Hi all, First post here. My brother said this was the best 4Runner forum, and so far I have to agree. After digging through the threads for an hour I couldn't find anyone that has had my problem.

Specifics: 1999 4Runner 4WD Limited with 180k miles

Problem: I have only noticed this twice while on longer trips. After everything is good and hot, at highway speeds the transmission is making a sound sorta like a bearing going out. It is low pitched and not very loud. The sound goes away at 1) lower speeds, 2) Letting off the gas (but it comes right back when you give it gas again), 3) Turning the OD off, 4) Letting the engine cool down.

I had a transmission flush about a year and half ago. I have not had a chance to check the fluid because I don't drive far enough to work to get it hot. I guess I should at least check the color....

Any ideas (that don't involve a new Tranny ;) ) are welcome. Thanks!

If the noise goes away when od is off, then the tranny or the torque converter is going out.

Probably need it replaced. You can try a transmission additive but all that is going to do is prolong the inevitable.

If you are near me, I have a 99 limited tranny that i can sell you cheap. Left over from a soon to be 2UZ conversion.

hmmm, I didn't think about the torque converter... eitherway that is bad news. Should I drive it till the tranny (or torque converter) dies? or would I hurt something worse? My goal was 250k miles out of this baby. (I live in Reno, NV so not so close to NC)

I have the same problem with my 2001, everyone so far says replace don't rebuild. Is this a common problem with these tranny's? One shop said it was, but I've never heard anything bad about this model. I'm getting quotes of $3300-$4000 to replace with a rebuilt unit here in San Diego, is that the going price???