Flightguy

2000 4Runner 2WD Automatic. I've had some minor problems here and there, but nothing substantial. Today, however, I noticed something that was...concerning.

Driving down the road, I accelerate up to about 40 mph. As it shifts from 3rd to OD, I hear a rattling from what sounds like around the transmission. It is consistent. It downshifts to 3rd, and the sound goes away. Back into OD and it's back.

I've sat in the driveway and revved the engine through 3K RPM, no replication of sound.

Not much to go on, I know, but I just noticed it today. Any thoughts out there?

Flightguy

Well. lots of looks, no responses.

I took it to a Toyota shop (not the dealership). Their diagnosis: something's broken in the transmission. Repair: install a different transmission. Cost: 1800-2300 (depending on the cost of the USED transmission they can find).

I'd like to think of myself as pretty handy. I'd like to think I can do some things on a car. A transmission leaves me a little taken aback, from the size of what appears to be the job. I've replaced the water pump on my 4Runner.

How difficult is swapping out transmissions (2WD for a 2WD, no upgrades or modifications) compared to replacing the water pump? I won't say the water pump was easy, but it wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought. Once I got the fan assembly out of the car, there was plenty of space.

vasinvictor

iTrader: (3)

Sounds kinda like spark knock (detonation). What's your recent maintenance history?

Janos01

I would get a second opinion before you decide on anything as that is a expensive repair. As vasinvictor asked, what is your maintenance history for the transmission? Have you changed your ATF and if so was it aftermarket or Toyota ATF? Some cars do not like aftermarket ATF and it may cause shifting issues.

For the price you posted if the transmission needs work, you could most likely have a dedicated transmission shop rebuild your current transmission vs worrying weather a used one would hold up for x amount of time.

vasinvictor

iTrader: (3)

FWIW- I abuse the auto trans and run the cheapest DexIII I can find, so that's not an issue.

DailyDrive

Does that price include ripping off with pliers the rusted cat converter heat shield that is actually rattling? If not, that's not a good deal then.

ThorInc

Some real solid advice in this thread.

Flightguy

It's not the heat shield. When there's a physical manifestation when shifting gears, I'll rule out the heat shield. And when it increases with rpm...

Fluid changes: I'm pretty bad with it. There's still fluid in there, and it's red, not real discolored. There's a lot of highway and side street driving. I have never gone off road with it.

Even before I took it in to the shop, I was pretty well convinced it was the transmission.

So, my newest question remains. How difficult is a transmission swap compared to a water pump replacement?

ThorInc

Check Google & Youtube for your year and transmission re & re and take it from there. Your question can only truly be answered by your skill level and tools available which only you have definitive knowledge of.