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Dude, I am so sorry. That would be so frustrating and discouraging. Wish I could be of more help.

Man, John, you are venturing into uncharted waters for me. It’s weird that the rod cannot move in the transfer case. As you saw, the rod in my t-case moved freely. I wonder if you try shifting the t-case gear back and forth (from High, to Neutral, the Low and back again) to see if it will free the rod? The beeping noise is what the actuator does as it’s engaging/disengaging.

Also, I put a link in the description of my repair video to another video that I used as a reference: Timmy the Toolman. His video is longer and more detailed than mine. You might want to give that one a watch too.

You’re welcome. You may not need to remove the rod but simply reuse it - it doesn’t really go bad unless some teeth are missing.

Interesting. I did not remove the rod from the transfer case. It felt like it was blocked from coming out of the t-case so I can’t speak to that part of it.

Im sorry - vehicle repairs can be very frustrating when you hit complications. First, did you get ALL the bolts out? There are one or two tucked up and behind that are hard to access (shown in my video). If that doesn’t work, I would recommend following the steps in my full length video to open the actuator and take out all of the internal components. If the actuator is bound up, there will be pressure on the actuating rod potentially restricting your ability to remove the actuator housing. That’s all I can think of 🤷‍♂️

Yikes! Thanks for stopping by the channel and for the comment and the correction. Appreciated. Adventure on!

I hope that is the problem too my friend. Yes, having the vehicle in Neutral will relieve pressure on the drive train so that, theoretically, there should be no bind on the system. You could even put the transfer case in neutral as well. Let me know how it works out

Hey Kris! Thanks so much for stopping by the channel and for the comment. Your encouragement and feedback are the “juice” that keeps a content creator like me going! Would love to adventure in your beautiful neck of the woods in the future! Happy hunting for the GX. It’s an amazing platform. There are a lot of resources for it out there and the list is growing. Only thing to keep in mind is MPGs suck - I drive like a grandma and I can get 15-16 combined. Also, mine is a 2004 so it’s 20 years old now. That means that many of its consumable parts are needing to be replaced (hoses, ball joints, bushings, etc). But, if you maintain her and treat her right, she’ll last you hundreds of thousands of miles! If you haven’t already, I would join some groups and start mining the forums for info. I’m a part of several facebook groups, GXOR being the most prominent. IH8MUD.com is a Toyota group divided up by platforms and they have a GX forum.

@Gordie1450 Hey Gordie, I don’t understand your comment. I was in cougar and bear country. Why would self protection be foolish?

@@SoccerMomOffroad Thanks for showing your support of the 2A. Only fools fail to see its value.

@TheFraziers Agreed!

@NVLunarTaco Thanks for stopping by the channel and for the comment! 58 rigs?!!! That’s quite a convoy!!! Sounds like a good group and a fun time! NV is a great state. If it wasn’t so blasted windy all the time, I’d seriously be considering escaping there from California! Adventure on!

Ok, so, you may have two issues occuring at the same time. If the seal has failed again and transfer case oil has begun to seep back into the actuator, then it could indeed be interfering with the sensors ability to detect the position of the locking rod, therby resulting in a flashing light. However, the flashing light does not mean that the actuator is not working. To check this, turn your key to the “On” position but do not turn on the GX. Standing outside the GX, with the door open, reach in and press the diff-lock button and then crouch down under the vehicle and listen to the actuator. You may hear a “beeping” sound but you should also hear a “whirring” sound - I don’t know how else to describe it. You can hear the sound here, in my “quick fix” actuator video at 4:03 - th-cam.com/video/YvCowYLmrLo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VPf1NGYWK1Kgbx6F&t=243 If you press your diff-lock button and hear that sound, even if the light is still blinking, your actuator is working. We still want to get that oil out of there and replace the seal so the sensors can work properly, but it is good to know it is working. IF you do not hear the “whirring” sound, then either your actuator/t-case is malfunctioning OR (let’s hope this is the case) there is too much tension on the t-case for the actuator to disengage. When you are trying to turn off your diff-lock, you cannot be in a turn and helps to be going slow - usually. It’s best to do this on dirt but can be done on pavement or your driveway. Make sure the GX is lined up straight so that the wheels are not turned at all. Press the diff-lock button and back up slowly and straight to the end of your driveway, 20-40 ft. If it is still flashing, put it in Drive and drive foward slowly. If it is still flashing, try Reverse, then Drive again, hoping that this will allow the actuator to disengage. If this doesn’t work, you may need to consult a technician from a reputable shop to evaluate your t-case and actuator OR buy a used one from a salvage yard. In either case, if the actuator will not disengage and the GX is still displaying the symptoms you described in the culdesac and on the road, it should not be driven.

