newb: Hard downshift? Engine mount play?

I've had my tacoma for a week now: '03 Automatic trans w/64500. I've noticed a recurring--though not consistent--"jump" when I come to a stop. The truck checked out at my mechanic, but I know something's up.

It occurs only sometimes, and when it occurs it feels like a hard drop into 1st gear, or possible some play in one of the engine mounts. It only occurs when I stop the truck. No stutter, just a short "kick". Horrible explanation I know...

Anyway, the brakes check out, the ABS works, the transmission is crisp, there are no other noises or issues (that I'm aware of), and otherwise the truck feels good.

Is this a tacoma thing? It's really pissing me off, and my mechanic (who I trust) can't find any issue.

Am I just used to driving a car? All diagnoses and/or guesses welcome.

 

It's an automatic thing, autos are POS. How TF is a computer supposed to know when I wanna shift?

 

Search the forum on Axel Wrap. It is a fairly common problem with Tacomas. There are a few recommended fixes for it from lubing the driveshaft to traction bars. I have it too.

 

99TRD, you da' man! I felt a little nutty when my mechanic re-checked the truck for problems and found none.

Checked the threads, and found similar symptoms just as you said (typed) I would. Thanks a million, I owe you one!

 

Props to 99 !!

 

It's also referred to as the *Lurch*....

I think it's just a late downshift which causes rpm's to boost up briefly. My husbands Grand Cherokee did it from time to time.

 

Try this, whilst coming to a stop, put the truck in neutral and see if it still lurches, then you'll know if it transmission or engine.

 

Saw transmission guy today (just in case / o.c.d.). He also thought it was axle wrap (spring wrap). I figure he had an incentive to tell me otherwise, so I'll go w/his and 99TRD's conclusions

Good also, because I already ordered some stuff for the truck.

 

It's common in the autos. Mine does it too. Nothing to be concerned about.

 

I read that over time, axel wrap can cause problems, but I have never spoken to anyone that has encountered them.

Funny, but this problem is the reason that I joined this forum. I was looking for anything about this problem on the web and this site came up. Glad I did.

 

hmmm problems with axle wrap? I've busted the spring packs wrapped the axle so the pinion was facing straight up,bent driveshaft,broken shock,tore the brakelines off axle,put tires into body work,broken u bolts....you know nothing big over time it can hurt the springs causing them to be bouncy and make the axle sit wrong on perches...mine was a case of power+traction=break and yes it was TacoZilla with the small block lol