Looking at a 2002 4Runner SR5 4WD.  It has 55,000 miles.  

I'm not familiar with the Toyota's so here's my question.....

While parked with the truck running I push the "4WD" button on the side of the shifter.  It seemed like it made a lot of noise.  I was able to move the shifter between H and L no problems and the light on the dash indicated it was in 4WD.  I was just concerened with the noise occurring when I pushed the button both times.  Is this normal?  Was I not doing it right?  I was guessing that the button engaged the 4WD but then what is the shifter for?  Just to select H or L?


Thanks for your help.

I'm no Toyota expert, but most 4wd vehicles that I'm familiar with need to be in neutral or rolling foward to engage the transfer case properly. I'd imagine that the noise you heard was something getting in a bind because it couldn't get the gears lined up.

The other one I looked at didn't seem to make such a pronounced noise.  If we go back tomorrow and drive it I'll check it out again.

They are great autos imo I've had 3,........all went over 135k.