2009 Tacoma TRD shudder

I have a 2009 Tacoma 4WD TRD with automatic trans and 203K miles.

Recently I have noticed a shudder as though driving over a rumble strip that only happens when the RPMs are at 1500 between 30 and 40 MPH. When I let off the gas the shudder stops, if you have the RPMs higher than 1500 in this speed range it does not shudder. When it happens if I move the trans shifter from D to 4 it stops. This all happens in 2wd have not checked it in 4wd. There are no warning lights on; on the dash either. Otherwise, the truck sounds and runs strong.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Does this sound like an issue with the TC? or something else? I called the dealer and it is going to be a month before they can get it in to have a look.

 

U joints or carrier bearing are a very good starting point. You need to check the shaft unloaded with rear wheels off ground and fronts chocked.

 

This...

 

When is the last time you change the fluid?

 

209k on the ticker .
Time to drop the transmission pan , clean the magnets and change the filter .
From there , take pictures of the contamination in the pan .
This will guide you to replacing half the trans fluid or all the trans fluid
As mentioned above , when was the last time the fluid was changed in the transmission ?
Are you greasing your universal joints at every oil change ?

 

Definitely sounds like the torque converter. I was having the same problem a while back and replaced the converter. No shudder since. Temporary fix would be to drain and refill pan and add a tube of Dr. Tranny Shudder fix.

 

Thanks all for your responses. The tranny fluid has not been replaced in about 75k to 100k, I have let that go for much longer than I like to admit. As for greasing the universal joints that has been quite some time as well.

The front half shafts and the shocks, struts, and brakes were all done about 10k miles ago. The drive shaft had an issue a few years back while towing a heavy load and the shaft broke, had to be towed to a dealer and repaired/replaced maybe 40 to 50k miles ago if that.

The truck is driven on a mix of roads from highway and town to 15 miles of rough dirt roads daily, due to where we live and work.

 

buy a grease gun an go crazy with it lol