fine and cheaper on gas.