2001 193k flexplate problem or do 5 speed swap??

[Moosenuckle92]

So guys not sure what to do! Looking for some input/Help from the Toyota ppl. Even in the Pittsburgh area. So here’s the run down. Well it looks like I got a messed up flexplate making some weird noises. So what to do 5 speed swap which on a 2001 not to easy since Of the multimode 4wd from what I read on here. . I have a access to a full complete running 97 5speed 4runner should I swap the parts and just do it or fix with new flexplate and have a auto again. This not my DD driver. It’s my Weekend rid and trail rig etc.
Rocking Radflo coilovers, 285/75/16 MT ,Aussie rear locker, tundra brake upgrade, hidden 9.5k winch in big bumper, 193k

 

[thegipper]

Personally, I would just replace the flex plate (OEM). Pulling the tranny isn't too hard. Might as well replace the rear main seal while the tranny is out too.

A manual swap is a much more labor intensive project but it certainly can be done...

 

[Moosenuckle92]

Personally, I would just replace the flex plate (OEM). Pulling the tranny isn't too hard. Might as well replace the rear main seal while the tranny is out too.

A manual swap is a much more labor intensive project but it certainly can be done...

This is probably true!

 

[gamefreakgc]

Seeing that you'll need to buy a transmission jack to do the job of replacing the flexplate, you might want to look into a quote to see how much a shop would charge instead.

 

[Cree]

Personally, I would just replace the flex plate (OEM). Pulling the tranny isn't too hard. Might as well replace the rear main seal while the tranny is out too.

A manual swap is a much more labor intensive project but it certainly can be done...

That ALL depends on where you're doing it and what tools you have at your disposal. On a lift? Oh yeah, probably not too bad at all. On your back under the truck? Forget that noise. I'll buy a new truck before I do that again. PITA. Who the hell puts fine thread bolts in a bellhousing? I mean, really?

 

[thegipper]

That ALL depends on where you're doing it and what tools you have at your disposal. On a lift? Oh yeah, probably not too bad at all. On your back under the truck? Forget that noise. I'll buy a new truck before I do that again. PITA. Who the hell puts fine thread bolts in a bellhousing? I mean, really?

I've pulled two tranny's and two engines on my back... in my garage....in winter...in Wisconsin. Yeah, no fun at all but doable.

You can always rent a tranny jack if you don't want to buy one. My local hardware store rents them for like $30 a day.

 

[Moosenuckle92]

I've pulled two tranny's and two engines on my back... in my garage....in winter...in Wisconsin. Yeah, no fun at all but doable.

You can always rent a tranny jack if you don't want to buy one. My local hardware store rents them for like $30 a day.

I could always go buy one at habor freight

 

[Moosenuckle92]

So I called my Tranny guy he said $700 for labor plus parts boy this just got expensive looking at $1,000 almost all said and done

 

[thegipper]

Save yourself a boat load of money and just do it yourself if you have some experience turning a wrench. Removing the tranny really isn't too bad, it just takes some time.

Even if you buy a tranny jack, you'll still save hundreds of dollars doing it yourself.

Make sure you buy an OEM flexplate. My buddies Tacoma wen't through 2 or 3 aftermarket flexplates in a very short time (kept cracking). I had a spare OEM flex plate from my donor truck that I gave him. It never cracked again and he sold the truck.

 

[zoombyu86]

Did mine in the middle of winter in a garage w holes in it and a salamander heater while on my back. Truck is lifted so it sat on all 4 tires. First time doing that large of a job. Takes patience and preferably an extra set of eyes to make sure nothing gets caught up.

 

[4runnerfiend]

Save yourself a boat load of money and just do it yourself if you have some experience turning a wrench. Removing the tranny really isn't too bad, it just takes some time.

Even if you buy a tranny jack, you'll still save hundreds of dollars doing it yourself.

Make sure you buy an OEM flexplate. My buddies Tacoma wen't through 2 or 3 aftermarket flexplates in a very short time (kept cracking). I had a spare OEM flex plate from my donor truck that I gave him. It never cracked again and he sold the truck.

I'm looking into doing this as well. I hear you don't have to pull the tranny all they way out..just enough to get to the flexplate bolts. Any experience?

 

[Moosenuckle92]

I'm looking into doing this as well. I hear you don't have to pull the tranny all they way out..just enough to get to the flexplate bolts. Any experience?

So guys Looks like I will be doing this job myself. I got a 2 car garage with lots of tools. I don’t mind buy a few tools here and there plus always go to know your truck.

So should i also replace the torque converter?

Talked to a few Tranny ppl and someone mention Just take out one of the bell housing bolts replace all of them or some longer bolts from fastenal or hardware store so u can just slide trans out enough to replace the flexplate plate?
Also what do u guys think of using a good used one from a Tacoma

Also Willa 03 Tacoma transfer case fit a 01 4runner?

