Just a question.. My 98 4runner (auto) shifts good and solid when shifting into reverse, but when shifting from -Park- to -1st-, it does it VERY gently (you can barely tell most times). Sometimes it hesitates for a second before going into 1st. Is this normal?

Sometimes it shifts solidly into first but usually when its cold.

 

*bump*
come on, I know someone here uses first gear

 

You mean the shifter slipping into the 1st position, or the feel of the actual transmission engaging the gear?

 

Sounds like he's descibing a delay between the time he selects ' D ' and the time he feels it engage. I have the same symptom with my Honda Civic auto. I suspect a clutch pack is bad. I have tried flushing the trans etc. Maybe a linear solenoid ? Automatics are a mystery to me........

 

yeah, when it actually engages into first gear. It just seems so smooth, unlike going into reverse. There is a defenite engagement when going into reverse. But going into first, I can't even feel it go into gear... stupid autos... I have never trusted automatics...

 

the reverse gear could be a differnent design also. Most likely the forward gears, including 1st are conical gears (correct term?) while your reverse gear is most likely a straight cut gear. Straight cut gears are louder. Im not sure but that might help. Also, I know cotman transmissions which is a national brand has free trouble shooting and estimates... try them

 

I've always felt mine go into R or 1, but after adding the Lockright to the rear differential, there is a very noticable thud and you can feel it engage. I'm not very fond of automatics either, but I take good care of mine. I want to see how long it will last, after it goes out, I have the manual tranny ready to take its place.