Drivetrain area of concerns

[Illestreker]

I am not very familiar with Toyota 4runners or 4x4. This is my first 4x4 vehicle and first Toyota 4runner. I have had it a few weeks and so far haven't driven it very much. I have noticed a couple things that I am not sure are normal, a sign of something worn out/wearing out, or problematic.

1. When driving the shifter for the 4x4 controls vibrates a little bit, nothing crazy but if you put your hand on it you can definitely feel it. The second you take your foot of that gas and "coast" the vibration on the 4x4 shifter completely stops. Normal?

2. This one will be harder to explain. I notice a slight jolt at times within the first couple feet of acceleration after coming to stop. It doesn't happen every single time while accelerating from a stop but every time I drive the truck I will notice it at least once while out and about. When it happens you almost feel and see the shifters move. Its almost as if as your coming to a stop the automatic trans is downshifting through the gears back to 1. Then you go and its a quick little jolt and everything is smooth from then on out. Also seems like it is more likely to happen when coming to a harder quicker stop than a very slow gradual stop. But even with that theory I cant usually replicate the situation.

Everything is stock suspension, bushings, etc. Brakes were just done with new pads and rotors. The drums are new and properly adjusted. I noticed this issue prior to my brakes being redone as well as after that's why I dont think its brake related.

Thoughts?

 

[Skidmarcx]

Since its mechanical linkage it will move with the transmission... If you're concerned you can crawl under and verify that there are no broken mounts or fasteners... Also check your drive shafts and u joints for excessive play or wear...

 

[Illestreker]

When I check out the drive shaft and u joints what should I look for? Movement or play by forced by hand? worn out/dry looking rubber, etc?

 

[Skidmarcx]

Sorry I should've been more specific... Worn u joints will tend to have some lateral movement, but not in all cases. It would be more thorough to remove the drive shafts and rotate the u joints to check for binding. Also check for excessive play at each end while the driveshafts are installed to verify bearings are in good shape... Hard to give specific detail for that, but I'd say 1mm of lateral play would be considered excessive... Again that's a tough one without actually checking myself. Bad mounts would be somewhat obvious if you have someone put it in gear and goose the throttle while holding the brake you would look for the engine to jump versus just tilting... Dry or cracking doesn't necessarily mean the mount is broken

 

[Illestreker]

Good info thanks for the tips. I'm going to look it over tomorrow and take it to the dealer. They said they would do a free thorough inspection since I'm a new owner.

 

[kball]

1. Normal

2. Grease your drive shaft, specifically the slip yoke. That bump should go away for several months. Then when it comes back, grease it again. Normal for these trucks.

 

[Illestreker]

1. Normal

2. Grease your drive shaft, specifically the slip yoke. That bump should go away for several months. Then when it comes back, grease it again. Normal for these trucks.

What a relief! I was hoping it wasn't something going bad with the trans! Thanks for your help.

 

[Skidmarcx]

1. Normal

2. Grease your drive shaft, specifically the slip yoke. That bump should go away for several months. Then when it comes back, grease it again. Normal for these trucks.

Good to know... Mines 2wd and doesn't have a slip joint.. Didn't think of that