 

[mtbtim]

I could always go buy one at habor freight

I bought the most expensive tranny jack Harbor Freight sells. It was $300. Money well spent. It works great and I've used it many other times like to assist in dropping the fuel tank and getting heavy aftermarket skids in place.

Here's some videos that might help you out:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oZDSjlxl2Q4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O4GA3UhPC5Y" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T4YY3IfnzaQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[4runnerfiend]

I bought the most expensive tranny jack Harbor Freight sells. It was $300. Money well spent. It works great and I've used it many other times like to assist in dropping the fuel tank and getting heavy aftermarket skids in place.

Here's some videos that might help you out:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oZDSjlxl2Q4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O4GA3UhPC5Y" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T4YY3IfnzaQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Ahhh the man himself chims in.. Thanks Tim just did my LBJ and used your vid as a reference. Thanks for all the work you put in.


I think the big thing is can we... replace the flexplate with out having to fully drop the tranny out. IE use longer studs in the bell housing that will allow the transmission to slide back just enough to get in there.

 

[4runnerfiend]

So guys Looks like I will be doing this job myself. I got a 2 car garage with lots of tools. I don’t mind buy a few tools here and there plus always go to know your truck.

So should i also replace the torque converter?

Talked to a few Tranny ppl and someone mention Just take out one of the bell housing bolts replace all of them or some longer bolts from fastenal or hardware store so u can just slide trans out enough to replace the flexplate plate?
Also what do u guys think of using a good used one from a Tacoma

Also Willa 03 Tacoma transfer case fit a 01 4runner?

I can't speak for the torque converter, I guess if you are in there and have the money it can't hurt. I don't think they are prone to failure on these years, so unless you are having issues...
on the flexplate just buy a brand new OEM one from an online Toyota parts dealer like McGeorge or camelback ext. They sell parts at 50% of the price. it really changes the game one OEM parts

 

[Moosenuckle92]

I can't speak for the torque converter, I guess if you are in there and have the money it can't hurt. I don't think they are prone to failure on these years, so unless you are having issues...
on the flexplate just buy a brand new OEM one from an online Toyota parts dealer like McGeorge or camelback ext. They sell parts at 50% of the price. it really changes the game one OEM parts

I watched all those videos some many times. It’s like watching a mechanic show on Sunday mornings with your coffee . Getting you all amped up to go work on your rig.
Btw Tim you guys make the Toyota world a lot easier with those videos.

Question . So what yr Tacoma trans cases work I got a used 03 Tacoma 3.4l auto will this work??
I’m thinking of putting in since mines makes all kinds of popping noises before 4wd light stops blinking.

 

[det107]

.... buy a brand new OEM flexplate from an online Toyota parts dealer like McGeorge or camelback ext. They sell parts at 50% of the price....

In before The Durk recommends partnet dot com from Conicelli Toyota, Conshohocken, Pa-

 

[Cree]

Ahhh the man himself chims in.. Thanks Tim just did my LBJ and used your vid as a reference. Thanks for all the work you put in.


I think the big thing is can we... replace the flexplate with out having to fully drop the tranny out. IE use longer studs in the bell housing that will allow the transmission to slide back just enough to get in there.

Doubtful. Unlike some full size vehicles, there isn't a ton of room around or behind the bellhousing.

 

[thegipper]

It may be possible to just slide the transmission back but you're really not saving any time by doing it. You'll still most likely need to remove most, if not all of the connectors, the driveshafts, cross member and so on.

When you get to the point of being able to "slide" the tranny back, you might as well pull it completely out so you have more room to work. Especially if you plan on doing the rear main seal (which I recommend).

It's up to you if you want to install a new torque converter. It certainly wouldn't hurt and if you have the money, go for it.

When re-installing the transmission, make sure you have the torque converter FULLY seated. Keep spinning/pushing it until it goes all the way in. I screwed that up when I did mine. When I was tightening the bell housing bolts, I all of sudden heard a loud POP (not good). Thankfully it did not damage the pump on the tranny.

A long flex head 12mm ratcheting wrench is very helpful in getting the inspection plate cover off.

One last thing. Make sure you use red loctite on the 8 bolts that hold the flexplate to the crankshaft. And when you bolt the torque converter to the flex plate, slowly bring up the 6 bolts to the torque spec (also use red loctite). Tighten them all to maybe half of the torque spec, then go back around and torque them to spec.

Or, just watch Tim's video and he'll explain everything......it helped me tremendously.

 

[4runnerfiend]

Doubtful. Unlike some full size vehicles, there isn't a ton of room around or behind the bellhousing.

yeah. just after crawling under the truck and taking off the inspection plate I can see how this is true. its tight in there.