Guys:

This is my first post to this forum. So, Hello there....

I'm becoming an expert victim on this issue. A year a half ago, at 125,000 miles, my T100's flex plate broke and took out my torque converter and trans with it. It cost me $2000 for labor and used (140,000 miles) flex plate, torque converter, and trans.

20,000 miles later, I'm back in the shop, similar (but different) rattling noise, I knew something was up, but was under the impression that this couldn't happen again so soon. The flex plate is broken again!

At least it didn't come apart while I was driving this time. New Flex Plate from Toyota $230 plus 950 Labor = 1200.

Why the hell is this issue so common? I don't even off-road with my truck very often, but I DO engine brake quite a bit because I live on a steep mountain, and my brakes can't handle 10-15 minutes of decending without help.

Then he calls me back. My coolant is a bit low, and a check by their tester shows that there is CO2 present which indicates the head gasket is leaking exhaust into the coolant. Very suprising, because it runs very good, I did not notice a single problem with the motor at all. Just keeps getting better, eh?

Total quote for new flex plate and new head gasket? Just under $4000.

I have 3 more payments on the truck, Second owner since 60K miles. Still worth around $6K in GOOD shape.

A few questions:

-Why would I have this happen twice in less than two years?

-What would you guys do if this was your truck?

-Since there is no compression leak yet with the head gasket, would you try one of those coolant sealers to try and get some more miles out of the engine?

Thanks you guys,

Col. Monk

 

If its an 95-96 3.4L they will do a free headgasket job, courtesy of yota. My 96 t100 was done before I got it. Dont know if yours will be affected as part of that recall but its worth a shot. I wouldnt dare use the junk leak crap..its junk.

As far as the flexplate-you bought a used one, who knows wtf happened with it before hand. Never install used parts in a critical part of the vehicle if you can help it.

 

Well I would get rid of the flexplate completely and do a manual transmission swap!

 

It's a 1998, not sure if it's covered by that headgasket recall -- a bit of searching on the net says no, but I should call them -- I still haven't gotten the steering link fixed....

FLEX PLATE: The thing about that, is that the shop sold me the parts for the repair. I thought this was a fluke thing, so I didn't really consider that getting a used one would mean I would face the problem again. I mean, lets face it, throughout the world having your flex plate shatter is not a common problem. And like I said, this toyota shop hadn't seen enough of these issues at the time to recognize it as a common weakness of T100s.

Anyway, I'm not gonna pay them that kind of money for the repair, I can't afford it. Truck is worth only about 6K. I do have a few friends though that might have the equipment to pull the motor.. If I have to fix the head gaskets anyway, wouldn't you think that pulling the engine (you don't need a lift to do that) would be the easiest way of working on both the heads and replacing the flex plate?

Thanks

CM

 

Allright you, spill it. How easy is it to change the tranny to a manual? How much cost?

I REALLY don't want to sell my T100, I've always wanted to keep it forever. I had planned on getting a commuter with good mileage, but I don't want to sell this truck.

CM

 

Well you need to go find a transmission/flywheel/clutch cover and disc and pilot bushing set/brake and clutch pedal set/clutch master and slave cylinders and hydraulic lines/drive shaft from a 5spd. I did a couple swaps back in the day on my Datsuns ($250 each with junkyard parts), and will probably do one on my 87 truck once the R150F tranny comes off my 94. Is the center if your crankshaft machined to accept a pilot bushing?

 

I'd stick with the auto, but don't get another used flex plate to put back in there. Buy a new one from toyota--I'd wager that they have replaced the part with a stronger one. 4000 dollars is a bit steep for what you are having done.

I'd take it to an AAMCO, and have them R&R the flex plate with a part that you bought, and then take it somewhere else and have the Head gaskets done. I'd also get it retested to ensure the diagnosis was correct. Don't take any chances running the engine on the road if it needs the gaskets--an overheat could warp your heads too.

The truck is worth very little as it sits, so whether you fix it and sell it to recoup your costs, or fix it and drive it, you still have to fix it...

 

were are you located? if local i might know some people that might do it for cheaper.