A couple months ago I picked up a 1997 4Runner for my wife. It runs and drives great and has around 90K miles on it. I have found only one problem with it and it is driving me nuts. My wife does not care since she just puts gas in it and it keeps moving down the road. Here is my delima:

From all speeds, if you come to a complete stop, then let off the brake pedal, you hear a thump and the front of the vehicle lifts up. It seems as if the shocks are way too soft and as you stop, it compresses the front end down and unloads the rear so it is sitting in a drag position. Then once you release the brake pedal it rights itself and that is when I hear the thump and feel it bounce back up. You do not even have to hit the gas, just let off the brake.

Could it need new shocks? Could the bushings be warn out?? I am not to familar with the 3.4 drivetrain much but I have worked quite a bit on my 90 2WD 5SPEED 3.0 truck. Is this normal? Let me know as I would like to get it fixed before winter.


BTW, I am new here and this is my first post so please take it easy on me!!!

Thanks,
TOM B
96ImpalaSS
974Runner
90ToyTruck

 

Welcome to the forum!
You could have a brake caliper or wheel cylinder sticking and releasing causing the thump. I have this on my 68 camaro. Just a thought.
Heres a bump. hope someone else has a better answer.

 

This is a common complaint. Lube the driveshaft grease fittings. The slip yoke is binding on the transmission output shaft.

 

Synthetic prefered, or is dino lube better??

TOM B

 

I used a lithium based grease on my '98, but I can't recall the factory specs for the grease. Perhaps check your service manual.