bamarunner

Ladies and Gents,

My dealer has informed mee that my 94 runner needs a replacement of both the tranny and transfer case...to the tune of about 3K for a used one. Is the shop on the level, or are they smoking crack? I need to decide soon, since I gave them the go ahead to obtain the parts, but I could still put a halt to them working on it. Thanks for your help!

Victor

What kind of tranny? What was it doing before it died?

NCSU-4runner

id never let the stealership get away with that, for three grand theres a HELLUVA lot you could do, as long as you are willing/able to do it yourself, but i realize not everyone wants to go through the trouble. id check around, see if you can find a used one locally like from a wrecked one off a junkyard etc. id predict you could probably get a new tranny/tcase for under a grand. and installing it yourself would cost almost nothing.

bamarunner

Well, I took it in (3rd time) for a buzzing noise in/near the center rear, figuring the driveshaft. It begins buzzing around 75-80 mph, gets progressively worse until 90 mph, at which point the noise stops completely. Also, a wierd, low tone buzz/rattle when letting off the accelerator at about 30-35 mph, coming from beneath the center console- a slight nudge to the 4 wheel drive selector shaft kindof quieted it down. I researched the problem here on this board by looking up some possible solutions and problem areas before taking it to the dealer (I'm not at all mechanically-inclined enough to try repairs on my own).

SteveS

I saw a auto trans and t-case for sale in the paper for around $500 a few weeks back. I'd think a little looking you should find what you need for less than 1K. I'm sure a local repair shop could swap trans for ya.

What caught my eye was the speeds you drive. I see 4Runner doing 80+ from time to time, but I just figuered that was a drunk on crack. I was really surprised when you said the noise went away at 90 MPH, WOW.

Good luck

Reldnew

Hi, If you are speaking about an auto tranny, it is probably nothing major unless it is slipping, racing, shifting erratically or slamming into gears. Please get another opinion before you waste money. A noise could be just something vibrating against it. Go to an independent shop and get an inspection-if they don't find anything strange get a fluid flush, change the fluid in the transfer case, the grease in the front and rear diffs and a complete driveline lube. Drive it for a week and see what happens.
Reldnew

bamarunner

I have done some shopping around, and have located a shop that can do it for less- struck up a great rapport with the owner, too.

Don't get me wrong, I do not normally drive 90 mph...it's crazy and illegal...but 80 mph is the normal "with traffic" speed on some areas of this Interstate; one day, when this all first started, I was going downhill when I noticed the sound disappear (quiet serendipitous). Thanks for your help, guys.

Victor

I doubt that you'd be having problems with your tansfer case and tranny. If you do need a transfer case then save your pennies and get one from Marlin - no more chain and you can have 4.0:1 or 4.7:1 gearing in low

Reldnew

If the noise seemed to go away on a high speed downhill, maybe the tire and wind noise just got louder and covered it up? Go to the new shop you mentioned and have them look at it. It could be as simple as a u-joint or pinion seal. Do not blow $3,000.00 just to find out it was a $40.00 part.
Good luck and keep us updated.
Reldnew