Second Opinion on Torque Converter

[Gremmie]

Recently have been noticing a shimmy or shudder between 25 -35 mph under easy acceleration. Doesn't happen if I put the auto in "D" or if I accelerate quickly.

Took it to the dealer and they said the torque converter is bad. They want to replace the entire tranmission (new $5200, used $2200).

My question is this, can I get the torque converter replaced without putting in a new or rebuilt transmission (dealer said they can't do it)? And also how long can I drive it this way and what are the chances of it stranding me?

Truck has 118,000 miles on it. V6, Auto.

While I have the mechanical ability to work on the truck myself, I'm lacking in time so I'll need to have someone do the repair work and don't want to get ripped off.

Thanks in advance.

 

[WXman]

The TC is obviously a separate part. I once had the TC replaced in a Jeep Liberty CRD that I owned and I think I paid about $200 for the TC, then took it to a transmission shop and they put it in for me for a few hundred bucks. It cured my "shudder". Mine would occur around 55 MPH and basically it was because the springs in the TC could no longer hold the torque. If you accel. hard the TC stays unlocked so you don't get the shudder. Once you start cruising and the TC locks, then you will get the shudder feelings if the springs are worn out in it.

The TC I purchased had upgraded springs and I never had the problem again.

 

[Gremmie]

Bump

 

[aha2988]

TORQUE CONVERTER, FRONT OIL PUMP & CHAIN (ATM). Fits: 2005 TOYOTA 4Runner SR-5 4000CC 24-VALVE DOHC EFI, AUTOMATIC 5-SPEED | Village Toyota Parts

you can purchase the TC from toyota and have an independent transmission shop install it. the link above takes you to a 2005 v6 with a 5 speed tranny torque converter.

not sure if they're any aftermarket options available you can check with URD underground racing development they sale a lot of performance parts for these trucks.

It takes more time for a dealership to un install your transmission, then replace the TC then reinstall everything than it takes them to just uninstall your transmission with a bad TC in it and bolt up a new tranny with a new TC already on it.

where as an independent shop can do the repair and not care about what a time sheet says.