i've got an 87 4runner 5 speed with 219k miles on it and the transmission has a whine/gear noise in 3rd and 5th gear. 1st, 2nd, and 4th are completly silent. I had the tranny oil changed and the whine got quieter, but its still there. no driving/shifting issues whatsoever, other than the noise.

the whine also seems a little quieter in third when the transmission is cool, but gets louder when it warms up.

I've been told by my local transmission shop that the bearings are probably toast, as 3rd and 5th share the same bearing, and I dont really want to replace/rebuild costing almost what the truck is worth.

has anybody here used some super secret transmission additive, or anything else to make it quieter?

i've been told shady car dealers put sawdust in to make it quiet, but that it eventually destroys the transmission, so thats out of the question.

and NO, im not trying to scam some unsuspecting buyer into thinking this thing is minty perfect, its just an annoying noise and I want to make it less annoying.

any input is greatly appreciated.

 

It's true that sawdust works, for a while. The only other suggestion I'd make is a heavier gear oil.

 

Switch to heavier oil. Trannys can whine,chatter and howl for a long long long time. Just drive it until it starts popping out of gear, then bolt in a different good used tranny and wear that one out too.

 

I learned about the sawdust trick from the book "Grapes of Wrath".
Its what the used car guys did to cars they sold to the "Oakies" headed west...

Good for both the tranny and valve clatter

They also did a "hot set" R&P swap... stuff the R&P in there, jack it up and run the rear axles sans wheels with the cover off to get the gears to "mesh in"..

wow...

The things you learn in English class.

 

lucas heavy duty oil stabilizer supposedly works for that. but i've never tried it in a trans

 

This stuff works, take it from me, I no. Try it you will be glad you did.............

 

DITTO on heavier oil, and it still has bunches of miles left in it..I think,....................... manuals will run forever unless there abused all the time

 

In Honda 5speeds we have used 1 qt of GM Synchromesh moddified then fill the rest with reg Synchromesh & it works great for the 3rd gear grinds you get from beating the crap of the Honda 5spds. I am going to try it in my 4runner
The Penzoil Synchromesh is "supposed" to be the same stuff I may give it a try

 

There IS a super-secret additive, but if we told you, we'd have to KILL you...

 

That trans does not have much time left on it. The input bearing is going. This will cause the 2 shafte in the trans to float around and gears will go by by. Drive it in 4th gear as much as possible as it is direct drive through the trans on one shaft. You may have about a year left in it then it will start popping out of first and 5th gear and get louder and louder.

 

Rislone Engine Treatment (yes...ENGINE treatment in your tranny).

I've seen it save 2 different subaru trannies that wouldn't go into gear. and reduces noise and wear on synchros while shifting.

 

Get a used W56 and swap it in.
A rebuilt Marlin if you want it to last.