Hey MUDders,
New member here! I recently picked up a 2003 Land Cruiser LC100, GCC specs, with the 1FZ-FE engine. Loving it so far – solid rig and a dream to drive… mostly.
### A few issues I’ve run into and hoping to get some insights:
**1. Sluggish Driving (Since Day 1):**
The truck always felt a bit sluggish, especially on the highway. RPMs are around 2,000+ even at cruising speeds, which seemed a little off to me.
**2. Reversing Problem:**
Earlier today, I noticed something strange while reversing. If I turn the steering wheel fully left or right, the truck rolls slightly and then completely stops — like something is locking it up. Straighten out the wheel, and it moves again.
**3. Whining Noise + Sluggish Forward Drive:**
Forward driving is okay but feels heavier than it should. I also recently started hearing a whining noise from the front-left at highway speeds.
**4. Mechanic Diagnosis:**
Took it to a local shop — the mechanic pulled the front drive shaft and said the front differential might be the culprit. After removing the shaft, the truck drives much better (no more dragging feel or noise).
He said it’s safe to drive without the front shaft for now, while I sort out the front diff issue.
**5. Center Diff Lock Confusion:**
Did some research and found that driving without the front shaft is fine *as long as* the center diff is **locked**. So I tried pressing the CDL button:
- I hear a relay click, but the truck won’t move.
- Press it again — it moves fine.
- No CDL light on the dash either (maybe the bulbs are out?).
### My Questions:
1. Is it safe to drive without the front drive shaft in my case?
2. Could the center diff have been **engaged all along**, causing the front diff to fail?
3. Is it normal for the CDL button to behave like that (clicks but no movement)?
4. Should I be seeing a dash light when CDL is engaged, or is it common for bulbs to be out?
5. Any long-term issues I should worry about driving like this temporarily?
I’m new to this platform and not very mechanically inclined, so I really appreciate any advice or explanations you guys can offer.
Thanks in advance!
New member here! I recently picked up a 2003 Land Cruiser LC100, GCC specs, with the 1FZ-FE engine. Loving it so far – solid rig and a dream to drive… mostly.
### A few issues I’ve run into and hoping to get some insights:
**1. Sluggish Driving (Since Day 1):**
The truck always felt a bit sluggish, especially on the highway. RPMs are around 2,000+ even at cruising speeds, which seemed a little off to me.
**2. Reversing Problem:**
Earlier today, I noticed something strange while reversing. If I turn the steering wheel fully left or right, the truck rolls slightly and then completely stops — like something is locking it up. Straighten out the wheel, and it moves again.
**3. Whining Noise + Sluggish Forward Drive:**
Forward driving is okay but feels heavier than it should. I also recently started hearing a whining noise from the front-left at highway speeds.
**4. Mechanic Diagnosis:**
Took it to a local shop — the mechanic pulled the front drive shaft and said the front differential might be the culprit. After removing the shaft, the truck drives much better (no more dragging feel or noise).
He said it’s safe to drive without the front shaft for now, while I sort out the front diff issue.
**5. Center Diff Lock Confusion:**
Did some research and found that driving without the front shaft is fine *as long as* the center diff is **locked**. So I tried pressing the CDL button:
- I hear a relay click, but the truck won’t move.
- Press it again — it moves fine.
- No CDL light on the dash either (maybe the bulbs are out?).
### My Questions:
1. Is it safe to drive without the front drive shaft in my case?
2. Could the center diff have been **engaged all along**, causing the front diff to fail?
3. Is it normal for the CDL button to behave like that (clicks but no movement)?
4. Should I be seeing a dash light when CDL is engaged, or is it common for bulbs to be out?
5. Any long-term issues I should worry about driving like this temporarily?
I’m new to this platform and not very mechanically inclined, so I really appreciate any advice or explanations you guys can offer.
Thanks in advance!
