Bought it! - Front diff question

[hardtofin]

I bought it!!!

It seems to run really well, although as mentioned, I have no history with it.

The dealer I bought it from said there had been some problem with the front diff around a year ago. Is this a common problem with the Surf?

He said they had sorted it for the previous owner over a year ago.

Is there a way I can check this, should I put it in the different 4wd modes and drive it?

So far I have only driven it in 2 wheel drive.

I'm totally new to this but am a bit paranoid that there may be a fault that hasn't been properly corrected with it.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

New surf owner!

[tashtego]

Yes , you should test the 4wd system and see that the it engages properly. Apart from the lights coming on , on the dashboard, if it works you will see it feels different, especially around corners. There is sticky on the forum somewhere that explains all the 4wd options. Yes the front diff is quite delicate on these, i have read a few threads on this forum and other surf forums where people broke it while off roading.
Cheers

Ah, here , I found that thread...

http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/showthread.php?t=79601

[hardtofin]

Many thanks for this reply.

I read the buyers guide on here before buying and i did test all available modes of 4wd before I bought it, although I did not drive it in those modes. I only checked to see that they engaged and disengaged correctly, which they did.

Do i actually need to drive the vehicle in these modes to test out the diff or if it was knackered, would the modes not engage and disengage?

I am worried about getting axle wind up if i test it, especially as it says in that link you gave me that even driving straight on tarmac can cause wind up. I have the multi-mode 4wd 3rd gen which has the 4wd tarmac option.

Do I need to go as far as jacking it individually on all 4 wheels to see if any tension is released?

At the moment, I am in 2wd mode and have been since yesterday when I got it. I took it out for a 60 mile drive and it drove fine.

Thanks for your help so far

[tashtego]

If you have the multimode type you can just press the button and drive it on the road as normal, it's an all wheel drive system that you can drive in as long as you want.You'll see the green lights come on on the dash, one light for each wheel. It will also feel slightly stiffer on the steering , especially in tight corners . You can then test the other modes by moving the transfer lever, as per diagram. Nothing will happen, you are only driving a few meters any way. The orange centre diff light will come on as u engage centre diff with the lever. If you are still unsure you can put the vehicle on stands and then test all the different options and see the front wheels spin.
It's quite a solid system, they are normally fine unless they have been massively abused off-road , or let to rot in old mud etc.
Cheers

[tashtego]

I was gonna say, I have driven mine into swamps , mangroves and salty sea water up to the wheel arches and it still works fine , so don't worry too much and enjoy it.
Cheers