Growling Trans?

[Brilliant]

I have a recurring issue on my 4runner, growling sound, mild vibe, coming from what seems to be the mid of the rig.

1st appearance was after being in AWD mode for some time, forest road, uphill, trans was getting warm.

2nd time was similar, warm trans, AWD mode, forest road, uphill, a bit of snow, but not a lot of snow (mentioning if excess wheelspin is relevant)

3rd time was pavement mostly, long uphill on paved road, trans wasn't all that warm, stopped for 5 mins talked to a guy at the snowline, did a six or so stretches is snow (100' sections) up to the belly pan in 2WD, and the sound appeared.

Sound seems to be lessened when I select 2nd gear and goes away after keeping it in 2nd for some time.

I have a similar sound when putting it in reverse in my driveway, but I had thought this is due to straight cut reverse gear.

Also on a couple cold mornings, I had the trans not going into gear on D until I drive a few blocks in 2nd. This appeared after the 1st day back from a trip where this growling occurred.


I think this adds up to a tiered trans at 240k. Anything I should do before I swap out the trans?

 

[Unner]

Has the fluid been changed regularly/recently?

Your last thing about it not going into gear in D sounds like an issue with the shifter/linkage possibly.

 

[Brilliant]

Has the fluid been changed regularly/recently?

Your last thing about it not going into gear in D sounds like an issue with the shifter/linkage possibly.

Regularly since I bought it at 180, but not recently. I did the fluid last year.

 

[Unner]

Regularly since I bought it at 180, but not recently. I did the fluid last year.

I'd try changing the fluid and see if it improves at all before replacing. It'd be worth the $20 in fluid to at least see.

 

[LittleCaesar]

As Unner said you could try changing the fluid. It may help in the short term. But the lack of proper maintenance may be catching up with ya.

I am in the same boat per se. The original owners of my rig towed a 3000 lb boat/motor/trailer package in OD for eight years on short trips. My trans is fine but the torque converter is approaching its last leg.

Still love your rig, headlights and all. Good luck.