1987 4runner 4 wheel drive not engaging. Help.

Denton · March 29th, 2007, 08:51 PM

I have a 1987 4runner with 214,000 on the clock. When I first got it every time I put it in reverse then went foward the 4 wheel drive would try to engage and make a horrible clunking noise. I would have to pull over and shift the transfercase lever through the ranges to get it in 2 wheel. Now I cant get the 4 wheel drive to engage regardless of what I do. I was thinking it could be my automatic locking hubs. Any other thought? Thanks!

Haggar · March 29th, 2007, 09:03 PM

Yes, sounds like an issue with the locking hubs.

hman1991 · March 29th, 2007, 09:20 PM

auto lockers suck. get some manual ones.

Denton · March 29th, 2007, 09:29 PM

is it hard to change over? Does it cost alot? I have never done locking hubs before, but I am pretty handy.

87yotafoo · March 30th, 2007, 10:25 AM

most of time just swap them out of a manual hubbed truck. Nothing hard to it. Just becareful cuz those bolts like to break alot. PB blast all them several times prior to taking them off. pull it style junkyard, they are cheap to get off a truck. I might have some for sale too.

Denton · March 30th, 2007, 08:53 PM

So are the manual hubs off the pickups interchangable if so what year range?

Mud'N'Truck · March 30th, 2007, 09:08 PM

Just find a 86 to 94 truck or 4runner with manul hubs. Just take off the whole hub assamble and swap them out.

Denton · March 30th, 2007, 09:14 PM

Thanks. Going to the yard tomorrow. I let ya know if I find anything!

Denton · March 31st, 2007, 09:34 PM

Found some on a 90 toyo pickup. I could not get those stubborn things off. I took all the bolts off, took the plastic cover off and removed the one bolt connecting it to the stub shaft...I pounded on them forever.Is there a trick to getting the manual lockouts off? My automatic locks just popped right off.

Haggar · March 31st, 2007, 10:02 PM

OK, were there bolts, or nuts?

Assuming you removed nuts, and the studs are still there, then you have to remove the cone washers. They are evil, and usally refuse to come off. The best thing I know of is an air chisel with a round poitn on it, it vibrates them out.

Manual hubs do swap, but at least on olid axles, theres another piece or two that need to go on, too. Its late now, I forget exactly what(too many welding fuses today). I believe one or two of the washers in the hub are needed.

Denton · March 31st, 2007, 11:52 PM

They were nuts that I took off. I am not sure about the cone washer? I guess I didnt see that..I think I should go buy a book ...lol

March 29th, 2007, 08:51 PM	#1
Denton Formerly 99xjclassic Join Date: 03-09-07 Location: Lansing Posts: 625 iTrader: (20)	1987 4runner 4 wheel drive not engaging. Help. I have a 1987 4runner with 214,000 on the clock. When I first got it every time I put it in reverse then went foward the 4 wheel drive would try to engage and make a horrible clunking noise. I would have to pull over and shift the transfercase lever through the ranges to get it in 2 wheel. Now I cant get the 4 wheel drive to engage regardless of what I do. I was thinking it could be my automatic locking hubs. Any other thought? Thanks!

March 29th, 2007, 09:03 PM	#2
Haggar High Flush Join Date: 11-06-05 Location: Lake Orion Posts: 11,279 iTrader: (10)	Yes, sounds like an issue with the locking hubs. __________________ w w w . y o g i s p i g g i g . c o m

March 31st, 2007, 10:02 PM	#10
Haggar High Flush Join Date: 11-06-05 Location: Lake Orion Posts: 11,279 iTrader: (10)	OK, were there bolts, or nuts? Assuming you removed nuts, and the studs are still there, then you have to remove the cone washers. They are evil, and usally refuse to come off. The best thing I know of is an air chisel with a round poitn on it, it vibrates them out. Manual hubs do swap, but at least on olid axles, theres another piece or two that need to go on, too. Its late now, I forget exactly what(too many welding fuses today). I believe one or two of the washers in the hub are needed. __________________ w w w . y o g i s p i g g i g . c o m

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March 29th, 2007, 09:20 PM	#3
hman1991 Senior Member Join Date: 02-04-06 Location: Fennville Michigan Posts: 370 iTrader: (1)	auto lockers suck. get some manual ones.

March 29th, 2007, 09:29 PM	#4
Denton Formerly 99xjclassic Join Date: 03-09-07 Location: Lansing Posts: 625 iTrader: (20)	is it hard to change over? Does it cost alot? I have never done locking hubs before, but I am pretty handy.

March 30th, 2007, 10:25 AM	#5
87yotafoo Senior Member Join Date: 02-02-06 Location: Plainwell MI Posts: 212 iTrader: (3)	most of time just swap them out of a manual hubbed truck. Nothing hard to it. Just becareful cuz those bolts like to break alot. PB blast all them several times prior to taking them off. pull it style junkyard, they are cheap to get off a truck. I might have some for sale too.

March 30th, 2007, 08:53 PM	#6
Denton Formerly 99xjclassic Join Date: 03-09-07 Location: Lansing Posts: 625 iTrader: (20)	So are the manual hubs off the pickups interchangable if so what year range?

March 30th, 2007, 09:08 PM	#7
Mud'N'Truck Chevota Join Date: 11-30-06 Location: New Boston, Michigan Posts: 1,274 iTrader: (4)	Just find a 86 to 94 truck or 4runner with manul hubs. Just take off the whole hub assamble and swap them out.

March 30th, 2007, 09:14 PM	#8
Denton Formerly 99xjclassic Join Date: 03-09-07 Location: Lansing Posts: 625 iTrader: (20)	Thanks. Going to the yard tomorrow. I let ya know if I find anything!

March 31st, 2007, 09:34 PM	#9
Denton Formerly 99xjclassic Join Date: 03-09-07 Location: Lansing Posts: 625 iTrader: (20)	Found some on a 90 toyo pickup. I could not get those stubborn things off. I took all the bolts off, took the plastic cover off and removed the one bolt connecting it to the stub shaft...I pounded on them forever.Is there a trick to getting the manual lockouts off? My automatic locks just popped right off.

March 31st, 2007, 11:52 PM	#11
Denton Formerly 99xjclassic Join Date: 03-09-07 Location: Lansing Posts: 625 iTrader: (20)	They were nuts that I took off. I am not sure about the cone washer? I guess I didnt see that..I think I should go buy a book ...lol