Super noob alert: 4WD questions?

[GnarlyKoala]

Hello, world.

Two weeks ago, I acquired my first LC , a one owner 1999 with 186k miles. Very, very happy with it so far!!

I have some questions in regards to the 4wd system. When I test drove it, I put the transmission in N, and shifted the 4wd into N and L, and both seemed to work fine. There was some slight grinding. Is that normal? Am I doing this correctly? I drove around the parking lot in L for a few minutes and everything seemed to be great.

Secondly, there is a button near the HVAC I believe. It is a picture of a chassis with an "x" where the center diff would be. What does this button do?

Third, the rotary switch with three options on it. It's left of the steering wheel. These seem to be diff lock controls? Right?

Sorry for the ultimate newbness. Also, I've tried the search function... I couldn't find answers to all these questions and/or couldn't describe them properly to find sufficient results. Sorry in advance, as I'm sure the answer is here somewhere.

cheers,
greg

 

[ih8everything]

Congrats, you got yourself a LC with a rear locker.

1) I think some minor grinding noises and clunks are ok when you first shift, but it shouldn't grind after it has shifted.
2) That is the center diff lock on/off button, it makes the front and rear driveshafts spin at the same rate.
3) Correct

 

[lrowe_csp]

Only the rear locker was an option on the 1999 100 series- there was no front locker option from the factory. The three position 80 series rotary dial to activate lockers will fit into the dash to the left of the steering wheel, so if in fact you do have a three position dial, you will need to check to see if somebody added a front locker sometime before you purchased it, just in case you are a very lucky purchaser.

 

[GnarlyKoala]

Thanks for the replies!!

The center diff lock does not make a sound or anything when I press it. Would it make a sound if it is engaging? Can I engage this while moving?

Also, the PWR button is like "Sport Mode," it hangs onto gears a little longer, correct?
And the ECT button... what does this one do? Can I engage these while moving?

I don't think I have a front locker - it says "Off" "Push" and "RR" (Sorry, should have been more clear). When would one use the rear locker? Can I engage this while moving?

 

[ton504]

Make the shift into low swift and you shouldn't feel a thing.

 

[Sandroad]

It sounds like you didn't get an owners manual with your truck. You can get the PDFs of that here:
Toyota Online Owners Manuals and Warranty

 

[darnold87]

When shifting into Low range, the the center diff will automatically lock. Be cautious doing this on high traction surfaces, such as the parking lot you mentioned in your first post (assuming it was paved). You can easily modify this to make the center diff lock only when pressing the center diff lock button. See the FAQ section for that...