Help! Vibration in 2nd gear

I have 2011 Tacoma 4 cylinder 2.7 and it’s a straight shift. I don’t know much about motors. My dad always helped me and since he passed I’ve been absolutely LOST without him! Every time I shift into 2nd gear there’s a vibration in the truck and usually clears up when I go into 3rd but not always. It’s like a shudder. I can feel it in the floorboard and the dashboard vibrates. Sometimes it feels like I’ve shifted into 4th but I’m only in 2nd gear. Sometimes I can feel it in 3rd but it’s slight. It clears up by 3rd or 4th gear but I seem to hear a “roar” but I don’t know if you would call it a roar YET. I checked the gear oil and it’s clean and level. Not sure what else to check and I know you guys are pretty knowledgeable and was hoping someone could throw some ideas out to me. Thank you!!

 

Welcome to TW

I’m sure someone will have some ideas for you. How many miles on your truck and when this started will be helpful

Also I think posting this in the 2nd gen section would get more attention then here

 

It’s roughly got 180k and just started a couple weeks ago. I originally posted this in 2nd gen section but didn’t get any replies. I’m a bit worried because I have to drive out of town every day. Thanks for replying. At least someone noticed. Lol

 

Change the valve cover and spark plug tube gaskets asap and I bet you’ll be good. Use

$39 NGK 6619 Iridium Spark Plugs LFR6AIX-11 - 6 PCSNEW

NGK 6619 spark plugs. Good luck! I’m so sorry about your dad. Mine passed 25 years ago but it feels like 25 minutes ago.

 

Hi, Steve. That was one thing I forgot to mention. I did take out all the spark plugs and checked them since I changed them just 8 months ago and I think I used Denso but can’t remember. They all looked good as far as I could tell and no cracks or anything. I can post pictures if that would help if I can figure it out. And thank you and sorry about your dad too!

 

Here was the dirtiest spark plug. It was the first plug I checked. As I kept going they started looking “cleaner.”

 

Pop the #4 coil out (because it’s easiest to get to) and see if the tip is oil covered. If it is wet, slap new gaskets on it and I bet it will run like Jack the Bear. Plug looks ok. Double check the plugs are nice and snug.

 

Here are the rest of the plugs.

 

I remember looking at the coils and they were dry and as far as I could te they looked okay otherwise but I didn’t get any pictures of those.

 

Personally I’d replace the plugs; I don’t trust nuttin. When the truck is idling is the tachometer needle steady or does it bounce a little bit?

 

I agree and I think it’s worth a try, plugs can look good but doesn’t mean they are

 

OP and Steves104x4, I’m really sorry for your losses, I can relate, I lost my dad as a teen but it still feels like not that long ago.

 

Yes, needle stays steady. Engine purrs like a kitten. I’ll definitely redo the plugs. I’ll try anything.

 

There are probably some dry rotted vacuum hoses to replace, as well. Make sure all the plastic intake tubes are tight and maybe a shot of maf cleaner, too.

 

I did some more research and most with this problem say it’s either the U joints or drive shaft or both. I sure don’t want to fork out a few hundred to get it fixed. I looked up a video how to replace U joints and it looks easy but I don’t have the tools for it. Plus, I’m a little scared to do something I’ve never done before without supervision. Gonna have to find someone that will help me or stand by while I do it. My mechanic skills are limited to plug changes, oil changes, o2 sensor, and EGR valve and that’s it. Enough to be dangerous. LOL

 

I’d do the u joints, for sure. I bet that center bearing is ripe.