Transfer case replacement advice

Yup. The grinding described by OP doesn't sound good, but the t-case isn't the only component in the driveline

 

I'd be surprised if it's anything but the actuator since the issue happened while shifting. We all know how finicky shifting the case can be.

These cases don't really 'grenade' and you have enough miles on it that it wouldn't be a rare defect.

Make sure you post the outcome.

 

Take the truck to a good transmission shop, the dealership isn't your best option.

People crash these trucks every day, source a used one if needed.
Use the correct Toyota fluid.

Please keep us updated, transfer case failures are very uncommon.

 

I bought a used transfer case with 53k miles…and the dealership agreed to install it for $680. I picked up the truck, and so far, everything works perfectly.

 

This happened while going from 4Lo to 4hi?

Did you by any chance drive really fast in 4Lo for a long time?

Chalk me up as surprised to see one of these T cases fail spectacularly like that

 

Badass! great to hear

 

Yup. Would be the first one I can recall reading about on here.

OP did you keep the old case? Or at the very least did they say what happened to it? We need to know!

 

Yes, going from 4Lo to 4Hi

No, the road was covered in ice/snow so took off slow.

 

No, I didn't keep it. Honestly, they couldn't give a solid reason as to “why” it failed.

 

Damn, talk about a one in a million chance.
U shoulda bought a lotto ticket that day lol

 

Won't lie, not knowing exactly WHY will keep me up at night.

 

Even more reason to keep it.
Oh well, hopefully the fix is in! GL

 

I feel this honestly.