Transmission clunking??

K

kinghailfire

Member
I recently bought a 99 Tacoma v6 3.4 automatic 4x4 ext cab with 180k miles on it. The previous owner wasn't very mechanically inclined but did have the tires rotated/aligned, oil changed often. We test drove it and it performed well in all aspects. The only thing we felt was a small clunk when we came to a stop. We didn't thing anything of it but it's gotten to be worse the more I drive it. The more abrupt the stop the bigger the clunk. But The clunking sound/feel didn't happen until after I let off the brake once stopped. It's almost as if the tranny is laggy or something. I've heard it could be from worn out leaf springs to low tranny fluid to u-joints and I would just like to get a solid response on what exactly I'm dealing with. Could the tranny just be shot? What should I do? Thanks ahead of time guys! You are great!
 
Well I looked at the axle and leaf springs. The leafs look pretty worn. One of the clamps that holds them isn't even on all the way. It only makes the clunk when I stop quick and then let off the brake. No problems apart from that. Then I tried putting the truck in neutral and then braking hard. No clunk or thunk at all.. If your braking normally without it in neutral, and put your hand on the shifter handle in the cab, you can fill it jolt. I'm still not sure exactly what it is. Here's some pics of the leafs.
 
Hey Kinghailfire,
I am sure you are getting pretty frustrated with trying to find out what is the cause of your clunk. The first thing I would do is completely service the automatic transmission. From your last post, it sounds like you narrowed it down to the transmission. I also have a 1999 with a 3.4, but mine is a 5-Speed. Once you service the transmission, you can then see if the problem persists.
Good Luck.
Paul
 
You should wash the underside of your truck that mud and dirt ain't good for a rust proned frame
 
Thanks a lot guys I am planning on servicing the tranny along with getting my water pump and timing belt changed. Just waiting for the money to do it lol. Hopefully within the next couple of weeks. I will let you guys know what exactly it is once I know. Thanks for the help. Y'all are great!
 
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