Help! Driving in 4 vs D

When given the choice, I always go for the D.

Wait...

 

at 34mph is when the torque converter is allowed to do full lockup. so what you are likely feeling is the full lockup in 5th and then whenever you need to accelerate it will unlock and downshift to 4th. Needless to say you are just experiencing gear hunt.

No problems with leaving the truck in 4th, you will hit the speed limiter in 4th around 112mph

just do yourself a favor and check fluid level on the trans via temp check mode to verify you arent low. But beyond that the 5speed auto trans in our 2nd gens is rather bulletproof and problem free.

 

Agreed, they would have to prove that lifting your truck is what actually caused the transmission issues, which I doubt.

 

I don't know what say! I've heard of people trying to fight them with lawyers at all, without too much success!

 

They are like programmed cyborgs!

 

Thanks man! That's a good idea! So I can reach 50 or 55mph in 4 without any problem? I really thought that I had to stay below those numbers driving on 4. Well, I am an ignorant anyway!

 

I used to have a similar problem, mine seems very minor compared to yours, I found that if I let off on the throttle as the auto shifts (like you would do with a manual transmission) a slight bump can be felt. (this is when I am in the D position) But if I let the transmission do its thing, it works out fine

As far as lower gear settings go, if I'm not in 4 wheel drive I usually go by this rule:
Option "L" -- don't ever really need
Option "2" -- Very steep uphills or downhills (lower gear gives you more torque)
Option "3" -- Not as steep hills
Option "4" -- High speed hills UNDER 45MPH

If I am using the lower gear setting I always shift appropriately based on my speed (ie. coming to a stop going into "2" or "D")
And of course all this changes with towing/4wd but hats a different conversation
Just my personal preference, some will do it differently

Hope this helps

 

Not to play devils advocate but there is a case to be made for transmission damage as a result of bigger tires, lift and resulting drive train vibes.
It's not like they're trying to void your drive train warranty because you installed a new stereo.
Sometimes you just gotta pay to play.

Now that said, you may be only experiencing normal gear hunting or your fluid levels may be low which isn't too hard to check

 

I will have to find a thread with a DIY for this damn sealed transmissions.

 

I’d try the free route at the dealer before touching it myself and then they claim you’ve been messing with it and deny for that.

 

You may be right! Those guys are ninjas!

 

I’ve been lifted and running 285’s since 6500 miles and had no issues with the tranny. They’ve replaced all the wheels and a few other things and never said anything about it lifted and all the other crap on it.

 

Worse they can say is no. Hell its to their advantage to do work anyway like that. They get paid by Toyota for it.

 

Lucky you, buddy! I've been fucked in the ass a couple of times for these bastards! They quickly call the manager, but the manager is the biggest asshole anyway!

 

They refused to give me an answer on replacing the headlights a second time. I said I’m not asking for something free I’m asking you to do the job you were supposed to do the first time. They put the old style headlights in that burned again. The new ones have glass lenses in them to prevent it. So I decided that I’ll take it in there for a oil change and rotate every 5000 miles and use a coupon for it for $30. Then I’ll ask them at least twice if they were going to fix my lights the right way. I did that for about 2 years. Lol

No fucks given. Rode that shit all the way to 100k warranty went out. Even threw in that it seems like a possible fire hazzard after they get so crispy. Lol

 

What tire size are you running?

 

285/75r16

 

There's why your transmission is hunting. Heavier and bigger tires.