Hey John, I’ll admit, that doesn’t sound good. I don’t think the shop’s work caused your issue, but I guess it’s possible. There is a rod that goes back and forth between the actuator and the T-case. If they didn’t put the rod into the correct position when they reinstalled the actuator, that would cause some problems. HOWEVER, I don’t think you could drive 10 months without any symptoms. It would have showed up right away. From my research, a lot of shops don’t install the seal correctly (honestly, it’s a HORRIBLE design - I’ve actually thought about installing the seal in backwards to see what would happen and if that would keep the spring from dislocating when reinstalling the actuator). However, this will only cause a leak into the actuator, which will cause the sensors to foul, but I’ve never heard of it causing the t-case to lock on its own. They might have messed up the timing inside the actuator, but again, this should have showed up right away. So, while it sounds like the seal did fail, I really don’t think this is your problem. The symptoms you described when turning in the culdesac sound exactly like the t-case was locked (diff-lock on). You stated that the diff-lock light was illuminated, which would indicate that this was the case. This is not to sound insulting, but is there ANY WAY you could have accidently pressed the diff-lock button as you entered that culdesac (or something [wallet or phone] on the lower console that depressed the button maybe?). I have accidently pressed the diff-lock button while trying to turn on or off my seat warmers while driving. If your diff-lock was on, it would have resulted in the exact symptoms you described. When you noticed the diff-lock light illuminated, were you able to turn it off? You might also try copy and pasting the description of what occured in a GX Facebook group - I’m a part of several - and ask the members if they have any ideas. GXOR is a good one. They are a wealth of info. You could also try the GX forum on IH8MUD.com.

Yep. That’s it. MAFS cleaner is safe for plastic. Good luck!

Thanks John. Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner - safe for plastic parts.

Hey Campinamerica! Actually, I just bought the coil spring conversion kit. Will be installing this weekend! Thanks for stopping by the channel and for the comment. Adventure on!

@@SoccerMomOffroad Nice!! what springs did you get? Mine has the whole kit with heavy springs in the rear. OME. It’s ok, I have a lot of weight and still no sag.

I went with Icon conversion kit and Icon 2” lifted coils. Plus, I’m installing Firestone coil-rite airbags inside the coils. 80% of the time I’m on pavement with no load so I didn’t want the heavy springs and stiff ride. For the other 20% of the time when I’ve got all my gear, I can air up the airbags to support the coils and prevent sag.

Hey rotorwag! Thanks for the comment! Really appreciate you watching the whole series! So, I’m not sure what brand the chair is. It was a gift from my parents from Amazon. There are much better versions of that style of chair out there. I just did a search for “reclining camping chair” on Amazon and a bunch of options came up. I would start there.

Nevada really grows on and surprises you!

Hey Flyfisher, always really appreciate it when a fellow content creator stops by and compliments a video. Means a lot. Thanks! And yes, Nevada is a vast wonderland! Adventure on!

It was so beautiful. Love to go there again sometime :)

It ended up being a really beautiful spot at dusk.

Like you, dear :)

I love you too Ell! We’ll go on a trip soon!

Agreed. All these amazing places testify to the grandeur of God! I think I was camping on the “Upper” or North Rim, and it was amazing. Hope your stay in the Guadalupes was stunning! Adventure on!

Hi Tina! You know, I was wondering when I would get a comment about the name of the channel which, if you hadn't guessed by now, refers to the Lexus GX470, traditionally referred to as a "Soccer Mom Car" - hence the name. I have intended to make an Intro video for the channel explaining the name but haven't gotten around to it yet. Nevada is just amazing! Totally underrated and full of wonder! What gen 4runner are you driving? I hope you find something useful in my content to inspire or encourage you in your own adventures! Reach out any time with questions or comments. Adventure On!

@@SoccerMomOffroad that is funny, good name then!! I have a 5th generation 4Runner 2023. :)

Can’t go wrong with a 4Runner. Capable, versatile, run forever AND hold its value👍🏻. Plus, the 5th Gens are so popular and they made so many that the aftermarket support is ridiculously strong.

Thanks JB, honored. He did indeed. Appreciate the support. God Bless, brother, and Adventure On!

Wow! All the way from India! Thanks for stopping by the channel and for the comment! I have friends in India, near Mumbai. They say there’s beautiful places to explore in the country. Are you able to adventure at all around the area where you live?

@@SoccerMomOffroad Yeah alot of places in India are very beautiful and I live in on of those. I live in Himachal Pradesh. The very opposite of stereotype India haha. Make a plan to visit here when in India.

Hey! Thanks for stopping by the channel and for the comment! You are so right - living good! God has blessed me immensely, even in the hard and challenging. So grateful! Adventure on!

Now the Rockies would make one heck of a view at sunset! Enjoy that view brother! Thanks for comment Eric. Adventure on!

The view WAS incredible. I turned my nose up at that spot at first and drove past it. After being unimpressed with other options, I came back and decided to give it a try. So glad I did!

I thoughts so too. I've never used that feature on my camera before and with the crystal clear skies I thought it would be a good time to give it a shot. I couldn't be more pleased or impressed with the results.

Shut up! It had been over a hundred degrees in Moab - that's a 40 degree spread in one day with a nice windchill. Not all of us were made to live in Alaska!

@@SoccerMomOffroad that's the nicest way that I've ever been called fat 😂

😂 Glad I could encourage you!

Hey there, you’re welcome for the video and thank you for your feedback and the compliments- they are much appreciated!

Hey JP, thx for stopping by the channel and for the comment. I don’t disagree with you on the reliability of the air springs and do plan to swap out for coils in the near future.

Hey br5145, thx for the comment. I’m assuming the emoji means you thought the episode was boring. I would welcome some critical feedback with some specifics, if you wouldn’t mind.

Aw, thx Audrey! So glad they can fill that little niche for you while you are not able to get out right now!

Hey 4LO! Thx for the stopping by and the comment. Yes! The air springs SUCK!!! To be fair, they’re actually awesome for the stock GX setup. They fall short modified like I have them. Plans are in the works for coil spring conversion with helper air bags inside! Adventure on!

It’s a good one. But the Bible app is great too!

Thank you!

They are!

Hey Moondoggy! Yes, it was inconvenient to break down in the creek! Thankfully, I eventually managed to drive it out so I could assess and repair on dry ground. Sorry to hear about your air springs. They are a consumable part and after 17 years of use, they will start to fail. If I could make a recommendation: do not buy cheap bags from Amazon or other seller. I did that and regretted it. Spend the $ and buy high quality bags from a reputable brand. Thanks for the comment. Get those bags replaced and get out on the trail! Adventure on!

@@SoccerMomOffroad Thanks I am looking at Arnott from Rock Auto and a brand from Australis they are about 500 dollars for the pair or at least I hope so.

@@Moondoggy1941 Arnott is a great brand and their air springs are heavy duty.

You’re welcome!

Yep! It's called Overland Magic! 😉 Adventure On!

Hey Kris, welcome to the channel and thanks for the comment! To your question, I have grown to LOVE the swing out tailgate. If you watch any of my adventure videos after the install of the storage/sleep platform and swing-gate table, it changed everything for me. It’s not only a game changer for cooking, I use the table ALL the time for stuff. But you are correct, no shelter from the elements. I currently use a tarp/pole setup to simulate an awning. I have a “Solo SUV Camping in a Thunderstorm” episode where I spend the entire time under this “tawning” as I call it. It’s a bit tedious to setup, but works for now. I am currently eyeing a small awning (4.6’x6.6’) for the back that would deploy in a couple minutes. This would be a game changer. If you are sold on the lift gate for shelter, you could think about the 4th Gen 4Runner w/V8. It is a cousin to the GX, minus the luxury comfort and it is a little less tall. However, you would not, obviously be able to utilize the drop down table in the swing out gate. Hope that helps! Adventure on!

You know, it really does! 😆

Audrey! Such a great adventure! College is its own adventure - enjoy every moment! Don’t worry, us old farts will be adventuring for many more years to come and they’ll be plenty of opportunities for exploring together!

Thanks Rotorwag! It was exactly what I needed. I really appreciate your comment. Thanks for tuning in on this episode! Adventure on!

Hey Bill, thanks for stopping by the channel and for the comments/questions. I designed those rear window side mounts myself. I do intend to make DIY video on them at some point, just not sure when.

Hi Connie, thanks for stopping by the channel. See this video for instructions on the sleep platform: th-cam.com/video/B-LQjIJJ-po/w-d-xo.html

Not as beautiful as you! 😍

Thanks buddy! It really was!