shifting into first

E

eanema

New member
Hi all, first post here.
A few months ago I bought a 98 4runner SR5 v6 with manual transmission, 4x4 and a lift with 32" (or maybe 33") tires. Since I've bought the vehicle I've noticed it does not like to shift back into first until the vehicle has come to a *complete* stop. This seems weird to me, my little ford escort shifts back into first as long as I'm driving slowly. I know that people like to suggest that you don't do this at all, and that I should remain in 2nd, but this doesn't really work.

My issue is when I'm driving in bumper to bumper traffic and barely moving. I'll be driving in first, find a clear spot and shift up to second then have traffic slow down on me to the point that the engine is stuttering while in second - I need to shift back into first. But I can't. Not without stopping completely (and leaving a huge gap in front of me that others can squeak into) then shifting into first.

So, in an attempting to come up with a solution to this I've read two things that may fix the issue:

1) Change the transmission fluid
2) Change the shifter seat

I'm am wondering what these solutions would do to improve my problem and why? I'm also interested in any other ideas that may be at play here?

Thanks for all the great info here at t4r.org!
 
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Do you bump your RPM's between neutral and first on the downshift? Done correctly, you can go from 2nd to 1st and not even touch the clutch pedal. I've been driving a stick since 1973 and it's unconscious for me.

The wrong fluid can definitely make a big difference. RedLine MT-90 is the best stuff out there. Try it, especially if you don't know what's in there and how old. And if you did know, you should have told us.. Apparently some fluids are TOO slippery and the synchronizers don't come to the correct speed. Details here are above my pay grade, so don't push me.

Seat bushings (get the urethane from Wheeler's Off-Road) may or may not help, but if you need them they will improve shifting in other ways.)
 
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how many miles on the transmission? I can shift to first with proper rev match or like previously mentioned, if the trans and engine happen to sync it slides right in.
 
I had the same issue with mine. Switched from Mobil 1 75w90 synthetic to redline mt-90 last month. Made a big improvement in downshifting into first. Try the redline gear oil first I say. I replaced my shifter seat first, which had no effect on the problem.
 
Durk: Nope, I don't usually bump the RPM. When I first started driving stick (which wasn't that long ago, maybe a year or two) I found it clumsy to try and mash all 3 pedals together so I never bothered learning... oops. Also, I was googling for the wheelers off road seat bushing... couldn't find it. Do you have a link?

SM: there is about 325k km (200k miles)

So an update, this morning on my drive to work I did try bumping the RPMs while attempting to shift into first. No love. It really had no effect. It feels like the shifter just hits a wall. Sometimes if I put in into second then slide it right into first it goes a little easier, but not usually. I'm starting to feel like it may be the seat bushing or the issue that David suggested. Although I fully intend to change the oil once I get a moment to look at it.

Thanks guys ,your expertise is appreciated!
 
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eanema said:
Durk: Nope, I don't usually bump the RPM. When I first started driving stick (which wasn't that long ago, maybe a year or two) I found it clumsy to try and mash all 3 pedals together so I never bothered learning... oops. Also, I was googling for the wheelers off road seat bushing... couldn't find it. Do you have a link?

SM: there is about 325k km (200k miles)

So an update, this morning on my drive to work I did try bumping the RPMs while attempting to shift into first. No love. It really had no effect. It feels like the shifter just hits a wall. Sometimes if I put in into second then slide it right into first it goes a little easier, but not usually. I'm starting to feel like it may be the seat bushing or the issue that David suggested. Although I fully intend to change the oil once I get a moment to look at it.

Thanks guys ,your expertise is appreciated!
Click to expand...

I was taught to ALWAYS do it that way. And I still do.

OOPS. Brain fart, Those seats are made by Marlin Crawler:

https://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/shifter-parts/heavy-duty-seats

You need a white one for the 5-speed and blue for the TC. Might as well do the bushing on the end of the shifter while you are at it.

https://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/shifter-parts/heavy-duty-sockets
 
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holy crap! The parts are two small plastic things. Total cost for parts: $20, total cost for shipping to Canada: $46?! Shipping is more than double the cost of parts! Wow, I'm surprised... maybe they'll ship USPS if I call and order over the phone...

So you were taught to always bump the RPMs before down shifting? Will this cause damage to the truck over time? If I've generated bad habits then now is probably the time to try and fix them...

Thanks for the links!
 
Try a local transmission shop, the one I went to had a shifter seat sitting on the shelf, you never know.

You won't hurt anything by bumping the RPM up while downshifting, it actually makes downshifts easier on the clutch, it's a good habit to get into.
 
eanema said:
holy crap! The parts are two small plastic things. Total cost for parts: $20, total cost for shipping to Canada: $46?! Shipping is more than double the cost of parts! Wow, I'm surprised... maybe they'll ship USPS if I call and order over the phone...

So you were taught to always bump the RPMs before down shifting? Will this cause damage to the truck over time? If I've generated bad habits then now is probably the time to try and fix them...

Thanks for the links!
Click to expand...
Try Big Country Customs in BC. I actually found mine on Ebay a few months back, I an in Ontario.
 
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