Poor Shifting Manual Transmission.

[[jh]]

Hello all,

I recently bought myself a 1993 4Runner that is in great shape and well maintained. After driving it for a couple of weeks I have started to notice a tough second gear. When its a bit colder I can barely get it into second without letting the engine speed dip way down. Is this normal? Down shifting is also a problem. Once the truck is at operating temperature it shifts better but still doesn't feel as nice as I now it should. All other gears feel fine. Ideas?

 

[Crawlin85]

the 2nd gear synchronizer is going out, your gonna have to pull the trans apart to fix it

 

[[jh]]

Ok that make sense. I have lots of experience working on bikes but not so much on cars(just tune ups and the sort), is this something I could do with little experience? I have a Haynes, maybe I should read through and see how I feel.

 

[Crawlin85]

I have a Haynes, maybe I should read through and see how I feel.

I wouldnt recommend doing it without the proper experience, transmissions aren't all that complicated but its lots of parts, and if you dont keep it organized and exact order it came apart you'll be wondering which gear went where and such. and if you don't know the parts in it you'll be even more confused. You may be better off getting a rebuilt trans, Tranny shops can be expensive and I'm not sure if a rebuilt tranny or paying to get yours fixed would be cheaper. Check this site, I got my rebuilt engine from them for
$933 after turning in my old core and they sell rebuilt trannys too. Engine World

 

[jdjesse]

I wouldnt recommend doing it without the proper experience, transmissions aren't all that complicated but its lots of parts, and if you dont keep it organized and exact order it came apart you'll be wondering which gear went where and such. and if you don't know the parts in it you'll be even more confused. You may be better off getting a rebuilt trans, Tranny shops can be expensive and I'm not sure if a rebuilt tranny or paying to get yours fixed would be cheaper. Check this site, I got my rebuilt engine from them for
$933 after turning in my old core and they sell rebuilt trannys too. Engine World

My 4th and 5th gear were torn to **** when I bought my 4runner and I pulled the transmission and had it rebuilt for $350 bucks

 

[[jh]]

Alright, maybe I will see if I can get some help from someone. I would like to do it myself, if I'm going to spend the money I should at least learn something.
How much time do I have before this becomes a do right now kinda thing? I only drive it once or twice a week for 30 or so km's.

 

[Crawlin85]

you could drive it till second gear doesnt even work if you wanted. I'd say that would be your do right now indicator. it really depends how much longer you want to put up with it

 

[fourwd1]

... is this something I could do with little experience? I have a Haynes, maybe I should read through and see how I feel.

Probably not. Transmission work does require training and experience, as well as some tools most people don't have.
If you are really considering it, get a Factory Service Manual for your model trans and check it out.

 

[99blackSE]

In the meantime, adding some GM Syncromesh may buy you some time. A lot of 6 speed DC5 owners (RSX Type S) owners swear by it.

 

[oldskoolvws]

Well, I've had my 1987 since it was new. 2 master and slave cylinders later, my 2nd is also starting to go out with 287K on the clock.

As soon as I get the time, as the money is not an issue, I'm going here for my rebuilt transmission: http://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/rebuilt-complete.

At the same time, I'm going here for a rebuilt 22RE because of the outstanding warranty and minor upgrades available out of the box: Rebuilt Engines - Engine Rebuilders - Engine Restoration Services

My goal is to spend about $4K for another motor and trans to last hopefully another 23 years.

I've talked to a few folks about both and the responses have been nothing but good.

 

[[jh]]

Alright, thanks everyone. I will have a look at my options and see what happens.

 

[[jh]]

Just an update, but I'm sure most of already know this buuuutttt..... I tried the GM Synchromesh in my transmission and.............wollla shifts clean and easy at all temperatures. Unbelievable really. Not sure how long it will last for, but for now I'm shifting nicely.

 

[s2kpuddydad]

Just an update, but I'm sure most of already know this buuuutttt..... I tried the GM Synchromesh in my transmission and.............wollla shifts clean and easy at all temperatures. Unbelievable really. Not sure how long it will last for, but for now I'm shifting nicely.

Did you use all GM Synchromesh in the trans or did you just add a quart or so? Synchromesh is not a 75/90w oil like what it calls for. I use GM Synchromesh in my S2000 it works better than the Honda stuff.

 

[Agmobb]

Just an update, but I'm sure most of already know this buuuutttt..... I tried the GM Synchromesh in my transmission and.............wollla shifts clean and easy at all temperatures. Unbelievable really. Not sure how long it will last for, but for now I'm shifting nicely.

Awesome! I'm glad it's working for you.

I have a similar problem. I just got my 84 last week. It's very hard to get it in any gear until its warmed up. I have a $900 receipt from some tranny work 4k miles ago. I'm gonna give the Synchromesh a try.

 

[[jh]]

Did you use all GM Synchromesh in the trans or did you just add a quart or so? Synchromesh is not a 75/90w oil like what it calls for. I use GM Synchromesh in my S2000 it works better than the Honda stuff.

I used all Synchromesh. I had 75/90w in it but thought that mixing was probably a bad idea. I've read many a times that mixing oils is bad because of the different chemicals they use and how they react differently under different conditions. Made sense to me. What is the weight of synchromesh? I should probably already know that. I know the first couple of Gm dealers I called didn't know, or said it wasn't rated.

 

[fourwd1]

...I've read many a times that mixing oils is bad because of the different chemicals they use and how they react differently under different conditions.

I wouldn't worry about mixing different weights of the same brand of oil, it's the additives of different brands that could interact and be a problem.

 

[s2kpuddydad]

What brand of Synchromesh are you guys using, Pensoil or GM?
Are you using the GM Synchromesh with friction modifier?

If you do mix what are you mixing with?

I wonder about the long term use of this type of lubricant since it is more formulated for new transmissions and not our old trans that uses a heavy 75/90 or SAE 90W oil.

My clutch master went out on me today and I had to drive the rig about 40 miles in traffic with no clutch....not fun. I am going to replace the clutch master tomorrow and replace the slave cylinder at the same time as well.
I thought about adding the GM stuff to the trans while I'm doing the repairs on the truck but need more info.

 

[elitsashira]

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