DrCreosote

Hey all,
I have a 1990 4Runner 3VZE automatic and it's been running pretty good until the "Toyota rumble strip" started happening a few days ago. I put some shudder fix in it and it helped, but the problem isn't going away completely. I suspect the extreme heat in central CA is exacerbating any pre-existing condition, but it still exists so it needs to be corrected. My most basic plans are to do a fluid flush and filter change this weekend, but it's also in my mind to start planning to rebuild the transmission, but my only experience with the insides of automatic transmissions is with GM TH350, and I did a 700R4 once, but I wasn't there when it was finished. I've found rebuild kits online for not too much, but I am hoping to hear from someone who has experience with these components, especially if you can compare the difficulty working the innards of the TH350 vs. the Toyota gearbox. And perhaps other parts that should be replaced that aren't in the kits, or perhaps a good book I should get as a go-along. I'm not in an urgent situation right now, just looking a little bit forward, but it's an old car and stuff was probably worn out when I got it, but it keeps going anyway.

ThanX in advance.

Jimkola

Did the fluid change help?
How did the old fluid look/smell?

DrCreosote

The fluid change got delayed because no one in town had the filter/seal kit so I had to order it. The fluid looks and smells good, not burnt,at the dipstick, so there is that advantage.

Jimkola

The trans and transfer they put on the earlier 4Rnrs were pretty durable.