Transmission or clutch? Help a fella out

I have a 1999 toyota tacoma single cab 5 speed manual. Recently bought it, while driving I suddenly lost all gears. Started it in first and it didn’t jump forward, repeated that all the way through reverse. Lost on what the biggest possibility could be.

 

Is your driveline still there?

 

Maybe you left your driveshaft in Sacramento

 

Absolutely is

 

If everything appears normal, externally, I'd start with checking clutch adjustments and components. Does the pedal feel normal? If it does, you may have to get into the bell housing, and have a look around. It sounds to me like something may have broken with the clutch fork or pivot that is keeping the clutch disengaged, by your description.

 

Can you feel the shifter actually make positive connection at each shift point, or does your shifter just wobble around like a limp fun stick?

If this feels correct, (engine running) can you feel anything moving in the transmission through the shifter itself, or is it completely nothing?

Can you push your truck on flat ground in 1st gear, without anybody pushing the clutch pedal?

If you can push the truck while in 1st gear, and clutch pedal released, have someone look under the truck and watch the driveline.
If the driveline doesn't rotate while the truck rolls, then your rear ring and pinion may no longer be buddies.

BTW What exactly were you doing when the truck "suddenly" lost all gears? Be honest here.

 

^^^ This is the question that needs to be answered ^^^

 

Do the simple first make sure the transfer case did not get bumped into neutral.

You don`t state if you have a 4x4.

 

Good idea. I forgot 1st Gen still has a stick for that.

On a side note, OPs details leans towards being 4WD.

 

Missed that !

 

Me too, at first.

But you have a solid "all of a sudden no gear" scenerio.

 

Alright guys I figured it out, I locked my front hubs in and went through all my gears and clutch & tranny are good I need a new rear end or to have mine rebuilt. Although I am still going to have a thorough check on it be done through local Toyota dealership.

 

Are you trying to suggest the rear diff blew up?

 

Not fully suggesting that but from what I just found out Id like to believe that's the problem. What would you say it is? As a person not totally mechanically inclined I'll listen to anything you got.

 

This is the tacoma in question

 

It's just that when a differential fails... you'd know it. It doesn't make a pretty sound, and you'd unlikely be able to continue to roll anywhere without the diff making some noise.

I strongly suggest you take your truck to a local shop and get their opinion. You don't need to have something like an axle rebuilt at the dealership. A competent shop can do it, or refer you to a driveline specialty shop.

 

You can take off the rear end back cover and have a look for metal chunks and damage. If there is none than I am thinking that there is nothing wrong with your rear end. assembly.

 

I know it didn't make a beautiful noise for sure, this weekend when I have some free time I am gonna take off the rear diff cover and check it out for metal chunks and if I'm able to I'll upload some pictures for you guys if I find anything for an opinion on. Thank you guys.

 

You sure about that? The cover is welded on. The only way to peak inside is to remove the 3rd member.

You didn't mention a gear explosion in your original post.