Having the rumble strip, vibration, etc., problem. It comes on between 4 and D, around 35 - 45 MPH, very low RPM. I've read a lot of conflicting information on this forum and elsewhere on the internet about this problem. Oh, one other thing - it doesn't have the problem if I drive in 4. Only happens in D. Some people say - drain and refill, others flush, others say rebuild, others say torque converter. I wanted to ask --- has anyone conclusively determined what this problem is? My neighbor owns and operates a transmission repair shop, which is where the car is now. On Monday, he is going to put in a new valve body,$680 out the door cost to me. If that doesn't fix the problem, then he says I'll need a reman tranny, $3,300 cost, but he will apply the $680 towards the $3,300. I'm not a gearhead (wish I was) so I'm going into this blind. The 4Runner has about 158,000 miles, runs great, very strong and smooth, except for this rumble strip problem. Again, has anyone determined conclusively what this problem is? Valve body replacement, torque converter replacement, or new tranny. It sounds like flush, drain, replace, etc., is just a band aid. Any advice is invaluable, thanks!
2003 4Runner V8 SR5 2WD Tranny
- Thread starter rennur430
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Rocket61
New member
Ah I would have started with cheaper fixes before diving into all of that. I fixed mine with two drain and fills of the tranny. Some guys advocate using a shudder fix compound that's sold on Amazon. It's an additive that has friction modifiers, I've read great reviews. It's definitely a torque converter issue but there are a few fixes to try before taking the tranny apart.
agree. As I mentioned, my neighbor who I like and trust is taking his time with this and not charging labor. I didn't mention that the tranny fluid was at operating level and was clear pinkish / red. Neighbor told me he tried additives, didnt help. I also asked him if a drain replace or flush would help and he said based on the condition of the fluid, no. My biggest question though is - I wonder if I can get by with new valve body and torque converter or if a reman tranny is needed. 1300 sounds better than 3300. We will see. . . .
ben550
New member
I agree. Don't open up the transmission until you have to. I replaced the filter and did the complete flush of the system with new Toyota fluid after experiencing some rough shifting between 1st and 2nd gear... Seems to have resolved the issue.
When I dropped the transmission fluid pan to replace the filter i cleaned out the bottom of the pan. It had a good amount of gunk in the bottom with red/brown fluid. The two magnets were doing their job collecting the junk but I am glad to have cleaned it all out. Should be good for a long while now.
Best part was it only cost me a few hours of a Saturday morning and $150ish bucks...
