New guy with some troubles

Hello. Joined the forum in hopes someone can help me out with a problem I'm having with my 2001 Taco. It's a double cab, trd edition.

Disclaimer, I'm a complete greenhorn when it comes to a mechanic. I have no idea, and only hope that I can describe the problem well enough that someone might be able to nail down what it is.

I purchased the truck used from a single owner in march of last year. About 7-8 months into ownership the truck started to make a clunking sound when it's first shifted into drive. I start the truck up, shift into drive, it won't go at first, then it makes the clunk sound and I drive away. Most times it is only that initial time, and it won't do it again till the truck is parked and shut off for a bit of time. Occasionally when the roads are wet or when it's in a certain mood it will do it more. Like coming to a complete stop, you can feel something grab, then I'll try to go again and it won't till the clunk sound.

I've had the truck into a friend of mine who happens to be a mechanic. He cannot figure out for sure and doesn't want to run a bill up with trial and error ideas. He worked for a large Toyota dealership for almost 10 years before opening his own shop up. So, I think he would have an idea what it might be, but he seems baffled.

I cannot be the only person this has ever happened to and I'm hoping someone from the forum has experienced this or at least heard of something like this before.

My friend has looked at the brakes. Says they are inline. He doesn't think it's the tranny.

Please help

 

Checked transmission fluid level? Could be low.

 

Your description sounds like a post engine driveline issue.

Transmission, drive shaft ujoints/centerbearing or differential.

Always start with the simple and cheap things. Is the transmission full of fluid that is a nice pink and smells fresh? Can you have your friend check the ujoints; they can often be evaluated by hand.

 

Hey, Bill. Funny you posted the same thing at the same time. I'm just across town from you. Been in Brandon for the last week.

KO

 

First thing that comes to my mind is axle wrap. Specifically because you say it happens when you come to a stop. Read this thread and see if it sounds like what you are experiencing. here is the link. Page 12 has a good post with picture showing everything you need to know. Hope this helps. As far as not being able to go into drive, that sounds tranny related to me. Good luck

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/goodbye-axle-wrap-mod.108316/page-12

 

Just in for a visit? Or looking to move? If you're still there, ask where Parksdale Farms is, and treat yourself to a strawberry shake!

 

Actually heading back to home in a few minutes. Been to the Keys for first part and back up in Tampa for the second half.

Fishing was awesome except for the monsoon last week.

 

Check in the next time you're down. I have two kayaks and there is a bay full of fish between us. Not as pretty as the Keys, but not as far either.

Sorry OP, now returning your thread to intended subject. Let us know what you find out.

 

No worries men. I know how it goes.

Thank you all for the suggestions so far. I'll check on the transmission fluid today, and have the mechanic check the u joints soon.

 

This could very well be what it is. It sounds very similar to what's been going on. When the truck is parked it almost always makes that clunk after shifting into drive and stepping on the gas. On bad days it will do it again after coming to complete stops. The worst days is if I'm in a parking lot or somewhere where I need to make frequent stops shortly after starting the truck. I'll get that initial clunk, then you can feel it again when I need to brake shortly after. You can actually hear it and feel it when braking, then it will clunk again when stepping on the gas to go.

 

This sounds like ujoints to me. I had the same problem with my 4runner recently. The only difference is that I could hear the common symptom of squeaking while in motion at low speeds. I definitely heard the clunking sound and only after the truck Sat for a bit. When I finally did get around to changing the ujoints I had to replace the whole axle. I was lucky it didn't break at the yoke while driving. It had been shorn nearly half way through. I couldn't even see this damage until I remove the drive shaft.

 

I would also check your lower control arm bushing. A bad bushing could cause a clunk taking off and stopping.

 

Hopefully it's not a u joint like others have suggested. The fix for axle wrap is all of 15 bucks i think. Plus 10 minutes of work. Plus if it doesn't fix it then your not out an arm and a leg. U joints aren't bad, just way more time, and money.. I had axle wrap. At first i just lubed my drive shaft slip joint, which seemed to cure it. But not for very long. Then i looked it up, found that thread, and gave it a shot. Worked for me. Been a couple months now and ive never felt it again. Good luck

 

Not too sure but sound like you have a 3rd members issues your ring might get chew on a bit by the pinion if your fluid is low or near empty. Let hope thats not be the case.

 

Little update. Still trying to get this figured out.

Transmission fluid is clean and good.

Going to have free time this weekend to try the axle wrap stuff.

I think I know the area where it's happening. It seems to be the passenger side rear that locks up. Then when it frees it makes the clunk sound.

I was parked in my garage and the truck did it's thing, when I hopped out there was a drag mark for about 2 feet till it broke loose.

 

Sounds like you might have a caliper hanging up.