when i am driving slowly in a parking lot, in first gear, at idle, the pickup jerks and lurches as i try to apply light acceleration to the vehicle. the engine is fine. is it the rear end starting to loosen? transmission? it has only 346,000 miles. i am not much of a wrench.

thanks for your assistance.

 

If your sure the engine is ok then I would suspect a "slipping" clutch.

Heavily worn clutch disc... It may be time for a clutch replacement.

^---I'm assuming the trucks a manual correct?

 

yes, it has a manual transmission. 2WD. the engine was pulled out twice in the last 6 months to rebuild it. could removal affect the clutch?

 

Normally when the engine is removed and repaired on a manual transmisson vehicle its a good time to replace the clutch.

Repairing the engine should not have affected the clutch but it may need replacing if whom ever did the engine did not do so.

Possible Rear main oil seal could be leaking oil onto the clutch causing it to slip... but i would suspect that unlikely as you said the engine has been repaired, unless a faulty seal and or installation of it..

 

i appreciate your help. could a clutch adjustment help at all?

 

Going by the information given i would say more than likely.

 

i performed the "clutch test" which is explained elsewhere on this site: E-brake on, fourth gear, slowly engage clutch; I was able to drive thru the brake. the clutch seems OK to me. it feels to me like something behind me.

 

Assuming the clutch is fine..
Assuming the engine is fine..

Normally when clutches are worn the most common symptoms are slipping in high gear at high speeds under load or slipping during take off...

Check Transmission mounts... Leaf springs and fasteners.

With 346k miles... its possible the Rear differential maybe worn out and causing the issue... Damaged ring gear teeth causing a "slipping" clashing affect...

 

the auto shop didnot suggest a clutch replacement. the possible rearend problem sounds expensive.

 

" Pickup jerks, lurches in idle" No name calling.

 

I have a 1999 Toyota Tacoma. Every once in a while the truck will jerk when going from a stop in first gear. I can feel that it is going to do it before it happens. I'm not 100% if this solves the problem but if I add a ton of gas and let up on the clutch more than normal it will power through it and not jerk. Does anyone know what this would be? I appreciate your help!

 

Did you end up finding out the issue? My 89 has the same problem.

 

Do you hear a "clunk" kind of sound when it jerks?
If you do, it could well be the u-joints in the drive line. I've been through 4 sets of the things in mine, along with 1 carrier bearing. I have a long bed pickup.

Just a possibility...
Pat☺