Transmission grinding? Advice Wanted

[rfs324]

Hey guys,
My wife and I just got back from evacuating from Hurricane Florence, and an issue has come up with my 4runner. I have searched the forums and seen similar issues, but none with my symptoms.
After about 5 hours of driving, when we were close to home, she started to hear a grinding noise. I was driving our other car, so wasn't there to here it. It makes the noise when it is idling in drive. When it is in neutral and park, no noise. She claims when she was up to speed the noise went away.
Checked the transmission fluid, its about 2/3 between lines. My initial thought is the lower gearing in the transmission may be going, but I would appreciate some input and suggestions. Thanks in advance!
It's a 98, 2wd 4runner automatic transmission.

 

[Buckaroo]

Hey guys,
My wife and I just got back from evacuating from Hurricane Florence, and an issue has come up with my 4runner. I have searched the forums and seen similar issues, but none with my symptoms.
After about 5 hours of driving, when we were close to home, she started to hear a grinding noise. I was driving our other car, so wasn't there to here it. It makes the noise when it is idling in drive. When it is in neutral and park, no noise. She claims when she was up to speed the noise went away.
Checked the transmission fluid, its about 2/3 between lines. My initial thought is the lower gearing in the transmission may be going, but I would appreciate some input and suggestions. Thanks in advance!
It's a 98, 2wd 4runner automatic transmission.

Not uncommon to get an exhaust rattle which is absent in neutral or park but occurs while stopped in drive due to slightly higher level of vibration. Check undercar for loose exhaust or missing hangers causing exhaust to contact frame.

Buckaroo

 

[thegipper]

If you are sure the noise is coming from the tranny, I would drop the pan and see what you find. If the pan is full of metal shavings, it is time to find a new tranny. It only takes 20 minutes to drop it.