Shifting from 4wd to 2wd

brevell · Post by **brevell** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 4:01 pm

I'm about to buy a 1986 SR5 and I've read in some reviews that it is difficult to shift back into 2wd from 4wd because of a differential lock. Can you give me some hints on how to make it easy? Also could you tell me what to be on the lookout for to avoid buying a big problem wagon? Thanks, Burt

neonsport · Post by **neonsport** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:25 pm

I'm assuming you're looking at a Tercel with a standard transmission, as the automatics shift between 2 and 4 wheel drive electricaly. I've only had one Tercel 4WD that had a big issue with shifting between 2 and 4WD, and it tured out there was a tire that was a different size. Just make sure the wheels are pointed straight ahead if you're moving, and it shouldn't be difficult at all. Make sure all 4 tires are the same size (and preferably the same brand), and that you have a matching size spare tire. Tercel 4WDs can't use a space saver spare.

As far as not buying a big problem, the transmission should be your biggest concern. Make sure it works in all gears, and drive it till the transmission oil is completely warmed up. Once it is, try driving it around in a large parking lot in each gear. Drive it with power on and coasting, and straight and turning. If it pops out of any gear, there's enough wear that it could become an issue in the near future. You also want to listen for unusual noises in the engine and rear end. The transmission will whine some in every gear because of the nature of the front differential. Other than that, listen for noises from the transmission when everything's warmed up and the car is idling in neutral.

The carburetors are another, much smaller issue. You might have a great one as-is, but realize that's a 22 year old carb that might need rebuilding.

Beyond that, check for extensive rust on the undercarriage. I've seen rustproofed Tercels from northern states that were fairly solid in the body, but gone underneath. You don't want to pick one up that will have structural or suspension issues because of rust.

Everything else on these little cars is easy. New aftermarket CV halfshafts are now available, as opposed to the unreliable rebuilds we had to settle for in the past. Most of what you'd likely need is available in the aftermarket, and this board is a great source when you're looking for information or a source for used parts.

But again, make sure the transmission is solid. That'll be the hardest part to find in today's dwindling supply of used tercel 4WD parts.

simon84 · Post by **simon84** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:40 pm

I find the key to easily shifting from 4wd to 2wd is to let off the gas at a reasonable rpm and then shift it. Don't use the clutch. Most times that works. It's kinda like speed shifting. If you are accelerating or decelerating then it won't go easily. There may be other techniques but that usually works for me.
Good luck.

jetswim · Post by **jetswim** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 6:45 am

For my Tercel I find that with the clutch pedal pressed in in shifts easier back into 2WD especially when not in gear.....

xirdneh · Post by **xirdneh** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:37 am

brevell wrote:I'm about to buy a 1986 SR5 and I've read in some reviews that it is difficult to shift back into 2wd from 4wd because of a differential lock. Can you give me some hints on how to make it easy? Also could you tell me what to be on the lookout for to avoid buying a big problem wagon? Thanks, Burt

put it in reverse and step on the gas
while moving backwards push in clutch and move the 4x4 shifter foward
works every time for me
i have had that trouble with several stick shift tercels

83toybeater · Post by **83toybeater** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 11:24 am

best thing to do is get a set of 4 new tires and make sure air pressure is the same

hberdan · Post by **hberdan** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 4:06 pm

I think the advice about tires is good; when I got my 87 a couple winters ago, it had trouble shifting into and out of 4wd; on advice of my mechanic I replaced all four tires with new ones ,and lo and behold, now I have no trouble going from one to the other.
That being said, I too find it is easier to transfer from one mode to the other by depressing the clutch while using the 4wd change lever.

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 1:24 am

I found that varying the accelerator pedal pressure worked fine. You know, you ca take all the tension off the tranny from the engine if you can use your right foot right. Too hard on, engine driving tranny, too far off, engine slowing. Sweet spot right in the middle.

takza · Post by **takza** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 3:06 am

You can put the car in 4WD going straight...then turn to one side a little and it will be hard to get out of 4WD...turn back the other way the same amount and it will eventually loosen up again and is easy to get out.

If you are in EL and 4WD...you are supposed to take it out of 4WD before shifting to first...but if I take it out of 4WD first...it will pop out of EL into neutral.

Post by **Mattel** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 5:27 pm

Don't think it has been mentioned here. But obviously-

DON'T DRIVE ON THE TARMAC IN 4WD! or any hard surface for that matter. You will bind up the tranny and cause all sorts of damage and woe and it will be hard take out of 4wd

4wd only for loose stuff where the transmission can slip a little. mmkkay

simon84 · Post by **simon84** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 12:10 am

Seems like there are a few views on this. I was driving my 87 sr5 today for a change and I tried shifting to 4wd and out a few times and it was way easier. Could it be that some tercels just don't shift as easily or require different technique?

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 12:18 am

How is your lube doing?

Which one gets put in 4wd more often?

I found that the 84 was harder when I first got it rolling from sitting for a while, but it got easier the more I did it.

Tire pressures seems obvious.....

Different tire brands?

Different tire thread patterns?

Different ages of tires? (This can be significant because some tires models changed their tire pressure ratings, sidewall thicknesses, etc over the years)

Different load ratings of tires?

How is your alignment doing? (May or may not have an impact?)

My sister once drove my car around for 2 days in 4wd. Around town. Yeah. She NEVER got to drive it again. Seemed alright though.

simon84 · Post by **simon84** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 12:46 am

We have a good layer of ice (and now salty gravel crud) on the roads around here so I've had the 84 in 4wd for about a couple of weeks now. It gets around town really well. I have studded snow tires. All same size but the front and back are different tread design. My all seasons are an identical set and still had some stiffness getting out of 4wd. I now put it back in 2wd when I get on the highway since it is all clear. I'll play with it some more next time I drive. It could be getting easier with more use, or I am getting the hang of it.
The 87 has not been driven much at all. I'm still working on it so it was just a test run today.

takza · Post by **takza** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 4:03 am

I have 4 identical tires....except...for the fact that I allowed the fronts to wear down more than the back ones before rotating...so I get binding now if testing out the 4WD on a straight road.

simon84 · Post by **simon84** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:46 pm

How is your lube doing?

Not sure, how would I check?

was driving the 84 today and it did seem easier to make the shift. Could it get better when used often?

Tercel4WD.com

Shifting from 4wd to 2wd

Shifting from 4wd to 2wd

Re: Shifting from 4wd to 2wd