Transmission woes

[CdaleR4000si]

Hi, new guy here. I have a '99 4Runner, 3.4, auto, 4wd. with about 230K. Late last year, I started to get a "shudder" when driving at highway speeds (55-70mph). I talked to a reputable transmission guy, who said that it sounded like a possible planetary gear issue, he said that the A340 was notorious for this. He quoted me roughly $2500. I checked online and found plenty of similar posts that seem to support his theory. Since it has pretty high mileage, I decided that a rebuild sounded like a good idea. I parked the truck and started saving my pennies. Well, I'm putting her in the shop next week, but now the prospect of shelling out the money is making me wonder if there is anything else that I should check before the rebuild. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[kball]

Shudder when driving 55-70 in overdrive and trying to accelerate slowly as in, not making it downshift? Change your spark plugs and wires before spending $2500!

NGK wire set Amazon.com: NGK (4412) TE66 Wire Set: Automotive

NGK spark plug is #BKR5EKB-11. Denso plug is #K16TR11 buy either one of these

Amazon.com: NGK (3967) BKR5EKB-11 Multi-Ground Spark Plug, Pack of 1: Automotive

 

[CdaleR4000si]

I've done the new wires and plugs (both NGK), it's definitely a trans issue, feels like its slipping, or disengaging/reengaging. When it first started, I could take it out of O/D and it would be ok, but that only worked for a few days.

But, thanks for the suggestion, it would be great if it was something simple that I had overlooked.

Man, I wish I'd known about this site before, it's really great! So many cool 4Runners on here!

 

[Stick Figure]

If you are 100% certain its the transmission, I would still think twice about spending $2500 on a rebuild...

1999 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Parts - Carson Toyota/Scion/Lexus Ultimate OEM Parts

 

[jakknz]

Brand new OEM transmission - $1500. Shop to remove old transmission and install new one - around $700. Total cost - $2200. OR, just get a used one and have that installed. You may be gambling a little, but total cost for a low miles used transmission and install should be around $1500.

I wouldn't reccomend rebuilds. Pull the whole thing and install another. This also makes the job a DIY one. Be sure to replace the rear main seal while you're down there.

Might be a good oppurtunity to find a totaled 4runner and purchase the truck. Then you have your transmission and another engine when you need it. Part out the rest of the truck to make some $ back. A little more expensive but now you have a spare engine too.

 

[jonwilly2]

fuel pressure regulator can do that to if there is a vacuum leek

 

[CdaleR4000si]

$1500! After all the searching that I've done, I couldn't find anything that low, Thanks Stick Figure!

I've considered pulling from a wreck, did that with my old Nissan Frontier. I'm a little worried about going that route, since I've read so many horror stories about the planetary gears. Of course, as I have been checking out this forum, I haven't read much about people having issues with the p gears. I've got to lean toward the OEM for 1500.

This weekend I'm going to throw in a new fuel filter and check the fuel pressure. Man I can't wait to get it back on the road, I've been driving my wife's Accord for way too long now.

Thanks for the tips!