Speedometer problems on 1985 4runner

[donovanloj]

Hi this is my first post so few free to correct me if I'm not doing something right!
I have a 1985 4Runner SR5. A few weeks ago the speedometer and odometer quit on me. I unscrewed the cable from the the transfer case and it spun smoothly and still moved the speedometer. I'm assuming this means that it is the gear in the case or would it be an electronic sensor? I think it's a gear with this old of a truck but I'm not sure for sure. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[77'911]

You might disconnect the cable at the cluster/speedo , and see if it still spins. Usually, these issues are the cable. Is the cable making noise at all, or the speedo bouncey? It might have a drive gear issue in the trans, but they are pretty tough.
regards

 

[nevada]

how does the speedo gear look?

I cant see the tcase drive gear being the problem, but the plastic speed gear could be worn.

 

[77'911]

how does the speedo gear look?

I cant see the tcase drive gear being the problem, but the plastic speed gear could be worn.

If your talking the cable end, it's usually just a flat end. Though, some have worm type drive gears. Beware, as Toyota has stopped making some of the older speedo cables. If the cable is the issue, to use the new style version, you may need to update the speedo head as I did on our 1990(read: fun job).
On the trans side, there is a flange to screw the cable onto. If one removes the panel on the trans, you'll see the gear drive for the mechanism. 9 times out of 10, with this system, it's the cables that go south.
regards

 

[KidVermicious]

Hi this is my first post so few free to correct me if I'm not doing something right!
I have a 1985 4Runner SR5. A few weeks ago the speedometer and odometer quit on me. I unscrewed the cable from the the transfer case and it spun smoothly and still moved the speedometer. I'm assuming this means that it is the gear in the case or would it be an electronic sensor? I think it's a gear with this old of a truck but I'm not sure for sure. Any help would be appreciated!

If spinning the cable at the transfer case end moved the speedo, but it doesn't budge when screwed in and the truck is moving, then you're right. Trouble's in the tcase. The drive gear on the tcase shaft itself is metal and probably fine, but there's a plastic worm gear that interfaces with it that could be stripped out. The port where the cable screws onto the tcase can be removed with a bolt or two, and it'll have that worm gear on the end of it. Yank it out and see what it looks like, you should be able to pull and reinstall it with the tcase on the truck.

 

[donovanloj]

If spinning the cable at the transfer case end moved the speedo, but it doesn't budge when screwed in and the truck is moving, then you're right. Trouble's in the tcase. The drive gear on the tcase shaft itself is metal and probably fine, but there's a plastic worm gear that interfaces with it that could be stripped out. The port where the cable screws onto the tcase can be removed with a bolt or two, and it'll have that worm gear on the end of it. Yank it out and see what it looks like, you should be able to pull and reinstall it with the tcase on the truck.

This sounds like it would be the case. The cable seemed perfectly smooth but I would have to use something other than my fingers to see if the speedo itself is bouncy or not. I'll pull it out and see what I find. Anyone have ideas of where I could find replacement gear?

 

[KidVermicious]

Anyone have ideas of where I could find replacement gear?

I'd hit a junkyard, myself. If that particular part is still available from Toyota, it likely costs far more than it's worth.

Here's what it looks like, by the way. One bolt and it should slide right out, though if the plastic worm gear is mangled it might take a little convincing.

 

[donovanloj]

Here's what it looks like, by the way. One bolt and it should slide right out, though if the plastic worm gear is mangled it might take a little convincing

Thanks this helps a lot. I'll have to call around to some junkyards. These old 4runners just seem to keep on running and people don't like to through them in junkyards! Double edged sword I guess. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[fourwd1]

This sounds like it would be the case. The cable seemed perfectly smooth but I would have to use something other than my fingers to see if the speedo itself is bouncy or not. I'll pull it out and see what I find. Anyone have ideas of where I could find replacement gear?

You can take the cable end and put it in the chuck of a cordless drill in REVERSE, then go look at the speedo to see if it's working while the drill is turning. That can help narrow down where the problem is.

The plastic gear on the speedo sending unit has different tooth count for different applications. The tooth count is stamped on it.
Marlin Crawler sometimes has the plastic gears in stock.

 

[1986Pickup22RE]

My speedo cable broke too

Hello. New user with a 1986 Pickup 22RE 2.4L speedo cable install. Sorry it's not a 4-runner. A brother from another mother perhaps. I'm gonna revive this thread, share my experience and hopefully get some more insight.

My experience is similar to some of yours. Found out the cable got mangled. When disconnecting from transfer case, the sensor piece with the gear looked fine (see photo) and removing the cable showed the broken part (see photo), so I'm hoping it's just the cable.

I figure I'll locate a custom speedo cable maker, hand them the old broken cable so they can fit to size the new one. Couple concerns/questions I have:

Hope that any nuts, attachments, etc. didn't fall off. Also, I'm finding that the previous owner did some wacky things to it. And I'm just a beginner with car fixes so I may be overthinking it. What are the essential pieces on a cable replacement (other than the cable) that could've fallen off or been messed with? I'll make sure to ask the cable maker to accommodate the essentials.

I'm also seeking a longer cable (about 18" longer) than the original that broke. It's because I don't want to mess with the speed governor and vacuum actuator, so l'll need to bypass it. Other than I think it'll lose the cruise control function, do you foresee any other issues with bypassing?

Thanks in advance. I can provide more photos and send the patent diagrams for governor and actuator, if necessary.