4runner manual transmission problem?

[philyo]

I recently bought a 94 4runner and i seem to be having trouble shifting into second. When i shift from first to second quickly it grinds but if i let the RPM drop and shift slowly into second I don't have this problem. Also I haven't had any problems downshifting into second. Thanks

[Brian R.]

Sounds like you may have a worn synchro ring. If changing the transmission lube doesn't help, you will need to replace that synchro ring.

[philyo]

thanks ill check it out

[Brian R.]

You're welcome. I am not a transmission expert, so YMMV on this. The syncro rings engage the gear shafts smoothly, so I am guessing that a lack of smoothness comes from them also. Once you get the transmission apart, keep an eye out for worn splines or loose bearings that may end up being the problem.

[johnstn4544]

Hey brian, I have an 87 runner with the same problem. whats the easiest way to change the lube? Do you have to drop the trannie at all? I could not find any plugs or zerts any where on it. Help

[Brian R.]

Manual transmissions have a couple of plugs in them, one for draining and one for filling. You have to find them. The drain plug is on the bottom and the fill plug is on the side.

[4Wheel]

Synchros have sharp peaks and valley groves on them where they "interface" with the opposite gear, the peaks need to have "SHARP" points so they can “cut” through the oil, that’s how they generate enough friction to "synch up" or spin up or spin down the next gear. You'll find that the tips or peaks of bad synchros have a "flat" top on them and that will prevent them from "cutting" through the lube oil.
So if you disassemble, might want to check the other synchros while you're in there.
Manual trannys are FUN! Seriously!
Good Luck.

[Brian R.]

When you look at the innards, you can actually see how it works!

[4Wheel]

Gauaranteed! you will spend no less than a half an hour just playing running it through the gears and watching, and watching, and watching.