92 4runner TRANSMISSION Slip

[Canuckr]

Ok so i have a 92 4runner, 3.0-L Auto trans, lift kit, rear diff lock, cold air intake, cat delete and magnaflow muffler,
368,000-Km / 228,665-miles
Paid $2800 a year ago for it.

A lot of mileage on it but the engine is in great condition, partial rebuild few years ago by previous owner like cams and valves done and head gasket on recall, zero leaks or drips.. i mean the engine just purrs after warmed up like its only a few years old.

The body, frame, and everything underneath seems all good for the age and mileage, so about the TRANSMISSION.... no trouble codes or anything.

Transmission Slips then acts like its in neutral in drive and reverse, no clunk or noise.. it just slips quietly with no feel, so i took it to mechanic and had trans fluid drained and pan dropped, fluid was thick and dark but not burnt.. ZERO metal in pan or magnets.

After putting in NEW transmission filter and carefull flush- NOT power flush,, had it running like new, drove around town for few days and shifted great, went on highway then to store and took off again. THEN at a stop i went to go and it SLIPPED just like before and had loss of drive and reverse..

Another note... When i turn engine off and restart 30sec later it acts fine and then slips after a min again.

So mechanic says time for rebuild on transmission, est cost of 2500-3200.. If i do this option i will do rebuild and get warranty and not go with used trans or something. I am trying to convince myself it is worth paying for rebuild even tho its an old truck with a lot of mileage, but im wondering if it could be a cheaper fix if its just a compression issue or something with the transmission.

 

[HanginInUtah]

It's the trans, or actually the transfer case. The hydraulic transfer case uses a drum that has to be locked in place to allow motion to transfer thru its planetary gears and to the driveshaft. When that drum slips, you go into what feels like neutral. And these years, the transmission and transfer case are basically one big unit, so rebuilding just the transfer case isn't really an option. (It may be possible, but I doubt anyone does it.)
I removed and replaced my auto when it started this problem with a used one, with about 200K (mine had 275K miles). So, I probably bought some time, and it was $300. Plus my labor to remove and replace.
I, too, went through the fluid change, and it allowed me to drive a few more days. But what I've read is that heat is the biggest aggravating factor, and after one trip on the highway for only a few miles, it started to 'slip into neutral' again.
I was quoted 1600-2100 to get it rebuilt locally, delivered out of the 4Runner to the shop. I had just picked up my 'project' so spending that much when I didn't know much about the vehicle yet wasn't something I wanted to do.
Your other option is to swap out to a manual tranny if you wanted to, with a donor vehicle.

 

[Canuckr]

Ok thanks so much, very good points there and info.. my trusted mechanic says i can go for a used trans, cost will be about $1800 - installed.

And it comes with a 90 day warranty, i guess this could be ok if i get a decent used trans with ok mileage, i'll hopefully get a few years out of it.

 

[Yroundrdn]

I had the same issue on a Cherokee after an oil change, not knowing the dirty oil was keeping the clutches from slipping. I added 2 quarts of Lucas Trans goo which I bought at Wallyworld for a few $$ and that trans worked perfect till the day i sold it. I had large tires and did several off road trips with no problems. I think Toyota made the Cherokee trans too. FWIW, I would throw $20 of Lucas in before a rebuild and see how much time that will buy you.

 

[KidVermicious]

The Lucas stuff bought me at least a year with the auto in my old Exploder. Give it a shot.

If it doesn't work, I vote for a junkyard trans and get some buddies and swap it out in your driveway. $1800 for a used trans is ridiculous. For all it's faults, the A340 series are solid and don't fail often, I wouldn't hesitate to use a junkyard unit to keep a truck on the road. The swap itself is just turning wrenches, nothing to be scared of.

I like the idea of a swap to a manual, too. That's a little more involved, but you'll fall in love with the truck all over again when you discover the wonder of five speeds.

I think Toyota made the Cherokee trans too.

Aisin made the A340 series for Toyota and the AW4 for Jeep, they're pretty much the same internals.

 

[HanginInUtah]

I actually used the Lucas when I did my fluid swap, but once that direct drive drum starts turning, you're done.

And if mine goes again, I'm going with the manual trans for sure.

 

[Canuckr]

Well the mechanic said it will be $1800 for the Trans and install, with all the fluids and test drive and everything, so after tax about $2000 and that is canadian $$

The trans im getting has 160,000kms on it. My current trans has 360k.. he is giving me good deal on the install and i get a warranty, so i am confident it is the right way to go.

 

[penbergm]

I had the same issue with the occasional slip. Then started doing some off-roading & whenever I stopped on a steep angle, I was done. That is not a good situation while off-road. Talked to a trusted trans mechanic and he said to overfill the trans with fluid. He said it is a myth that it would harm the trans. There is a breather that could spew it you fill to much. I have been running like this for a while now and have not had any issues, even off-road. I am probably running about 1.5 quarts high.