Transfer Case Actuator robustness

I did a search (albeit not a deep dive) and the info is probably there but I didn't find it. I switched to Sanka today, so have a heart.
I recently saw a video on replacing a fubar diff actuator on a FJ. Every time I'm under my Taco I see that actuator hanging off the T-case and picture the vehicle crawling through mud, snow, sand and water and think how can this electrical device hold up. Is there any way to be proactive against premature failures? I'm not talking about abuse like banging it against rocks of dragging the vehicle across tree limbs. A skid plate would help with averting physical damage. I'm referring to electrical gremlins or water intrusion. Thx.

 

Make sure your breathers are working as they should and are extended. Then add real skids and send it.

 

I think you are overthinking it.
I’ve had my truck for 7 years. Done thousand of miles of off-road trails. Dust, sand, water crossings mud. Buried the truck in mud, sand and snow up to the frame more times than I can remember. Sometimes leaving it for hours. I have never had an issue. The actuator was actually re designed on the third gen. They seem to hold up better than the previous generation. You should be fine if you wash the underside occasionally and change the transfer case oil every 30k miles if you use 4low frequently. If you don’t use 4x4 often cycle through 4hi and 4low once a month.

https://youtu.be/-FZcmDGVEmE

 

I guess I was just reacting to that actuator in the video that was completely corroded due to water intrusion.

 

I just give a quick squirt of ACF-50 into the breather tube every spring, I'm hoping that helps

 

Over time the breather hose gets brittle and may come disconnected. Just inspect it every once in a while and you shouldn’t have any issues. If the breather comes off, cut off any split end and reattach.

Some of the other Toyota platforms like 120 platform and such have issues with the actuator shaft seal leaking gear oil into the actuator but doesn’t seem to be a common issue with Tacomas.

 

I see you watch Rainman Ray...

The breather came off that FJ actuator due to it's 6" lift, thats how the water got in. Failures of that actuator are not common. That particular actuator is the same from the 2005+ tacomas and 03-20 4runners. Lots and lots of them on the road. Make sure the breather is connected and the ends aren't split and you should be fine.

Here is a link to the Aisin SAT-017 actuator, which I believe is the one. Aisin is the OEM manufacturer for toyota.

$183 AISIN SAT-017 OEM Differential Lock Actuator - Compatible with Select Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Tacoma

https://www.amazon.com/AISIN-SAT-017-Replacement-Differential-Actuator/dp/B076C2KQS3

 

For electrical, I would say that using is moderately is the best medicine?

Since the 2LM first happened, I have been using mine daily to squeeze into our overstuffed garage. That is likely too much use, but it us all that I have.

 

Actuate it every month by going into both high and low 4WD.

 

Friend sent me a link to the video. Didn’t know the channel, might have seen some of his vids without knowing who he was.

 

Yes, as others have said, use it at least once a month. The most common actuator failures reported on here that I have seen were from water intrusion.