I've got a 2000 Automatic V6 Prerunner & the thing has started bumping when I come to a stop, or start to take off. It's like the drivetrain is binding up during the stop & then unloading with a big thump? The dealership ofcourse says, "Nothing's wrong". Transmission runs/shifts smooth. I've looked at the Trainy mounts & u-joints, but I can't see anything wrong. I saw an old post, but no one replied. Anyone have a clue? Thanks!

Sorry for the long-winded post...

I noticed the same exact problem with my 02 ex cab. I am also not sure what exactly the deal is because actual shifting is still smooth. Can anyone help?

I have heard that this is a problem with axle wrap. Some dealers have fixed this by disassembling and lubricating the drive shaft. Obviously this will reoccur so keeping the slip yoke lubed will help. An add-a-leaf should stop the wrap. This is just one of the downsides to a cushy ride.

You're right. I took mine back into the dealer & they lubed up my driveshaft. Then I installed an add-a-leaf to the rear & some short coil spacers to the front. My truck is about 2.5 inches taller, but no longer has the "bump". The add-a-leafs are a bit stiff, but cornering is significantly more stable. Plus my new 32"x11.50" tires look really good with the lift.

How much would I be looking to spend for that set up?

I spent about $45 for the rear Add-a-leaf Kit off Ebay and $60 for the two rear Pro-Comp shocks from 4-Wheel Parts Wholesalers. I got the front Daystar Polyeurothane coil spacers from a buddy, but a number of companies carry these. (Surf the internet.) My spacers were for a 2.5" Tacome lift. The rear shocks were also for a 2.5"-3" Tacoma lift. The Add-a-leafs weren't specific on the actual lift, but I gained a little under 2.5" in the front, and a little over 3" in the rear. My truck now sits perfectly level and the 32's fit nicely.

I noticed the same exact problem with my 02 ex cab. I am also not sure what exactly the deal is because actual shifting is still smooth. Can anyone help?

My 02 Tacoma ex cab is in the shop right now getting a new engine (@24k) due to valve failure.(so they've told me)-First diagnosis was "scorched rings"
I also get that "Thump" in the trans. and I told them check that out too. I don't need any more surprises before the warranty runs out.
I'll let ya know what I find out.

I've got a 2000 Automatic V6 Prerunner & the thing has started bumping when I come to a stop, or start to take off. It's like the drivetrain is binding up during the stop & then unloading with a big thump? The dealership ofcourse says, "Nothing's wrong". Transmission runs/shifts smooth. I've looked at the Trainy mounts & u-joints, but I can't see anything wrong. I saw an old post, but no one replied. Anyone have a clue? Thanks!

Sorry for the long-winded post...


I had the same exact problem, its a lack of lube in the driveshaft

I've got a 2000 Automatic V6 Prerunner & the thing has started bumping when I come to a stop, or start to take off. It's like the drivetrain is binding up during the stop & then unloading with a big thump? The dealership ofcourse says, "Nothing's wrong". Transmission runs/shifts smooth. I've looked at the Trainy mounts & u-joints, but I can't see anything wrong. I saw an old post, but no one replied. Anyone have a clue? Thanks!

Sorry for the long-winded post...



i am having the same prob here
i wound a link that might help all of up
with the taco bump...

http://www.thesqueakywheel.com/complaints/complaint5483.cfm

daniel brown

What is clunking is the rear slip joint... for some reason Toyota leaves them close to bone dry, and no one ever thinks to grease it. I had to put about 15 pumps into mine until it was actually full. I had that same problem on my 99 TRD 4x4, but after greasing that joint, its completely gone.

I've got a 2000 Automatic V6 Prerunner & the thing has started bumping when I come to a stop, or start to take off. It's like the drivetrain is binding up during the stop & then unloading with a big thump? The dealership ofcourse says, "Nothing's wrong". Transmission runs/shifts smooth. I've looked at the Trainy mounts & u-joints, but I can't see anything wrong. I saw an old post, but no one replied. Anyone have a clue? Thanks!

Sorry for the long-winded post...



Is your Prerunner a 4x4?

MIke

Prerunners are only two wheel drive. They are identical to the 4x4 truck minus the t-case & live front axle.

What is clunking is the rear slip joint... for some reason Toyota leaves them close to bone dry, and no one ever thinks to grease it. I had to put about 15 pumps into mine until it was actually full. I had that same problem on my 99 TRD 4x4, but after greasing that joint, its completely gone.


i am still having the same prob with my 1998 taco extra cab..
dealer said its normal but not like this... going to try add a leafs to see if its the springs. i called a toyota parts department and the orignal springs(3 leaves) are no longer avail only the new(4 leaves)
sounds like their trying to cover somthing up..

daniel
middletown ny
check out this link again the more the better

http://www.thesqueakywheel.com/complaints/2004/OCT/complaint5483.cfm

thank you

yes this is the rear slip joint and the problem is called axle-wrap. this has to be one of the most common problems with tacos. i've heard untreated, down the line it could lead to breaking the driveshaft. anyhow, yes, lubing the hell out of it helps, but doesnt fix the problem, though it may seem to for awhile. apparently adding eaither new leafs or doing a AAL can dramitcally help the situation or even using traction bars. the thing with the leafs, going from 3 to 4, is apparently there has been a rather large complaint about the 3 leaf system sorta giving out, weakening a whole hell of alot. So im guessing toyota is doing the 4 leaf thing to help counteract the situation. I'm personally going to try the AAL and see how things work out with my axle wrap problem.

