1992 4Runner Shifting problems

[jselph]

Hi I have a 92 4runner that has problems shifting. When I get to 65-70 mph, the RPMs are @ 4,000. Sometimes it will drop to 2,500, which seems right. Any ideas?

[TRDCivicCrusher]

a couple of factors could be at play here. If it's an automatic, then your overdrive could be going out, causing the engine to race between 4th and 5th gear. This is very likely. If it's a stick, then your clutch could be going out, causing the engine to rev more power than it can actually put down. Depending on the amount of miles on the truck, you could need a tranny rebuild...these aren't cheap ($900 min.) but are often required if you have over 150k on the vehicle. If you can be more specific, like miles, auto/5sp tranny, what conditions this occurs in, and if you've had any tranny stuff done in the past, we can help you out a lot more!

[jselph]

the truck has 180,000 miles on it, automatic, I just bought the truck a month ago, so I have no idea what service has been done on it. It happens quite frequently when driving over 60 mph. Its weird that when I push on the gas a little bit, it runs fine for about 5 minutes, then the rpms run up. Thanks for the help!

[jselph]

I just got my truck fixed. Turned out it was a thermostat!.. Go figure??? Sweet, runs awesome now!

[dickman]

I had the exact same problem with my 90 4runner. Problem was intermittent but on a long trip it would worry me and I seriously thought that I had a transmission problem as well. Then at some point the problem disappeared and never returned. I had some gaskets replaced for a small oil leak one day and they also replaced the thermostat while they were at it. I've never made the connection but perhaps it was the thermostat that also fixed my problem. Nice to have a chep repair once in a while, isn't it?

[ronym1]

Exact same problem with my 1995 4runner. I recently got the tranny rebuilt and the head gasket replaced - no help. It's still humming at 4000 RMP at 70 MPH.
Does anyone sugggest that I replace the thermostat?
What does the thermostat have to do with the tranny?

[Brian R.]

Yes, replace the thermostat. It is probably your problem too. Coolant temperature determines transmission shift points.

[ronym1]

Are you referring to the engine thermostat?
where is it located?
Is it something I can do myself?
If not, how much does it cost?
As you can sense, I'm clueless. Thanks

[Brian R.]

Yes, the engine thermostat. It is in the upper radiator hose connection at the engine. Easily done and cheap. Torque the bolts.

[ronym1]

It turned out that the vehicle did not have a thermostat. The previous owner may have decided to remove it. Some people don't think it's needed here in Florida.
Anyways, I installed a new genuine toyota thermostat - total cost $70 part & labor
I must say it's worth every penny. The transmission shifts much better , the engine runs at lower RPM, better overall performance and gas mileage.
I regret the $900 I spent to rebuild the transmission - it was unnecessary. Thank you all.