00 4runner - strange pulsing shifter

[defcon]

I just picked up a 2000 4runner from a family member. I love this car. Best SUV I have ever driven.

Anyways, I noticed right after I drove it at highway speeds this strange pulsing in the gear shifter. It doesn't matter if it's in 'D' or '2', it just kind of pulses forward and backward. You can actually watch it move while driving.

It only has 48k miles. It's an SR5 2wd model.

Thanks in advance.. Any ideas???

 

[pat161]

Its normal to have a little play in the shifter.

 

[defcon]

I agree that a little play is normal, but i have never seen a shifter move by itself like that... I was wondering about my u-joints. But maybe this movement is normal for a 4runner.

 

[ryanr623]

Nothing. I took it to the dealer (my car has extended warranty) and he said nearly every 4runner does this. if it is very slight (couple cm's in either direction) it is normal. If its pulsing to the point where it looks like it may come out of gear you have a problem.

 

[Rock Slide]

It's completely normal for 3rd gens. All do it to some degree. I feel that if it did not move a little front to back, you'd get a lot of vibration up and thru the vehicle.

Check out this thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25805

 

[AF808fighter]

Mine worried me too when I bought at 99,000 miles but then I realized its the engine and tranny moving on the mounts. No big deal.

 

[defcon]

Thanks for all the good information! I was talking to a buddy of mine that has a Tacoma and he mentioned that his does the same thing.