HELP: Possible tranny issue?

[TheArkMaster]

I'm not very good with mechanics yet so if somebody could assist me?
Theres a few things going on with the runner i'm unsure of. First, From a cold start, it likes to ride second gear and not shift until higher rpms, or until the engine warms up. Second, from a stop, it occasionally feels like its being forced back into gear as I begin to accelerate. Third, today for the first time as I took my foot off the gas, it felt like something clunked? Any ideas? I really want to get this fixed? Or find out if I should flip this and find something better? Any ideas?

 

[02SE]

I'm not very good with mechanics yet so if somebody could assist me?
Theres a few things going on with the runner i'm unsure of. First, From a cold start, it likes to ride second gear and not shift until higher rpms, or until the engine warms up. Second, from a stop, it occasionally feels like its being forced back into gear as I begin to accelerate. Third, today for the first time as I took my foot off the gas, it felt like something clunked? Any ideas? I really want to get this fixed? Or find out if I should flip this and find something better? Any ideas?

First, yes it is normal and as designed for the transmission to delay upshifts a bit, until the ATF reaches a certain temp. The idea is that it helps the engine and trans reach operating temperature, quicker.

The rest sounds like the slip-joint in your rear driveshaft needs some grease. But I'd recommend greasing all of the zerk fittings in both the front and rear driveshaft, while you are at it.

 

[TheArkMaster]

First, yes it is normal and as designed for the transmission to delay upshifts a bit, until the ATF reaches a certain temp. The idea is that it helps the engine and trans reach operating temperature, quicker.

The rest sounds like the slip-joint in your rear driveshaft needs some grease. But I'd recommend greasing all of the zerk fittings in both the front and rear driveshaft, while you are at it.

How do I do this or how much to have it done? I love to learn how to do things but sometimes I want them done quickly. lol

 

[02SE]

I'd suggest buying a grease gun and some grease at Pep Boys, Autozone, etc. and doing it yourself. It's not hard, and it's something that should be done periodically.

Here's a write-up (not mine).

4Runners.org - Lubing Your Driveshaft


I personally have been using Mobil 1 synthetic grease in all of the driveshaft Zerk fittings on my 3rd gen, for just over 17 years now.

 

[chadsy]

I'd suggest buying a grease gun and some grease at Pep Boys, Autozone, etc. and doing it yourself. It's not hard, and it's something that should be done periodically.

Here's a write-up (not mine).

4Runners.org - Lubing Your Driveshaft


I personally have been using Mobil 1 synthetic grease in all of the driveshaft Zerk fittings on my 3rd gen, for just over 17 years now.

i also like the mobil 1 grease

 

[wc11]

Does this happen more often when cold?

 

[TheArkMaster]

Does this happen more often when cold?

No. My runner was warmed up and had just driven about 20 miles from work when it happened.

 

[BlackCat914]

My slip joint clunks in my truck. I've put so much grease in it and it still does it. I've learned to live with it. Your trans concern is normal, no big deal. And don't freak out when your sunroof stops halfway when closing it.

 

[02SE]

No. My runner was warmed up and had just driven about 20 miles from work when it happened.

Which happened when it was warmed up?

If the delayed shifting started happening after the truck was already at operating temp., then you have a different issue than the normal cold trans. delayed shift deal.

If the clunk in the driveline happened after driving for awhile, that makes sense. Because warm grease in the driveshaft has a thinner viscosity, than when it is cold. So the grease that is in there, when cold, damps the movement in the slip-joint a bit more than when it's warm.

It's possible that the slip-joint is worn enough due to a lack of being greased regularly, that no amount of greasing now, will prevent the clunking as it moves. If that's the case, having a driveline shop replace the joint, would be the next option. But definitely try greasing it first.

 

[TheArkMaster]

Which happened when it was warmed up?

If the delayed shifting started happening after the truck was already at operating temp., then you have a different issue than the normal cold trans. delayed shift deal.

If the clunk in the driveline happened after driving for awhile, that makes sense. Because warm grease in the driveshaft has a thinner viscosity, than when it is cold. So the grease that is in there, when cold, damps the movement in the slip-joint a bit more than when it's warm.

It's possible that the slip-joint is worn enough due to a lack of being greased regularly, that no amount of greasing now, will prevent the clunking as it moves. If that's the case, having a driveline shop replace the joint, would be the next option. But definitely try greasing it first.

The clunking lol. The late shift is from a cold start. My buddy brought his grease gun over last night but it had no grease in it So i'll get that handled soon. Thank you everybody for the input. I love that fact that I can just post my problems and get 5 ways to fix them within minutes! Thank you all!