4 runner driving strange at 20+ MPH

[Joeep2]

Hi I have a 2000 4 runner with the four cylinder that has about 119000 miles on it or so kept up with all the maintenance but recently it has started acting up at about 20 mph I seem to think it might be the transmission because when you shift into reverse or go to drive you hear it drop into gear really hard and from underneath you can see the transmission jump but when you drive it, it drives fine up to the point you exceed 20 mph then it vibrates as you accelerate if you release the gas pedal the vibration stops and if you turn off the overdrive the vibes reduce substantially but are still there and quite annoying any ideas what this is and what may need to be done to the truck your input would be much appreciated thanks

Joe

 

[drmorbius]

Hi I have a 2000 4 runner with the four cylinder that has about 119000 miles on it or so kept up with all the maintenance but recently it has started acting up at about 20 mph I seem to think it might be the transmission because when you shift into reverse or go to drive you hear it drop into gear really hard and from underneath you can see the transmission jump but when you drive it, it drives fine up to the point you exceed 20 mph then it vibrates as you accelerate if you release the gas pedal the vibration stops and if you turn off the overdrive the vibes reduce substantially but are still there and quite annoying any ideas what this is and what may need to be done to the truck your input would be much appreciated thanks

Joe

It sounds like the universal joints are worn. You may also have a broken transmission mount.

 

[Joeep2]

well i got under and looked at the mounts cause i had thought of that too but the mounts looked ok maybe u joints i dunno thanks for your suggestion

 

[Joeep2]

well i changed my U joints come to find out they were pretty shot that fixed the 20 MPH problem so then i noticed a bit of vibration at about 60 MPH :-/ i balanced and rotated the tires it made it ride a bit smoother but it still had the vibration im like lost on what might be causing it now anyone have any suggestions?

thanks,

Joe

 

[nc211]

I'd check that tranny mount. Even though it "looks" ok, chances are it took a beating with the worn out joint. It's been my experience with toyota that when everything operates correctly, but a vibration is felt, it's almost always mount related.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

:iagree: w/nc211.

If you have someone you can trust have them set the p-brake, hold the brakes and put in R with a touch of throttle. Then have them release the gas, shift to D and do the same thing while you lay on the ground and look at the mount. Best to lay out of the wheels path, if you can't and you really trust the person chock the wheels too and watch the trans for excess movement.

Just my 2cents

:cheers: