4x4 front diff actuator question

hey guys I was planning on install my diff into my Pre-Runner conversion truck today but hit a snag.

I took the actuator off the differential to do the hose clamp trick so it will be fixed to 4x4. The problem I'm facing is that the fork will not slide freely so I can position it with the sleeve inside the diff into the locked position. The fork is on the opposite side it needs to be. Also the small nipple that you hook up the vacuum like is also broken. So any ideas, tips...

any help would be appreciated

 

You can't slide the fork? It should move freely. If the vacuum lines going into it are clamped or impeded you won't be able to move it because the lack of air movement would prevent it from sliding.

EDIT: This applies to vacuum actuated differentials only, forgot about the motorized ones

 

You're also going to want two people to put that diff in. No way you can install it yourself - trust me I tried.

I didn't do the hose clamp method I just bought a manual axle tube eliminating the actuator entirely.

 

@BartMaster1234 lemme go take some pics

 

@BartMaster1234

 

The fork is stuck in that position

 

You have the later style all electric actuator. The hose is just a breather vent. You will need to "run" the actuator to the locked position or take it apart, separate the gears, move the fork then put it back together.
To "run" it, touch 12v+ and ground to the two pins for the motor. If nothing happens reverse the polarity. See "ADD motor", second pic.

 

Thanks man! I’ll hook up some wires and see if I can get it to move

 

Got it! Thanks man.
Hey so would I still need to do the clamp band trick? Or will it just stay there?

 

I feel like it would stay but I’m just not sure if I should put it in just in case ?

 

yes, please for the love of 4x4 put the clamp on

 

Due to the nature of the gear system (worm gear), all the mechanical advantage is on the motor side. Hence you can't just push the fork back and forth like the vacuum type. A clamp is not going to hurt and may provide piece of mind.

 

Ok great thanks man. Yeah little piece of mind is always good.

 

My bad man I was thinking of the vacuum actuated forks in 4Runners and early Tacomas. All you gotta do with those is move the fork with your hand. Forgot about the electronic ones

 

Yeah no worries man I got it fired up and the fork moved over

 

If you have any questions let me know. I just finished my conversion not too long ago.

You have everything you need already? I presume you're going the manual hub route.

 

Yeah I’ve got everything and yeah I’m going with manual hubs. Thanks man will do