Another 3rd Gen torque converter issue?

Look into the tunes. Some tuners will allow you to try a tune before buying. So you can eliminate a few variables out.

 

Is it possible.. one of my new struts is bad?

 

If it still happens in S4, then disregard everything I said earlier in the thread about the newer low mile trucks having this problem. I haven't heard of any of them still having the problem in S4 when the rpm are higher...

 

I think I’m feeling something else, driveline related. Still on the hunt.

 

so i realized i had 35 psi in the tires. tried 28 psi tonight and the truck feels 90% better. it's amazing how much a difference the tire pressure made in all the weird vibrations and harsh shifts I was getting. i think the recommended pressures must be for a fully loaded truck towing a trailer.

even the vibration i get when slowing down around 20 MPH is improved.

what PSI are you running OP?

 

Was running 39, was perfect. Issue started, dropped to 36, nothing changed. Dropped again tonight to 30, nothing changed. If anything, maybe a little worse lol.

 

damn, was hoping it was something simple for your sanity's sake

 

Went ahead and pulled the trigger on a higher end computer. Live data over time may prove helpful.

Going to monitor engine, transmission myself and record the data. Perhaps nothing will come of it, maybe it will. Regardless, if I can rule out engine and transmission, I can turn back to driveline and suspension, tires.

I should probably trade the truck in, but I love it, and refuse to give up. Lol..

 

Tell me about it!

 

check out your degrees of timing advance when you get it. i get a lot of shuddering when i get bad fuel and you will see the ECU retarding timing. I'm now running 89 or 91 octane and it's much better than 87. I do have a different engine than you though (2.7). but perhaps the truck was tuned on 91 but they program the VVTI to retard timing on 87 so it doesn't knock but it may effect driveability. they want to be able to tell people it doesn't "require" premium but in the manual it does say use "87 or better". if it was just tuned for 87 they wouldn't say "better".

pretty sure they have higher octane fuels in Japan too.

 

Absolutely. I switched to 91 this current tank, and plan to stay this way for the foreseeable future. Just to at least “believe” I am doing everything as right as possible.

If something fails on me, I’d actually be happy. At least then I wouldn’t feel crazy.

 

Tech at Toyota said even though I’m level, with AFT, to consider adding an additional half quart. I was puzzled by that, but hell.. may try that too

 

that would be great if that's all it is. although kind or irritating, even with Toyota's extensive level check procedure, that it would still be low.

 

A little info about the engine that is sitting under our Tacoma hoods.

https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=129

 

I would pay to get a 2nd option for a reputable trans shop in your area. Most Toyota techs don't really dive into trans issues as they are more of the pull and replace when trans issues occur. $100 diag fee may be worth it in the long run.

When I had a local trans shop do a trans service on my 2nd gen, they take the truck after and live stream the trans data to make sure everything is functioning correctly

 

Although I don't think running Eibach coils on perch 3 of 5100's is helping your case any, and introducing new driveline angles (from your previously lifted setup/just bc you were lifted before doesn't mean you're netting the exact same amount of lift now with new components) doesn't help when chasing complex issues, I don't think your suspension is to blame for whatever you're describing. Rough ride, stiff, vibrations, sure; engine bogging, RPM's dropping, thats not suspension.

 

I’ve noticed less bogging, and RPM behavior since the EDU update. The rough road feel remains. I’ve also noticed it’s occurring 30mph+ now. Consistent, not a quick rumble.

Doing the carrier spacer today.

 

how does it feel now?

 

Ride has not changed. Rpm’s and engine bogging seem to have gone away.

Still riding like I am aiming to hit every little crack in the road. Lol

I’ll be doing the driveshaft bearing spacer tomorrow.

 

Update

drain and fill made no difference, transmission fluid was clean, not burnt. Still something I’m glad I’ve done.

Surging does not seem as apparent since the TSB update

I’ve concluded that circling back to “what changed before X occurred” is the smart option.

Pairing Eibach pro coils with 5100’s was a mistake in its own, especially since I have no front weight. I believe that I fell for the “it worked for them, it’ll work for me” when pairing them together. I’m sure it doesn’t help that I have a heavier, bigger spring on the third perch of the 5100’s. (Per the recommendation of the shop, mind you)

I should’ve gone with OME, or OEM springs. Regardless, because of my AAL, I fear that if I go back to an OEM spring.. getting things leveled will require me being on a higher perch, and could still impact ride quality. So, I just purchased another stage one kit from Eibach, and will be putting things back as they were before.

Will this fix the issue? Hell if I know, but I do know this.. I believe the surging issue was there for some time, but I started to pay more attention to them after the truck felt extra “bumpy” as a result of what I can only imagine is my shock / strut setup now being broken in. Thus, leading me down a path in which I believed the trans / tc was to blame.

Could I still be having issues with the trans? Absolutely.

Am I hoping since I’ve ruled out literally everything else… that switching back to my original setup, that gave me no issues, will rectify the problem? Absolutely.

So I say again, to all who contributed and provided insight, you’re truly invaluable. Thanks for sticking with me on this. If anything changes.. I’ll post more updates.