95 4Runner Drive Locking Problem

My 1995 4Runner 3.0 Automatic 4WD recently started acting up as follows :

1) Put into drive
2) Start moving slowly
3) I hear a "clunk" noise from the front end, and it feels like the
brakes were applied, and the vehicle stops moving.
4) Put into reverse, and I can back up freely
5) Put back into drive, and can now go

At first I thought the brakes were locking up for no reason, however,
putting into reverse lets me back up freely. I now suspect the 4WD.

Any ideas out there ???

Thanks!

Do you have the 4WD engaged?
Are you sure it is from the front end?

Look around the brake calipers, and check the rotors for damage or severely worn components.

Back brake shoes will do this if the retention clips have broken.

thanks for the reply ... the 4WD is not engaged, pretty sure its
the front ... I'm back to suspecting the brakes, last night it happened
and it was not free in reverse either.

It seems to want to lock up when brakes are applied going SLOWLY ...
~ 1 MPH.

This weekend I will get the car into my garage and have a look at the
brakes.

thanks
again

I would NOT drive it! "Duh"
This is really interesting though.
If you were to jack all four wheels off the ground SAFELY (jack stands).
See if you can get the problem to reoccur just using rear wheel drive.
If it does,... well.
Then if it doesn't engage the front end. You can do this even with the wheels off. Just thinking are you sure there isn't a foreign object lodged between the wheel and caliper or brake system?

found it was the right rear brake sticking due to a leaky seal... grease is
getting on the brake lining and making gummy, sticky, and grabby. Cleaned
up the brakes and pads and is now OK ... are Toyotas known to have
seal problems ?

Do not try to reuse any brake linnings that have had oil on them!.
It looks like you have them clean but this is only the outer surface.
Once they get hot the oil soaked inside will cause them to do same thing.
Brake shoes are cheap considering the consequences!
And no this is not a common 4Runner problem unles you have a bent axel.