My 2003 Mini 4cyl 42000 miles is currently at the dealership having the rear differential replaced. The "CLUNK" has been noticeable for about a month. There were no signs of anything wrong with the truck other than the "CLUNK". I only heard the noise after the truck was warmed up. The dealership did not hesitate to tell me that the rear differential was bad and needs to be replaced.

Mike

UPDATE.......got the 2003 tacoma back from the dealership with a new rear differential. The CLUNK is still there! It actually sounds louder. The truck is back at the dealership (they were nice enough to give me a loaner). More to come!

Mike

My 2003 Mini 4cyl 42000 miles is currently at the dealership having the rear differential replaced. The "CLUNK" has been noticeable for about a month. There were no signs of anything wrong with the truck other than the "CLUNK". I only heard the noise after the truck was warmed up. The dealership did not hesitate to tell me that the rear differential was bad and needs to be replaced.

Mike


Dont be suprised if after a little time the problem comes back.

UPDATE #2......The dealership has now decided to give me a new transmission. I'll take it! :)

Mike

UPDATE #2......The dealership has now decided to give me a new transmission. I'll take it! :)

Mike

And again, it may still come back!!! It's just a problem Tacos have.

ANOTHER UPDATE......New transmission has been installed. Haven't really noticed a difference.

Mike

Ha, new tranny, still bumping around when coming to a stop light, then going again, told you it'd still be there. You need to lube the hell out of the connection between your tranny and drive shaft. Then you need to do an add-a-leaf to the rear end. Depending on what model you have, there are traction bars for your tacto that when combined with the AAL have shown to completely get rid of the problem you're having. I'm going to do it to my Taco soon enough because axle wrap is a pain in my ass.

He's right. Lube it and install the ADD-A-LEAF. Then when it starts again...Lube it again.

Lube what connection between the tranny and drive shaft? There are no zerk fittings anywhere on the driveshaft. I have indicated this in past posts. Well........I guess the "CLUNK" is meant to be there. I did get a new tranny and rear differential out of the deal at no cost to me!

Mike

Lube what connection between the tranny and drive shaft? There are no zerk fittings anywhere on the driveshaft. I have indicated this in past posts. Well........I guess the "CLUNK" is meant to be there. I did get a new tranny and rear differential out of the deal at no cost to me!

Mike

true, new stuff is good. but maybe you don't understand the seriousness of the problem... axle wrap can unexpectantly brake your driveshaft!!! Plain and simple. I know a guy buy me, who had his Taco still under warranty, the dealer actually UNDERSTANDS the problem and basically did an OEM Toyota AAL. With greasing it got rid of the problem.

Here is a pic of the connection, where like i said the tranny connects to the driveshaft via a U joint. In the pic, back of tranny on right, driveshaft to the left. Also below I added a link that is a maintenance tech for a 4Runner, but it's the same situation as the Taco, so read up, look at the pics.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/tacoma_4runner_30k/maintenancep4.html#driveshaft

http://www.customtacos.com/ubbthreads/files/345922-%232.JPG

There is NO grease fitting on my truck!

MIke

There is NO grease fitting on my truck!

MIke

So you're telling me you have no U joint on your 2003 that connects the driveshaft to the transmission? News to me.

So you're telling me you have no U joint on your 2003 that connects the driveshaft to the transmission? News to me.

No.....what I'm telling you is that there is not a grease fitting anywhere on the U-joints in a mini tacoma. They don't exist! Of course there are U-joints......but NO grease fittings!

Mike

Well in the pic i provided a post or two ago, starting from the left, the first round nut looking thing you come too, it's called the slip yoke, that's what you grease the hell out of. It doesn't hurt to grease that entire joint either. Just stick the grease gun, or get your fingers dirty and work it in there, all over. Once you start seeing old grease coming out, put some more in, then you should be good.

i am still having the same prob with my 1998 taco extra cab..
dealer said its normal but not like this... going to try add a leafs to see if its the springs. i called a toyota parts department and the orignal springs(3 leaves) are no longer avail only the new(4 leaves)
sounds like their trying to cover somthing up..

daniel
middletown ny
check out this link again the more the better

http://www.thesqueakywheel.com/complaints/2004/OCT/complaint5483.cfm

thank you


i installes the ad a leaf and the bump is all gone
looks like toyota has weak springs.
i work for a auto parts dealer(ford)
and checked with a friend in toyota and found out that the original 3 leafe springs are no longer aval you have to update to a 4 leafe spring....


kind of interesting... string you along untill out of warrenty and then bang $600.00 spring replacement

please check the link again

http://www.thesqueakywheel.com/complaints/2004/OCT/complaint5483.cfm

yes this is the rear slip joint and the problem is called axle-wrap. this has to be one of the most common problems with tacos. i've heard untreated, down the line it could lead to breaking the driveshaft. anyhow, yes, lubing the hell out of it helps, but doesnt fix the problem, though it may seem to for awhile. apparently adding eaither new leafs or doing a AAL can dramitcally help the situation or even using traction bars. the thing with the leafs, going from 3 to 4, is apparently there has been a rather large complaint about the 3 leaf system sorta giving out, weakening a whole hell of alot. So im guessing toyota is doing the 4 leaf thing to help counteract the situation. I'm personally going to try the AAL and see how things work out with my axle wrap problem.


did the ad a leafe and problem gone i live in the northeast where its cold now (the grease thickens up) but no problem yet . has been three weeks and nothing...bump all gone

daniel
ny