My new '93 automatic 4runner!

[rashani]

Hi all! I just picked up my first 4runner last night. $1750 via craigslist. Automatic, 209k miles, 5" suspension lift, Arb front bumper, 25 miles total on the new head gasket. Only downside is the tranny dislikes shifting. A lot. Thankfully I have no debts in my life, so throwing some money at this beautiful beast won't be an issue.

I hope to show you all my progress and notes as I go!

 

[Hyde802]

Looks clean! Welcome to the forum.

Tranny-- not shifting at all? Id start with a fluid/filter change. Can you better describe the symptoms?

Got pics of the suspension? Doesn't look like a 5" lift.

 

[rashani]

Well, I was told it had issues in 3rd. When I picked it up it seemed to not want to go out of first. I'd be getting up to speed, then the RPMs would keep going as if I threw it into neutral - no more forward motion. Letting off the gas so the tach would lower then reapplying gas would increase RPMs but not move the car. I pulled over a few times, threw it into park then back into drive and got back onto the road and it would start shifting.

As for the lift, I can get pics later. You're probably right on it not being 5", now that the newness has worn off of having it and I'm seeing all the littles things it needs.

 

[Kenworth]

WARNING if you visit this site you will be attacked by the mod monster ! And your dept.will grow? But look at the positive your trk will be great in many ways ,enjoy it and good luck many folks here have knowledge and insite to help out
With most issues

 

[rashani]

So I got under it just now, and it looks like the tranny is covered in fluid. And checking the dipstick, the entire tube came with it. ><

So, I'm thinking new tranny perhaps?

 

[Hyde802]

Just put the tube back...? So is there no fluid in it? Can you tell where its leaking from? How about some pictures?

Lets make sure this one is bad before you dump money on a new one. Good time for a 5 speed swap though...

 

[KidVermicious]

Good time for a 5 speed swap though...

This. These automatic transmissions are dogs. Any excuse for a swap, sez I.