Very sticky 4WD lever.

[gerviswaddell]

Hi there,

New to the forum, and oh so happy that it is here, good work!
I'm presently in the process of buying a (non sr5) 85 tercel with 190K Km's on it, and in the test drive, had much trouble moving the 4wd lever in any way shape or form. After Pushing/Pulling with both hands (while someone else was driving) I got it to switch into 4wd, but am concerned about the nature of this 'stickyness'.

Is this a major problem, or is it related to one? any Ideas about this issue would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,

Dave.

[ESI-RStarion]

Well a few non crucial things could cause this. While you were trying to switch into 4wd were you driving straight at a constant rpm? Are all the tires the same size and tread depth? Do all of the tires have the same PSI in them? few simple things that could clear up your issue.

[gerviswaddell]

As far as I know, all of those things were A-OK, when I say sticky, I mean really sticky. we were driving straight, all tires seem the same size etc...what else cold it be? the vehicle has quite a bit of rust underneath, so what parts could be stuck? The tranny seems otherwise just fine.

thanks,

Dave.

[4wdchico]

This could be the first signs of a lube problem in the tranny. Low fluid/never changed tranny oil can be a death blow to these cars. Read the factory service manual and check the fluid. Not the simplest of tasks but absolutely crucial at this point.

By just jacking one of the rear wheels off the ground and having a helper spin that raised wheel you can eliminate any binding issues. If it still fails to go in/out of 4wd smoothly while doing this there is a mechanical problem.

[gerviswaddell]

Thanks for your help,

About this suspect mechanical problem, all other transmission characteristics seem just fine, shifting is fairly smooth all the way through, reverse gear is also good. If the transmission seems otherwise fine, could the sticky 4wd lever still indicate a transmission problem?

thanks again,

Dave.

[Neu]

yes because the tranny and all that, 4wd, it's all together, so you can be having troubles with the 4wd but the actual shifting can be fine.

I currently only have 1st, 2nd, 5th and reverse but my 4wd works just as good as ever.

[takza]

I'd say it is mismatched tires or how you are shifting it. You do need to lube the linkage up above the trans though...gets rusty. Should be able to get it into and out of 4WD if you stop in 2WD and then test it using the clutch....engine off.