96 2WD v6 Transmission Mount replacement info/other advice

[TotalIdiot]

I've been searching for instructions on how to replace a bad transmission mount and can't find anything. Very new to forums and am also having trouble navigating the site.

If anyone could point me in the right direction (like a link to a thread with how to replace trans mount) or help me out with the necessary info that would be great!

I could feel the car rock and a thud noise when going from p-r-d etc. and when it was cold out was having trouble shifting. Now that its warm out and the trans fluid? isn't cold and gunked up it shifts fine but still rocks badly. Mechanic quoted me $1000 for "trans/mount" and "transmission filter kit" with the labor included which I will never be able to afford. It's either junk/sale the thing, which is a heart breaking thought, or try to fix her myself which is what I want/need to do. This is my only vehicle and I am currently not driving it.

Also, at the end of my quote it says,
"The code shows that both converter are needed. You have some time on this about 2months the cost total $1759.09" -(sic)

What does that even mean? Catalytic converter and what? Passed emissions fine not even a year ago.

As my name would suggest, I have no clue about anything at all. Any information at all would be beyond appreciated.

Thank you all so much for your time.
-Your local TotalIdiot

**sorry for the lengthy post

 

[gamefreakgc]

Do you have a check engine light on? That might be what he was talking about. Although, most shops just replace the catalytic converter (some 4Runners have 2, yours might be one of them) since it's almost a sure fix and they make more money that way.

Realistically though, you probably just need a new rear oxygen sensor if you have a code. That costs $45 on Amazon. As far as the transmission mount goes, I think you'll need access to a garage jack and some way to hold the transmission up if you are going to try and change the mount. I will say, most of ours shake a bit when shifting from park to drive/reverse, it's normal. Chances are you just need new fluid. Search "transmission drain and fill" and that should bring up some instructions on how to do it.

 

[TotalIdiot]

Do you have a check engine light on? That might be what he was talking about. Although, most shops just replace the catalytic converter (some 4Runners have 2, yours might be one of them) since it's almost a sure fix and they make more money that way.

Realistically though, you probably just need a new rear oxygen sensor if you have a code. That costs $45 on Amazon. As far as the transmission mount goes, I think you'll need access to a garage jack and some way to hold the transmission up if you are going to try and change the mount. I will say, most of ours shake a bit when shifting from park to drive/reverse, it's normal. Chances are you just need new fluid. Search "transmission drain and fill" and that should bring up some instructions on how to do it.

Thank you for the response.
The check engine light was on but it was just misfiring from spark plug 2..or 3? can't remember now, but that has actually been something I've needed to replace almost every year on the dot. They just burn out only on that one for some reason.
As for the CC, how hard would it be for me to personally check?

Great, I'll get on the oxygen sensor and tackle that!

As for the rocking, it feels pretty bad..a lot more than it had before and I cringe when shifting it now lol. Already bought the mount too so I want to at least try! A friends dad has a few jacks and stands and said it should be simple enough holding trans up with a block of wood? Does that sound crazy?

Awesomeeee, found tons of info about the drain and fill! I'm starting to feel a lot better about everything now. Again, thanks a bunch for the response!

 

[gamefreakgc]

I would check the fluid (drip a few drops on a paper towel, should be bright and red). If there's any discoloration or apparent "dirt" in the fluid making it brownish/blackish start with just draining the transmission pan and refilling it. Do that, drive it around for 10 min or so and then do it again.

If you are still having issues, someone who has dropped the transmission before will need to chime in.

And no, your friend's dad has the right idea it's not crazy. Just know that a full transmission is stupid heavy and be careful ok?

 

[TotalIdiot]

so it took a while but I was finally able to get the help I needed and we replaced the mount in less than an hour! I understand people have to eat too but that mechanic was trying to rob me completely blind. Part was $40 bucks and it was SO easy to do once I quit being a scared little girl xD

Now, I'm running into a different issue tho. After replacing the trans mount I wanted to see how she felt, right?
When I put into drive, as I let off the brakes it felt kind of..stuck? and stuttered a little bit before quickly "breaking free" and driving away smoothly. Felt totally fine after that but I didn't drive too much.

I was told I would need to replace the rear drum brakes soonish. Could my brakes just be seizing up/need replacing now or could this be worse?

Thanks so much for the support gamefreak! <3