99 4Runner 2WD jerks/clanks when shifting into drive or revers (or back and forth)

[fishcharmer]

99 4Runner 2WD jerks/clanks when shifting into drive or reverse (or back and forth)

I looked at a 4Runner today that I want to buy. It's a '99 Limited 2WD with 146K miles. Everything worked great on it except for the antenna motor and when I shift into gear from a dead stop it clanks and jerks. This leads me to think it's the u-joints because the transmission shifts just fine while driving. Curious to know other opinions before I plunk down $4800 cash to buy it.

Thanks!

 

[brian2sun]

U-joints were my 1st thought. I would pump some grease into the driveline before you pay for it and then drive it to see if it fixes it. You might also want to look at the throttle and kickdown cables (where they attach to the throttle body) and make sure they are not being pulled out at rest. There should be just a little slack in each cable.

Also check the ATF level, smell, and color. You don't wanna spend $4800 if it has a dying tranny.

 

[Pikeman]

x2 on what Brian said. U-Joints and pump Grease into the drive shaft.

 

[fishcharmer]

Just wanted to follow up on this thread. I bought the 4Runner. It was the front u-joint that went bad. I had intentions on replacing both u-joints but after struggling and cussing and busting the end of the caps off trying to press them out then having one of the bearings fall down while trying to press the new one in over and over, I called it fixed after the front one was up to snuff. The back one had no slop and was good to go anyways but it would have been nice to lick both of them while I had the shaft off.

Thanks for the help guys.

Check out the pics of the front u-joint:

 

[dwilson]

I'm having the exact same problem with my 99 4runner. I'll change out the u-joint on Monday probably. Know any online guides for doing this to a 99 4runner? This will be my first time.