Hi,
I am working on a 1990 Toyota truck with a 5 speed (R151 tranny). Right now the tranny pops out of first gear when the clutch is let out. The rest of the gears are fine. The shifter is working properly and the problem is not a bad bushing and seat. I just installed a rebuilt engine along with a new clutch. I checked the input shaft on the tranny during the engine install and it seemed fine (not sloppy). I have no idea on the previous condition of the transmission other than it worked good for about 100 miles after the engine install. My guess would be a bent 1st gear fork or a bad syncronizer ring. Which bring me to my question...has anyone had this kind of work done and what did it cost? I would be pulling the transmission myself and using a reputable tranny shop. I also know where there is a replacement tranny with 40,000 miles on it for $300. Your 2 cents is welcome on whether to get the used tranny for $300 or go for the repairs.

 

used tranny, less down time, and may end up being less than your issue. and keep yours for a backup? just incase you wanna fix it later and sell it maybe? but my .02 is for the 40000 mile tranny.

 

i would get the used tranny too. this way you can drive on it till it dies, and while its dieing, you can get your current broken one fixed. or get it fixed sooner than that so you have something to swap back in. or sell it.

 

I had mine rebuilt for about $750 so I would go for the used tranny unless you plan on keeping your rig forever and are a stickler for perfection.

Just my $0.02

Erich

 

I owned a 1990 4Runner v6 5Spd, and it did the same thing. It would pop out of first gear on occasion. Never fixied it before I sold it, but it ended up being the syncros.

I'd say, two options

1.Buy a rebuild/get it rebuilt
2.(better option, IMHO) Buy a used one. They can be had with low miles for pretty cheap, beings that there are a LOT of them around and they are so bulletproof, they rarely fail.

 

Well,
Today I picked up the used tranny. I was able to get one with 40,000 miles for $275 with a 90 day warranty from a local wrecking yard. Glad I didn't need an automatic, there spendy. Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

I had the exact same problem; after 160,000 miles, it finally popped out so many times it ruined first gear and cost me $900 to fix. Never did find out why it popped out. I suspect the bushing/seat.

 

1. I doubt that your truck has the R151 (turbo) transmission.
2. I REALLY doubt that you picked up an R151 for $275 from a wrecking yard.

But, in the odd case that you are correct, let us know this magic place that gives away these very desirable transmissions.

 

my 91 4runner would pop out of first for some reason never could figure out why

 

Im sure he meant the R150 v6 Trans...didn't ya kdaw?

 

Yes, my mistake it was a R150. I was checking on a 151 but could not find one locally.

I was investigating the 151 kit for the R150 to get the lower 1st gear and essentially make my tranny a 151. Not sure if I want to go that route at this time.

 

Well, I' m up and running again. The used tranny seems pretty tight and feels allot better than my old one. It shifts smoother at stays in tighter when it is in gear. Thanks everyone!!!

 

See? Used transmissions are clearly the best option (shameless plug w00t!)

 

This happened to me, bad sycros, I lost my 1st gear and my 3rd gear, so I had them put new syncros in, new bushings, and rear trans seal, it all cost me $995 495 for rebuild, and 400 for remove/install

I also put a new clutch, pressure plate, and throwout bearing, and catalytic converter for another 200 (parts+labor)