Drivetrain Problems

Hello, my name is Camren and Im 19 years old, and I have a 2007 Tacoma Prerunner V6 Auto. The truck has 245,xxx miles on it and has been a great truck, my mom bought it when it was new and she sold it to me at 180,000 miles. The motor has ran strong and I just got it rebuilt with forged pistons and rods not too long ago for more power. The transmission was serviced at 150,000 miles. However, my drivetrain has been giving me some problems recently.

1st Problem: U joints were replaced 30,000 miles ago and were TERRIBLE. I had Massive vibrations at any speed from 30 to 70 and higher speeds werent possible due to the vibrations. So I went to Oriley and got some new greasable U joints to replace them again. However when I was taking my driveshaft out of the transmission, a good bit of transmission fluid leaked from the slip yolk. I figured this was normal because of reading somewhere on the internet explaining that it was normal. However it still leaks, (more and more with time). (I can now see transmission fluid grease drips on the undercarriage from the slip yolk all the way to the rear of the truck). Possibly due to leaking fluid while driving.

Look at how bad this U joint got filed down! Im only 19 years old but Ive never seen one this bad!


2nd Problem:I drove the truck a good 300 miles with no problems after the new U joints and transmission mount were installed, and then yesterday I installed 2” rear lift blocks. (Not sure if this is a cause but it started after I installed them), the transmission starts to slip when I give it power above 3500 rpms. (Motor runs strong but my transmission doesent pull as it did before). I tried to pinpoint when it would slip, and it did it from a stop as well as at high rpms under heavy throttle inputs. Im currently babying it because of it being my daily driver

3rd Problem: Ive had a problem taking off from a stop where the truck would shudder around 15-30 mph. This problem has been going on for 30,000+ miles but even with U joint and transmission mount, and center support bearing replacements, I havent been able to figure out where it is coming from. It is subtle, but enough to note on the forum.

Fixes Ive tried already: Brand new Transmission mount, center support bearing and new U joints (300 miles ago)

Current problems: Transmission shudders from 15-30mph, transmission slips during heavy throttle inputs, and leaks transmission fluid from the slip yolk area.

My question for you guys is, Has anyone had any experience with these symptoms with the shudder, slip, and leak. Is there a seal I can replace? Is there a possible correlation between the transmission not having enough fluid because it has leaked, and possibly with low Transmission fluid level it might be slipping?

Im keeping further miles to a minimum as of now, but any input would be great because it is my daily driver!

Thanks,
Camren

 

No one has any experience with these problems?

 

Ya that could be an issue with fluid leaking causing your trans to over heat an slip an cause more damage an you said you had your transmission rebuilt aswell it could’ve not been rebuilt properly aswell

 

Have you noticed any smells? When I burnt up my transmission it was obvious and I could smell it, it got very low on fluid. Maybe yours is just a bit low, and needs to be checked my a transmission specialist?

 

Could it be because you now have a rebuilt engine and a high milage transmission, an engine that now has more power than before it was rebuilt? I don't know if that's what's going on but this sometimes happens when you rebuild one or the other.

 

Looks like your leaf springs are shot might be time for new ones and a pair of shocks for the transmission did you add more fluid if not you might of burned it up!! Sounds like you need a new slip yolk seal!! Good luck!!

 

I noticed a small burning smell, nothing too alarming, I never put that together. I just replaced the fluid today, only slipping in 1st gear at low rpms. 1st might be toast

 

Definately yes on slip yolk seal, Ill look into it, I just got my toyota recall done for brand new leafs, (if you havent done it, do it! Its free!). I replaced my fluid today and had shavings smaller than sand, And 1st still slips at low rpms, however at high RPMS, it hooks up like normal in all gears. This is a new one to me.

 

Start looking for another transmission and put a Trans Go shift kit in that Bitch

 

Follow step10 to properly check tranny fluid level

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-full-flush-for-automatic-transmission.68462/

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-how-to-replace-an-output-shaft-seal.270255/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ratiotek-transmission-upgrade-how-to.528378/

 

Also check your pinion bearing for play. Wouldn't be the first time the issue was in the back rather than the front.

 

Some good advice here and +1 for Hoonigan

https://youtu.be/JXMyZ929lpY