clunking when disengaging 4x4

[Sigr6]

So I lubed the front zerks on my '02 4x4 tundra and changed out the front dif with a synthetic gear oil. I haven't used 4x4 recently but I tried it out after the maintenance and it works fine but I do notice that when I disengage it that I get a clunk as it releases.

Is this normal? If not, what in the zerk grease and dif lube change could have triggered this?

Also, I changed out the transfer case oil a few weeks ago to a synthetic as well and hadn't engaged 4x4 since.......so possibly this is included as a reason.

Should I be concerned?

Thanks in advance!

[Sigr6]

so i found this thread:
4x4 Disengaged makes clunking noise

I guess I will try it tomorrow disengaging at just a roll instead of dead stop and then moving forward. Also, I guess I could try dead stop and then moving backwards as some suggested.

i'll report back.

[Hi Volt]

The clunk is caused by load on the drivetrain, this can also be considered axle bind in some cases and during dis-enagement causes a clunk as stress is released. One reason can be caused by driving on a non-slippery surface, any turning will cause axel bind and drivetrain load. The smoothest way of dis-engagement is to be moving forward with the wheels straight and slight throttle so the drivetrain is in an unloaded state. In cases where you need to switch out while stopped, you can also shift into nuetral which will help. Basically if the light remains flashing when you switch out of 4WD then the servos have not retracted because they are under load. After a while you will get the feel for how to shift without the clunk, even on dry pavement.