88 4Runner Transmission Troubles
 

I've got an 88 4Runner DLX 4x4 with a 22re and 5-speed manual transmission. The transmission has started acting up and I am trying to determine if it needs to be fixed or replaced. The symptoms are that it will pop out of 1st gear if you don't hold it, it will go into 3rd, but will grind and kick it out when you let off the clutch, and 5th gear makes a weird noise while going down the road. 2nd, 4th, and reverse work fine. I am wondering if it just needs to be rebuilt somewhat or if I should just replace it. I have found some used transmissions, but I am worried that there will be something wrong with them as well. Would trying to rebuild it myself with a kit be a feasible option? Thanks for any advice.

Your syncros are toast. Rebuild the transmission completely. With 5th gear whining and bad syncros and willing to bet bad input bearing.

Go through the whole thing.

If you have to ask about rebuilding it....then have a shop do it. Its level 9/10 auto work.