88 LJ-73 T-Case Question

[Myself]

I know... throw it away. That said, I had a question on how the 4x4 actually engages on these little things.

Mine is the push button on the dash, already converted to aisins up front.

Is this vacum or electric actuation? Where should I check if its not engaging?

Back story is, last winter we had a bad snow storm here in northern Germany and while driving(I know bad idea) around 30kp/h I hit the button as the truck was getting sideways on a straight stretch. NOTE: truck wasnt sideways when I hit the button, and I believe I had backed off enought to eliminate wheel spin, though with the slickness(is that a word) of the roads, I didnt think it would matter. So I clutched in and hit the button, to which I heard a healthy grind and then nothing.

Did it pop a line? I probably should have looked at the system sooner, but things being what they are and my general malaise I decided that there is no time like last minute to investigate my issue... besides, the summer is for riding not wrenching in my mind.

Thanks, any insight is appreciated.

Tyler

Edit for bad spelling... probably still missed some. Sorry :\

 

[crushers]

nah, the older non-T version is not a bad truck, i had a blast in mine.
it is electric activated vacuum unit, the VSV has a habit of quitting on them so to test:
engage 4wd button (engine must be running)
reach under and see if you can turn the front driveshaft with HUBS UNLOCKED. it should be solid. if it turns then up on the dash (engine compartment side) right abouve the brake boost there is 2 small selinoids with a couple small vacuum lines going to it. put take on the top one to keep location known.
now remove both and switch locations. reach under and see if front driveshaft turns. if it turns then you have bigger issues, if it doesn't then the VSV has crapped out. go to local wreckers and get a couple off toyota cars (ones with auto tranny), install, wire and bingo you are back off the road.

clear as mud?

 

[Myself]

Gotcha... it is a -T, just not a TE. For what I use it for, max 90kp/h on back country roads its great. I only paid 2500 for it and it had brand new 31" BFG A/T's, and everthing works. Well almost everything. All told with new starter and custom illegal exhaust im into it for under 3k, and i get 800k to a tank.. great for getting to work as gas is not cheap here and my Tacoma loves that s***.

I will try that out tonight or tomorow