Yep, we have 2003 4Runner V8, and it is at the dealer right now (its fourth trip) for that chirping among several other things. A post on the Tundra Solutions 4Runner forum also mentioned the chirping, it is apparently squeeking bushings that can be quieted by lubrication.
We also dislike the mileage, getting 14-18 now at 7000 miles, with the
18 only on country roads at 50-60 MPH. We appeared to gain about 2 MPG by taking off our ski rack.I haven't locked the differential much except to test it, and on the washboard and potholed roads I've been on, the VSC does not seem to kick in at all. (I'm assuming that VSC is always accompanied by the warning light and the "buzzer" sound...)
As you note, and anyone can see by just doing it, locking the center differential most certainly does turn off VSC, but I don't know of any other way.
Gregg
I have had a V-8 SR5 with 4 wheel drive for a few months. I love the car.
> Don't like the mileage much, though. Just got about 17 MPG on a 1500 mile
> trip to Moab and back from Southern California. But noticed a "chirping"
> sound when doing some trail driving over some rocks, etc. Seems to come
> from front suspension. Have noticed the same sound when driving more than
> about 5 MPH over sharp speed bumps. Anyone had the same experience? Any
> known cure? Hopefully it's not a symptom of a larger problem.
>
> The car is great on the highway or on the trail. You do need to lock the
> center differential, though when driving on washboard roads and the like to
> turn off the Vehicle Skid Control system. If you don't lock out VSC, it
> tries to take over management of the car when tires lose traction. Makes
> for some wierd handling and noises. Any known way to lock out VSC without
> locking center diff?
>
> Eric