Phroze2006

When I put my 92 four runner automatic tranny with the 3vze away last night it was just fine, I went to start it up and go somewhere this morning and it was stuck in low range and the tranny was slipping and chattering. I moved the transfer case to and from 4H to 4L and back to 2H a bunch of times with no success. I do want to do the 3.4 swap but not right this second so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Phroze2006

Forgot to add its not actually in 4x4 while its stuck in low range in 2H

thook

Have you checked the fluid levels in both your tranny and transfer case?

jcfb

If you're in low range, you're in 4x4. These trucks don't have a 2lo. So does your truck have an actual lever, or is it a button/knob? If it is a lever, I would say completely remove it an make sure everything is looking good. However, if this is a button/knob, then it's probably some kind of sensor that has failed and doesn't recognize the transfer case's actual position.

Phroze2006

The tranny fluid seems to be up there where and how do you check the transfer case fluid, is there a window and what type of fluid will it take? It has a lever and I know its not supposed to have a 2lo but right now it seems as tho that is what it is in

Phroze2006

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jcfb

The transfer case doesn't have a dip-stick. You just unbolt the fill plug and stick your finger in. If you can barely bend it and touch fluid (i.e. the fluid is just about to flow out of the fill plug hole) then you are full. If you don't feel fluid, or an excessive amount of fluid pours out when you open the fill plug (a little fluid coming out is normal, but if it just gushes like when you unbolt the oil drain plug) then you are either too low, or too high.

If I were you, I'd undo the shifter boots, pop the snap ring off, and pull the shifter out. Check to make sure it hasn't worn down too much, or that it has broken off and won't shift. Check bushings as well. Try removing the shifter lever and shifting the transfer case via a long pipe (I've used a screw driver, or the butt of a wrench to shift transmissions and transfer cases before.)

thook

I think it's just odd how it could be fine one day and the next (after only sitting overnight) not functional. Are you sure you don't have any lines/linkage disconnected somewhere? And are you checked the fluid level correctly? What color is the fluid? Both the trans and t-case use ATF, btw.

Usually if it's mechanical....like what jcfb is suggesting...it will go south in a gradual matter. Unless, something breaks from abuse or hard use. But then, that's usually something you'd notice right away. But, it doesn't hurt to check I suppose.

Just for the record, it's rather impossible to overfill the transfer case. It will spill out from the fill hole before it's overfull.

jcfb

I've heard of a lot of people who fill their cases and transmissions from the top. Also, I know a lot of people that do transfer case rebuilds, they fill them back up on the bench, laying down. I had an overfill problem with my transfer case. Previous owner filled it up on the bench or from the top. I drained it and found excessive aeration and WAY WAY WAY overfull. I also had a Ford dealership overfill a transfer case on the bench. They replaced the transmission and then the transfer case started leaking REALLY BAD! Well, it turns out it was completely full. I unplugged the fill plug and it just gushed out for a while.

So it's not impossible. Sorry to derail the thread and I don't mean this in any rude way, just pointing something out, 'cause I've had it happen to both of my 4x4s.

thook

No offense taken on my part. I'm just surprised anyone would or could do it. Even if someone were to fill from the top....duh..take the fill plug out and prevent overfill. So simple.

Phroze2006

I finally got around to checking the transfer case fluid and its fine, started it up again and it just sits there and slips barely moves.

Phroze2006

I'm about fed up with this 3.0 engine and auto tranny this engine barely has enough power to get to highway speeds and now it wont even get out of the drive way, just sits there and spews motor oil, and power steering fluid all over. I will be saving for a 3.4 5vzfe swap.
Can anyone point me to a thread or article that has a step by step of the swap and maybe a parts list??? I know you are going to say just search but I have and all I come up with are other people interested in doing it...
I can get the engine locally with harness but no ecu for 1300 with 93k and 6mo warranty

Phroze2006

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thook

Well I don't blame you at all for being frustrated. Not everyone is pleased with the 3.0. Apparently, having a 5spd behind it makes a big difference. Have you considered that? Or is the motor toast?

Sorry to hear it. Sounds like you have some definite issues with the tranny. Did you not get anywhere looking at the shifter and linkage? Did you even look at it?

Here is one thread on the swap. There are others, though. Just have to keep playing with keywords.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...started-82145/

Phroze2006

Yea I looked at the shifter and linkage and all checked cept a little slop from age, I didn't seem to locate the linkage for the Xfer case, is it electronic even tho I have a floor shifter for it?

gears

does the t case have its own pan behind the tranny pan

Phroze2006

it doesn't have a pan just a drain and fill plug

thook

If your '92 is anything like mine (probably is since it has a V6 and auto), then it will have a manual shifter with linkage. The t-case also has it's own pan, but ajoined with the transmission. Look harder...you'll see.