Exercising 4-wheel actuator for first time

I have a 2004 4runner V8 with 330K miles. I have not exercised the transfer case actuator (high/low and Diff. lock) in well over 10 years. My concern is if I exercise the actuator now, something will break. Are there any suggestions of things to do to reduce that risk?

Thanks

 

Worst case would be a seal that's age hardened might start to leak.

 

I'm in the same boat. I'm afraid to try and then it gets stuck in 4LO or something.

 

Well put it this way.

What if you need it later and it breaks? I'd rather have it break when its not needed and give me time to fix.

 

Someone just did a post on this topic (like yesterday). They are now stuck in 4 LO and had to climb underneath and manually switch it.

 

Go underneath and check the breather hose is still attached to the nipple on the actuator and still in good condition. If it is then go ahead and try shifting.

The breather hose is about the diameter of washer fluid hose. If the hose is detached or cracked in many places, chances are the actuator is already junk from water ingress.

 

Just switch t and go…….it either works or not.

 

On a DD with little to no free time to work on cars (i already have a project Mustang that does take up the little free time i have) makes me hesistate. That and i don't off road and really don't have a "need" for 4wheel drive since mines already AWD. But, i get your point.

 

In your case, I probably woudn’t attempt to shift it if it’s never been in 4Lo. If you never use 4lo, you have nothing to gain from trying, and a fair bit to lose.

I’d only try it if you wanted to ensure you have a fully functioning 4runner and if you also knew how to fix it, or get it fixed, and you can afford to have an out-of-service vehicle for the time it takes to fix it.

 

On an full-time 4wd transfer case, the worst that can happen is quite a bit worse. It can stay stuck in 4lo, or the center locker could stay locked. Either can put the vehicle out of commission until you can get it fixed.

I’m not sure what’s involved with replacing a full-time 4wd actuator, but on the part time 4wd system, you need to split the transfer case open in order to properly replace the actuator. Not a small amount of money.