Landcruiser Diff Question...

[UKLJ70]

Hi,
I'm from the UK and just joined... I've got an 89 LJ70 Landcruiser VX 2.4TD with switchable front hubs (Lock & FRee). I think I have a problem with the diff as due to the 4WD indicator light not working properly I thikn I've been driving around in 4WD for about 20-30 miles. I noitced this morning that turning corners took a bit of force. I believe I have to unwind the diff - but I'm not sure how, can anyone help?

Thanks

Phil

[snorkleman]

Hey sorry it took someone so long to get back with ya on this. Ok a couple questions...

1). Is the 4x4 light on or off?
2). Make sure your hubs are in the FREE position?
3). Does your vehicle have the electric locking differential?
4). Is the vehicle in 2high and NOT in 4x4 mode?

Your hubs might not be disengaging which would lock the wheels to the axle. One way to tell is to take the vehicle out of gear (nuetral). Block the tires from rolling. Get under the vehicle and see if the front driveshaft can rotate freely. With the vehicle in 2High and hubs unlocked, the driveshaft should be able to be turned. Also if the vehicle is in 4x4 and hubs in FREE position, you should be able to turn the wheels without the driveshaft moving. If you can't rotate the tire with hubs in FREE position, then your hubs are not disengaging. They might need to be cleaned and greased a little. Or they might need replacing. That should give you a place to start. Let us know how it goes.

I am also a little concerned that the transfer case might be stuck in 4wd. You might shift it in and out of 4wd and make sure it is disengaging.

[UKLJ70]

Thanks for the reply,

The 4WD light is stuck on, the hubs are in free, er.... not sure about the diff? how would I know? And it is in High2.

Thanks

[snorkleman]

In High 2 the front driveshaft should be able to be turned by hand. Just lay under the vehicle and rotate the driveshaft by hand. Also to make sure the hubs are disengaged, You can jack up the front and each front wheel should be able to turn without the front driveshaft turning at the same time.

If driveshaft doesnt turn with tires on the ground it might be stuck in 4wd. If the tires turn and driveshaft also turns, same is true. If tires turn free of the driveshaft, then the hubs are truely free and unlocked.

Try those things first. I eventually might come down to a busted relay or something causing the light to stay on when in 2wd.

[UKLJ70]

Thanks for your help, I'll give it a try later.

[snorkleman]

No Problem. Let us know what you find.