Transmission Pan Beating... Oops...

[007Tacoma]

So, I did this yesterday because I didn't listen to my wife and took the wrong line... Oops.

Wife is seriously considering letting me get skid plates as soon as we can afford it now. By the time the rock that was hiding in the grass hit the front skid plate, I had already slid right off the skid plate and I heard it hit the transmission pan. It didn't seem to phase the transmission the least bit. We spent the rest of the day wheeling in the mountains without incident. We even got an average of 19MPG for the day.

So, what do you think? I think it is just a scratch, but I am inviting public opinion (and, yes, I should have listened to my wife...)


...oh, and a second rock got to my fuel skid too. :lookout: I gots talents off road.

 

[3wbdriver]

I noticed a couple small dings on mine when I was installing my Budbuilt skids. Didn't even know I had made any contact in that area. That looks deep enough I would want to drop the pan and pound it back out. But I have no idea what all may be under there besides fluid, so you may want a qualified mechanic to look at it.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Well I can't remember how deep the pickup/filter is in the pan (so not sure if you dinged it from the pictures). But you'll be off if you try to set your transmission fluid for sure since the tube is now crooked from what it looks like in the picture.

 

[007Tacoma]

Well I can't remember how deep the pickup/filter is in the pan (so not sure if you dinged it from the pictures). But you'll be off if you try to set your transmission fluid for sure since the tube is now crooked from what it looks like in the picture.

So, now the question is: am I pushing my luck trying to drive back to Texas (900 miles) like this?

I have been driving it around the mountains the past two days without issue.

 

[fordracing19]

Run with it. If the pickup was smashed you would of already burnt the tranny up.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

 

[BlackWorksInc]

So, now the question is: am I pushing my luck trying to drive back to Texas (900 miles) like this?

I have been driving it around the mountains the past two days without issue.

Then you're probably fine, if you have time/money it probably wouldn't hurt to to get a second pan ready just in case if you pull it off (junkyard part might be cheapest). But if you damaged something significantly enough you'd know by now.

Run with it. If the pickup was smashed you would of already burnt the tranny up.

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That being said, just because it's not damaged enough to block flow/pickup doesn't mean the part isn't broken. It just means it's either in good condition or not broken enough to be an issue.

 

[007Tacoma]

Then you're probably fine, if you have time/money it probably wouldn't hurt to to get a second pan ready just in case if you pull it off (junkyard part might be cheapest). But if you damaged something significantly enough you'd know by now.



That being said, just because it's not damaged enough to block flow/pickup doesn't mean the part isn't broken. It just means it's either in good condition or not broken enough to be an issue.

There is a pic-n-pull (junk yard) here in North Colorado that my wife and I used to scavenge for Honda Accord parts in college. We may have to relive a few of those memories before we head back home...

 

[LJ75 Driver]

Generally trans filters and oil pickups sit 1/4-1/2" off the pan for sloshing purposes.
I haven't seen how a 4Runner filter/pickup is designed but I wouldn't drive it back like that. Any number of things could have happened, worst of which, you knocked off/cracked the filter and it's sucking unfiltered oil into the valve body and clutch packs...
a new pan and filter are way cheaper than a full rebuild, why take the chance?

 

[fhaze3]

#1 Kudos to you for actually putting the runner into a position to damage underbits! F-ya and Hi-Five!
#2 ya, it might be a PITA but drain it, pull it, inspect it. As others have said cheap insurance against long term damage.

 

[wfo9]

Really hard to tell from a picture..... Gut says it will be fine.

This video shows what is inside....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQjbD8LeYt4

 

[007Tacoma]

Really hard to tell from a picture..... Gut says it will be fine.

This video shows what is inside....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQjbD8LeYt4

Thanks! I also found this one that shows the process a bit clearer.

The mech_a_nic Toyota fj cruiser transmission fluid and filter change

...although I would want to get OEM Toyota gasket, pan, and filter...

:thumb:

 

[007Tacoma]

My wife and I will be installing AirLift 1000 bags tomorrow morning before we head back to Texas. I will get some better pictures at that point.