4 wheel drive out. actuator assembly

[throwitup16]

I have an '03 tundra step side the the 4 wheel drive light just blinks whenever it is pressed and does not kick into 4 wheel drive. I can hear something working underneath the vehicle but 4 wheel drive never engages. I took it to a toyota dealership and they quoted me 1000 for an acctuator assembly. I called another toyota dealer and they said the accuator in the front for 4 wheel drive was 395 or so. Now im not exactly sure that they are talking about the same parts but i would think its correct if they both deal with the 4 wheel drive. Anyway my question is: does the first price i was quoted seem like a reasonable repair estimate for the 4 wheel drive. Kinda spendy I think...

[Timberline]

A buddy of mine just had his failed actuator replaced by a local Toyota shop for $500-ish parts/labor.

[nhdubfan]

There are two actuators involved in switching from 2wd/4wd and back, one is mounted on the front differential and slides a collar side to side to engage or disengage the front axle, the second actuator is mounted on the transfer case and takes the place of the old "second stickshift" from the manual transfer case days. If either one of the actuators are out the 4wd is effectively inoperative. Speaking from experience the front axle actuator was fairly straight forward to remove and reinstall, (4) 12mm headed bolts and a wire connector, the transfer case unit looks to be be very similar, although I have not had that one out (but I have a spare t/case with one on it in my garage and I could remove it) Any decent shop should be able to switch it out for a reasonable time if you are not going to tackle it yourself. Now for a little theory, I belive you could jack up one front wheel, engage the 4wd switch (in neutral) and try to turn the wheel, I believe the front driveshaft should rotate along with the wheel if the front actuator is working (but not the t/case unit) If you can turn the wheel freely and nothing else turns I would say your front actuator is not working and the t/case unit may/may not be (you could try turning the front driveshaft and see if it is free or locked to the rear to confirm) and as always use proper stands if you are going to get under the truck, don't trust the jack, I once rolled out from under my Toyota Crown deluxe as the jack shifted and the car dropped to the ground where I just was (true story) Good Luck hope this helps you out some. Scott

[nytrousboy]

I had the same problem, try this fix I posted about mine first...... 4 wheel drive problem please help!!!!!!

It may or may not help you!!!!!!, but its cheap and can be done in about a half hour at home with basic hand tools.

[Cygnusx51]

I have an 03 AC with the floor shifter, no button (it's a V6.) My actuator went in Jan of '08. It cost me $547 to have it fixed. So I would assume the $395 for parts would be correct.