Automatic Shifter Movement

[mtbtim]

Ok Y'all, I have another question to throw at you. I'm a fairly new 3rd Gen 4runner owner and I'm wondering if the shifter movement I'm experiencing is normal or is symptom of a possible transmission mount issue. I've looked at the transmission mount and it looks fine to me. Rubber is in good shape and I don't see any obvious cracks or broken bolts.

The shifter has a fair amount movement back and forth over bumps and undulations in the road, during shifts and most noticeably when coming to a stop when it's either dropping into first or possibly I'm experiencing the binding slip yoke issue that other owners have reported.

I've owned other vehicles with automatic transmissions and I've never seen so much movement in a shift lever before. I asked the guy I bought it from if this was normal and he told me a mechanic he used said it was.

What do you think?

 

[Unner]

I remember seeing a thread where people talked about replacing a bushing in the shifter somewhere that was causing them to have the play in the shifter you are describing.

Here's the thread.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/127999-auto-shifter-rattles-moves-around-lot.html

 

[mtbtim]

I remember seeing a thread where people talked about replacing a bushing in the shifter somewhere that was causing them to have the play in the shifter you are describing.

Here's the thread.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/127999-auto-shifter-rattles-moves-around-lot.html

The shifter doesn't feel loose and it doesn't rattle. It just seems to move back and forth with the undulations of the road and moves when shifting gears. The most noticeable movement is when I'm coming to a stop and the shifter jolts forward possibly because it's dropping into first gear.

 

[jreask]

It's common in 3rd Gens. Nothing to worry about. Everyone I've had has had some movement in the shifter. Not to worry.

 

[slides]

body on frame

 

[Thorgan112]

its gonna happen, and is completely normal. As the last user mentioned, we have a body on frame design, so they are essential two separate entities being held together by the body bolts. The shifter is connected across both these entities, so there is going to be some movement. You can get underneath though and take a look at where the shifter connects to the transmission. There is an adjustment bolt down there that you can play with, but unless you have a lift on the T4R you shouldn't have to worry about that.

 

[Predatorhouse]

balance and allignment might help

 

[mtbtim]

Thanks for the responses back. I guess this is just part of the learning process when you buy something used and you don't know what is normal for the rig.

I have to say these Toyota forums are an invaluable tool to have at our disposal. It's cool to see so many people willing to take time out their schedule to share their knowledge.

Thanks again!

 

[netman1969]

Thanks for the responses back. I guess this is just part of the learning process when you buy something used and you don't know what is normal for the rig.

I have to say these Toyota forums are an invaluable tool to have at our disposal. It's cool to see so many people willing to take time out their schedule to share their knowledge.

Thanks again!

That was a great question, thanks for asking it. I am having the same issue and was wondering about the transmission mount as well. I've had 2 other 4Runners and never experienced it before, so it was a little concerning.