I also posted this on outdoorwire..

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5, V6, Auto Transmission

My wife was telling me yesterday that the 4Runner was acting weird when shifting it into Drive.
So I got into it this morning and put it into drive (my foot was on the brake). Then I pressed on the gas, and it wasn't moving (it was like my brakes were still on). Then suddenly *CLUNK* and it started moving. I pressed on the brakes again and then pushed the gas, *CLUNK* again and it started moving. It felt like when you suddenly shift from N to D with the gas pedal down, but the sound was more toward the back. So I don't think it is the tranny. But it only did it twice, so could it be the brakes??

These things go through my head
1- if it was the brakes then wouldn't it do it all the time?

2- if it was the tranny, wouldn't it do the same thing until it warmed up??

3-Could it be the U-joints?

4-Does the "toyota certified warrenty" (6 years 100,000 miles) cover the u-joints, and axle seal if it is the problem. The warrenty is a powertrain warrenty, isn't that part of the powertrain???

 

Sounds just like this post.

And yes, even my '91 has done it before.
I'd get in the rig early in the morn to head to work and put it in gear.
Give it gas, nothing, then bang

Sounds like the same problem.
Mine does not do it anymore as I make sure the shop gts it lubed back there very good.

 

Corey,

Thanks for linking that post, I've noticed the same thing before on my 98. That brought up another question for me, I'll start another thread so as not to get SLC Punk off his topic.

Tom

 

No that sounds like another clunk that i also get. This one is really hard. It feels and sounds like it is going to rip my transmission off. When I push down on the gas, it doesn't move at all until I give it about 1/2 throttle. Then it Jerks and a really loud clunk sound comes from the rear. I almost think that it is the brakes because it feels like rear is locked up...

 

Do you park with your E-brake on? Has it been cold where you are? Sounds like the rear brakes are hanging up to me. Try reversing while pushing on the brakes slightly that might jaar something loose. You'd probably be better off though removing your wheel, putting the truck in N and see if you can rotate the drum by hand. That would confirm the brake theory if it's locked.

 

Check transmission fluid level.

 

I put it in reverse this morning after I noticed the problem, and then it went away.

I think that something is on the brakes.
I never use the e-brake...

 

Well the dealer called me with the estimate.
He stated that the inner and outer axle seals were leaking
-the brakes were oil-soaked
-the inner cv boots were leaking

He said that it is covered under my toyota certified used car warrently except: $50 deductable, $140 Brakes.
So the total will be around $200. :cry:

 

Hey Travis:

Couldn't you just replace the brake pads themselves? What is so oil soaked that it would cost $140?

Bob

 

I was going to, but I have three finals on monday so I don't have time... I guess I could in two weeks, but I just figured to have them do it while it was there..
I guess $200 isn't too bad for new inner cv boots, axle seals, and rear brakes...