I have a '98 3.4 4x4 Runner with a notable gear oil odor coming from the tranny in the cab. I notice it especially after sustained, high rmp driving. My guess is a worn inner shifter boot, which I have not messed around with. The outer leather boot appears fine. The vehicle has 130K miles on it. Is this a typical wear issue after this many miles and 12 years? Thanks in advance.

 

A. Make sure the inner shifter boot is tight.
B. Make sure the top of the transmission isn't leaking gear oil..

If both of those check out, you could replace the inner boot. Not too sure how much it will help though.

My Tacoma wreaks of gear oil from practically just DD'ing. I have a leak near the retainer lever plate..

 

Thanks for the tips--checked both aspects that you suggested. No leaks anywhere. I wound up cinching the gap between the leather boot and the stick with one of my wife's hair bands (her suggestion). This seems to keep the gear oil vapors from wafting out of the assembly, which is only an issue with extended high RPM.

 

That's probably due to the fact that when that oil heats up from high rpms the breather vent is doing it's job and letting smelly air out and letting the oil expand. Think of that smell as a way for the trans to tell you it's working right

Good to hear the hair band worked. Might have to try that with a rubber band or the like..