5 speed transmission problem

My 2002 4 cyclinder Tacoma has problem of not staying in fourth gear-the shifter willl move to neutral. Truck has 106000 easy miles and has been absolutely bullet proof. No one in my area has had this problem. Anyone having this problem?

 

Sounds like tranny rebuild time. If you do alot of highway driving and leave it in one gear for long periods the heat can kill the gear (ask me how I know)

 

That sounds like typical highway driving?

Had a Ram-50 slipping out of 5th and took a complete teardown. Can't remember exactly but recall something about a worn detent in the internal shifting mechanism? That sounds more like frequent shifting wearing it out.

 

Not if the trans oil had never been replaced and another GOOD reason to change the fluids. You might want to change the rear end oil, too. Happy hunting!

 

I would check the shift linkage before tearing it apart. Just check everything and make sure it is tight.

 

Probably don't need a rebuild. Easiest and cheapest thing to start with would be replacing your most likely worn out shifter seat bushing and seat.

http://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/parts-upgrade/heavy-duty-shift-lever-ball-seats

http://www.marlincrawler.com/transmission/parts-upgrade/heavy-duty-shift-lever-socket

 

I found the 4wd shift handle to be not fully in the forward position. Moved it forward maybe 1/16" and problem has not occurred again. Does this make sense?