1986 Toyota 4x4

Just now joining the forum.

I have a 1986 4x4 that I bought brand new in 1986 and have taken very good care of it because I knew I was going to keep it a long time. Recently I was driving it and I started to hear a noise when I was shifting into 3rd gear and 5th gear. When I go from 3rd to 4th gear the noise goes away. However, when I shift from 4th to 5th the noise comes back. I have checked the fluid level in the transmission and it is full. I only have 177k on it and have always thought that manual transmissions in these truck will last 250k to 300k easily. I am not sure if it is the transmission just assuming it is. Does anybody know what might be going on.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Post pics of this beauty! Not alot of one owner '86s around.

Whats the maintenance regimen been like?

What does the noise sound like? Popping? Grinding? Whining? etc.?

Does it happen right when changing gears? Or when letting clutch back out after shift?

Does it happen when down shifting as well, or just when upshifting?

 

Never dug into a transmission but it sounds like synchro wear to me. Is there sufficient clean fluid in the transmission?

And welcome!!

 

Hi and welcome. So cool that you are still driving your ‘86! Transmission rebuild/replacement is probably in your future but well worth it.

 

It's not the mileage, it's the years at this point. Your truck is 34 years old. Trans probably needs a bit of an overhaul no matter how well you've taken care of it over the years.

 

Without knowing what the noise sounds like it's a little hard to diagnose...but could it possibly be something making contact with the shifter or linkage? I just wanted to throw out a possibility that hasn't been mentioned.

 

In for description of the noise as well. I’m also leaning toward synchros. Not a hard job. I did it in my college dorm room on my mustang with basic tools Haha. My roommate was not happy

 

age not a factor
the cycles per shift n those miles make
all the diff
U did not mention clutch.......or universal joints
not hearing noise only equals a guess
synchros
gear shaft bearings

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

The maintenance has been very good. There is no popping or grinding noise. When I first heard the noise I thought there was a branch or stick stuck in between something but ruled that out when I looked. The noise happens when I first change it into gear and I am fairly sure it does it down/up shifting. It is odd because I can literally drive in 4th gear for miles and no noise but when I go to 3rd. and 5th. gear there is noise. I am running Amsoil synthetic in the transmission however, it has been in there for 50k. Amsoil is rated for 100k. Would your first step be to flush out all the transmission oil and fill with new.

 

I do really like Amsoil as well, but how old in years is that fluid? Over time with heat cycles can wear out fluid as well, so I would drain the fluid and see if you have any metallic particles in the oil before you refill it. If it were me I would temporarily refill it with some cheap dino oil too to see if that changes anything.

 

I’m just here for the pics.

 

I had an '86 that I bought new. 2wd long bed w/ 5 speed manual transmission. 22R engine. Tan color. I drove it a total of 335K+ miles and the wife made me sell it in 2007. At around 200K I remember I had to have the transmission rebuilt because 5th gear was getting loud. Looks like its time for a transmission rebuild for you. Don't ever sell yours!! I miss mine so much. Lots of young adult single memories.

 

I'm here for the pics, the stories - fuckin all of it - Don't sell it.
I may be young - but I'm the young one in a crowd of ole cretins (totally exaggerated but yous get my jist) - and they ALL regret selling their first EVERYTHING.....
ok maybe not all.....but quite a few.....

 

Welcome to TW!