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Front axle actuator

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by 02Tokoolforu, Sep 8, 2025 at 9:48 PM.

  1. Sep 8, 2025 at 9:48 PM
    #1
    02Tokoolforu

    02Tokoolforu [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
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    Bryan
    Jacksonville, FL
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    2002 Taco prerunner 3.4L V6, 2018 Taco SR5 DCLB 3.5L V6
    Stock with aftermarket radio and rims, running boards
    To all the master Toyota mechanics out there, I need your help badly as I was trying to do preventative maintenance on the front axle actuator assembly as the electric motor inside is notorious for failing and not working because of water or moisture causing rusted motor contact points... but when I opened mine up it was dry and not wet with moisture inside which is good but also I want to add solder to the contact points for good measure and when I flipped it over in my hand the big gear and washer came out and I don't which order it should be in and the timing of the gears inside. Also when I first took off the actuator assembly I kept note of the shift arm fork all the way towards the wiring connection is 2wd position. But when I try to move the fork in the opposite direction it won't move without some force but I don't want to mess it up so I just left it how it was when I took the actuator out. Also which way is 2wd position on the front differential inside where the actuator shift fork mounts to, as I don't know which side the circular ring the fork mounts inside the axle is 2wd towards passenger or driver side?
    * I took off the actuator while the truck was in 2WD position and the actuator in 2WD position obviously.
    * Truck is a 19' TRD Off Road 4x4

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  2. Sep 8, 2025 at 10:03 PM
    #2
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

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    Predator tube steps, Ranch Hand grill guard, Magnaflow CatBack exhaust, Toyota tool box & bed mat, 2LO Module by @Up2NoGood, Rearview Compass/Temp Mirror, Tune by @JustDSM.
    The water typically gets in from a broken/disconnected vent hose, keep that in good shape and there's no need to fix the actuator.

    The contacts need to be timed as shown.

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
     
  3. Sep 8, 2025 at 10:11 PM
    #3
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    You have any idea what side of the gear the washer goes on?
    I think that's his main question. The one in the bottom of the case in pic 4.

    I have no idea. Never had one apart.
    Hope I never have to......
     
  4. Sep 8, 2025 at 10:13 PM
    #4
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    So far, this is the best I can find.....
    Turn the gear over and see what it looks like.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Sep 8, 2025 at 10:24 PM
    #5
    Dm93

    Dm93 Test Don't Guess

    Joined:
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    2014 DC OR 6spd 4x4
    Predator tube steps, Ranch Hand grill guard, Magnaflow CatBack exhaust, Toyota tool box & bed mat, 2LO Module by @Up2NoGood, Rearview Compass/Temp Mirror, Tune by @JustDSM.
    Don't know but it can only go 2 ways so it can't be too hard to figure out the right way.
     
    TnShooter[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Sep 8, 2025 at 11:23 PM
    #6
    02Tokoolforu

    02Tokoolforu [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #216497
    Messages:
    41
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    Jacksonville, FL
    Vehicle:
    2002 Taco prerunner 3.4L V6, 2018 Taco SR5 DCLB 3.5L V6
    Stock with aftermarket radio and rims, running boards
    In the first pic where the green arrow is pointing to the end of the curved spring "hook",blue arrow is pointing to the washer what would of been underneath the gear but I can't confirm that as I didn't pay attention to it when it the washer and gear fell out when i flipped the actuator assembly over in my hand when the black cover was out. So does the washer go underneath the gear like how the blue arrow is pointing or does it go on top of the gear where the yellow arrow is pointing? In the 2nd picture I have the red arrow pointing to the curved end of the spring "hook" and blue arrow is pointing to the metal tab opposite side of the hook which I circled in orange in the 3rd picture. If I have the back end metal piece of the gear in the spring's "slot" then I can rotate the gear 1/8" in either direction left and right but if I have the gear's metal piece under or below the spring's hook then I can rotate the gear 180 degrees. So which way does the flat cut out part of the gear sit or rest at on the metal housing?

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