Binding sound when accelerating in straight line

Hi guys this is my first post, I have searched all over and cannot find anyone who has a similar issue to mine. I just bought a 2004 4runner V8 Sport. The previous owner removed the front propellor shaft because it made a weird noise. When I reinstalled the prop shaft the truck makes a a sound like something in the driveline is binding. Where my issue is different is that the sound happens for me when accelerating in a straight line not when turning. I have videos of the sound and what’s happening to the front wheels. I will try to post the video on here as well.

https://youtu.be/hUyDFxJFozI

https://youtu.be/GouZYLrxM-k

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! That doesn't sound good. Transfer case?

 

Thanks! It definitely sounds like it’s loudest at the transfer case. I had to remove the front prop shaft again so I don’t do any damage since I’m not sure what’s actually happening.

 

Maybe you could try and remove a drain plug from the transfer case and see if there is any metal on the plug(might be magnetic) or any metal comes out of the case itself, if so, you might have to remove the case and explore inside.

 

That was a great idea, I pulled the drain bolt and took a sample there wasnt a lot in there and the color is kinda weird but no metallic coloring or flakes that I can see and sadly non magnetized drain plug

 

That is a kind of skanky color. It might be time for a transfer case chain replacement? Not real sure, at any rate put in some fresh lube. Hopefully someone on the forum with more knowledge than us on Toyota transfer cases sees this. Maybe try to get some lube out of front diff., see if any metal in it, since reconnecting front driveshaft seemed to amplify the problem... I'm kind of winging it here.

 

Good idea, I’ll drain the front diff and see what’s going on in there. I’ve ordered new u joints for the front driveshaft since they seem a little crusty but I don’t think they are the main culprit. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

I'm not sure how tough the chain replacement is on Toyotas, did one on a Chevy case years ago... not bad, hopefully not the front diff., but stuff breaks and wears out, you'll have new u-joints, you can eliminate that.

 

If it is the front diff take advantage of this time and get new gears

 

@newlife How hard is it to replace the gearset in these?

 

I'm no expert (not even an amatuer), but that's not right. You can see the front tires stopping when the t-case gets bound up too. How much to pull a t-case from a salvage yard?

 

Local yard doesn’t have any 4th gens right now so that sucks, I’m looking on eBay in case I just need to replace it, what I don’t get is without the front shaft in the t case it doesn’t make any bad sounds, I’m not sure what about turning the front wheels makes it bind up like that.

 

Bent prop shaft? Bad U-joints?

 

I’ve got new ujoints on the way, they didn’t feel too bad, maybe a little crusty. I never thought of the shaft being bent I have a video of the shaft and it looked like it wasn’t balanced but when I called Toyota the rep said they are insternally balanced as long as the yokes aren’t removed it didn’t matter how I mounted it. I will post the video so u can see what I am talking about.

https://youtu.be/qPHP9Xj3Ikk

 

Change transfer case n front diff oil with required type n amount! Thats what id do before anything else!!

 

I changed the transfer case fluid last night, and will change the front diff fluid after work today n see if there’s any change. Thanks!

 

No biggie...but did you try it after tranfer case change? Looks water or moisture was in that oil...

 

The transfer case actuator seems to be working, the lights flash then stay solid no beeping, I have lo range and when it was lifted all 4 wheels spun when the shaft was in, the rear spun faster but I figured that was because of the transfer of power to the rear.

 

Bear1998 I did not have enough light to get the prop shaft back in, I took it for a quick drive without and it drove as normal. Once I get the u joints in I will reinstall and see if there’s any change.

 

Gotcha..

 

Idk on the 4Runner but my understanding is they use the exact same front as the Tacoma on 4th gens. Which if that’s the case super easy. I had mine done in less than 2 hours

 

Bear1998 sorry that was just some extra info, I haven’t been able to try it again with new fluid in the case yet, during those videos is when I noticed the lights n actuator seemed to be working. I read that the actuator could be an issue but it seems fine. I believe it’s something else. I will reinstall the u joints and prop shaft and see if there’s any change.

 

what generation of Tacoma is compatible? I’m thinking maybe 2nd gen? I used to have a 2nd gen taco and I see some parts that look very similar if not identical! I believe my gears are 3.73.

 

One question would be what was the strange noise that caused the previous owner to remove the front ds? Same noise? Did he give you any more background info on what happened?

I hope you got a screaming deal on a used 4x4 4R that is currently 4x2...

 

You’re correct 2nd gen Tacoma, 4th gen 4 runner, and fj cruisers are all the same platform as far as diffs are concerned and I believe transfer cases.

 

Previous owner probly doesnt have a clue since the tranfer case looked like that n was that low!....unless he or she started draining it n decided to say the hell with it...which i dought

 

He said it sat for a year and then when they went to drive it, that sound was there, he took it to a “shop” and they think it’s either a vacuum line on the front diff (I thought this 4x4 was purely electric) or an actuator for the front differential. All of which sounds a little off to me. I got the truck for $3500 minus tax n title which I think was like almost 300 ish. Other than the 4x4 it runs and drives great, I’ve already changed the plugs air filter oil n filter. I’ve got a timing belt kit I’m waiting on, not sure if we have a fuel filter on this generation. Then I was going to change trans filter n fluid, and was hoping to have the 4x4 issue resolved too!

 

I'd consider that a screaming deal for a V8 4R. Good luck nailing down the issue. I wish I could help, but that's a noise I hadn't heard on a 4R before...

Edit: In listening to the videos again, my money is on a bad u-joint. They tend to sound like that when they are binding. Plus, it goes away when you take out the shaft. IMO

If the truck sat for a year, the u-joint needle bearings could have rusted big time, especially if the shaft sat out in the weather all that time. Just tossing out possibilities.

 

Thanks! this is my second 4Runner and my first V8 and it’s a lot of fun to drive!

 

Thought of something else today at work..... does this 4th Gen have locked front hubs, I had a '86 pickup and it had manual lock out hubs, did one of your front hubs go bad? Just a thought.