1996 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Not engaging

BAXTERSMURF18

MEMBER
1996 TOYOTA TACOMA
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
122,000 MILES

I have a 1996 toyota tacoma lifed 3" with 33"x 12.5 tires on it. This is my first winter with it and I was told that the 4 wheel drive worked on it when I bought it but the other day it seems like it does not. I can put it in 4 hi and even 4 low and the front tires will never spin. When I put it in either 4 hi or low, I can feel the truck almost sit down like it is locking in 4 wheel drive but when I give it gas only my rear tires will spin, my front doesnt even try to move. It should be all automatic, I dont have manual locking hubs on the front. I dont know what to do? Any help, I need to get it working for the snowy hunting trips.

5 Replies

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

I would first check the vacuum actuator on the front diff. Use the diagram below to see if it is working. Let me know what you find.

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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 AT 10:13 AM

BAXTERSMURF18

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Thank you so much for responding but im kinda new to this 4x4 not working stuff, so For the vacuum pump, can you rent that from an automotive supply store like autozone or can you use anything with a vacuum.
Following the diagram I would just test the vacuum ports a and b? Is that right.

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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 AT 2:04 PM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Yes you test port a and b to see if it will hold vacuum. As for renting one don't know. You would have to call around and see. If you have to buy on don't buy one that only does vacuum get the one that will also bleed brakes this way you can use it for other things.

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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009 AT 9:46 AM

BAXTERSMURF18

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Thanks, I tested both ports and they both held pressure. I tried putting it in 4 wheel drive after I figured out it was not leaking vacuum pressure and it worked. So I think it might have had moisture in it or it was dirty and wasnt engaging.

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Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 AT 8:28 PM

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

So it is fixed and working. Great that is the way it should work. It may be that it was just sticking and doing the vacuum test was all it needed. If there anything else you need just ask. Thanks for you support and have a great New Year.