SR5 Transfer Case Actuator

Hi again everyone! Back with another question for the masses...

For the SR5 owners out there, how reliable has the 4x4 been for you with the dial selector and actuator on the transfer case? I've been keeping my search for a 4R down to Off Roads and Off Road Premiums mainly to avoid the dial and extra actuator. The lockable rear diff and crawling goodies are definitely nice in the OR's and ORP's, but I don't necessarily NEED them. So I'm wondering if I'm neglecting looking at SR5's for no real good reason or are those TC actuators more prone to going bad?

As always... appreciate any info that can be passed my way.

 

7 years with my 18’ SR5 and I haven’t had any problems with my dial. I think the trick is to use it on a regular basis. Those who have issues never use it, such as the wife’s Sequoia which she hardly ever engages 4H so now it doesn’t work. It’s an expensive repair if they have to replace the actuator.

 

^The actuator can cause problems one of two ways:

1. The breather hose cracks and falls off the actuator. If water gets in, the actuator can short out or corrode.
2. Oil leak at the actuator shift shaft seals

When shopping for a used one, just check the actuator breather hose is in good condition (it's thin like washer fluid hose), and no oil leaks at the actuator.

Both electronic and lever-operated transfer cases are hobbled by the front diff ADD actuator, which fails more often, being lower to the ground. The most reliable system is actually in the Limited, which is full-time 4WD and lacks ADD; the transfer case actuator just shifts between 4H and 4L.

 

In 8 years I never had issues with my 2010 Tacoma with the same electronic case but I exercised it regularly.

 

There’s some minor differences too, OR’s come with some extra off-road controls which mean no sunglasses holder that the SR5 has.

There’s also the question of cost, the price differential may make a difference.

I don’t think an electronic actuator has been a big deal anywhere generally. The GM twins have that, 4WD Nissans have used it for a long while, 4th gen’s only have that, etc.

 

I store my compass in the eye glass holder. I guess that’s one perk to a SR5.

 

This still doesn't exempt it from shifting it from 4HF to 4HL and L4L periodically to make sure the actuators are actually working. But, it is a great system.

 

The OR's rear locker actuator should be exercised regularly as well. It is the lowest hanging actuator for water ingress and also subject to rock strikes off road. Oddly enough I don't think anyone makes a guard for it, like they did for 4th gens: