Hello...Have a 1993 FJ80 in very good shape at 225K miles...but just informed it needs a new transmission. Would be interested in thoughts about: rebuilt vs used and sources for either, reliable shops for this work and possibly restoration in CT/NY/NJ area, estimated costs, any other war stories. I would even listen to offers if someone wants to buy. I may be reaching the end of my need for it but...Still...what other vehicle gives the dog his own private 3rd row seat and window? I've found this forum invaluable while owning this truck. Hopeful that this call for help is heard! Thanks!!
FJ80 Transmission Options
- Thread starter FJ 8y
- Start date
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voodu3
SILVER Star
What’s the problem with the transmission? I was told mine needed to be replaced too it ended up needing a solenoid replaced. Mines fine now. Some shops don’t want to work on transmissions. When they told me mine was done they had never even dropped the pan. I searched on here and found out about the solenoid getting trash in them and sticking open causing the transmission not to shift properly.
car-part.com
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- #5
Appreciate the quick replies. Took it to a dealer. There was a low rumbling starting at about 32-35 MPH on the passenger side front end only under power (not when coasting). Dealer said it’s an issue shifting gears on the automatic. Don’t know if they “dropped the pan” or not but will check tomorrow and get back to you. Appreciate the offer of the used unit. Let me push back tomorrow with the dealer then get back.
Most dealers don't get into auto tranny's anymore and just replace them.
inkpot
SILVER Star
are you sure the drive plates are not worn out and starting to slip? It is a cheap and easy fix. Often confused with transmission failure, as the car will start failing to move in high range, but it will work ok in low.
I am very suspicious of it being a transmission issue when you say the noise is coming from the right front end under power. That sounds like a front end or driveline issue to me, and I find it very hard to believe that a dealer- or any technician that's not just a lube tech- would confuse a front end issue with a transmission issue. Then again, stranger things have happened, so...
My questions for you are,
1) How long have you owned the truck?
2) Does the transmission shift normally?
3) What does the transmission fluid look like on the dipstick, what does it smell like, and is it at the proper level (check with it at operating temp, while running, in park)?
4) Have you had the transmission serviced in the past 60,000 miles?
5) Have you recently had any front end service done, such as brakes, tire rotations, shock replacement, or anything at all?
6) Have you jacked up the front right corner and actually looked around to see if anything is loose, such as wheel bearings?
7) Is there any vibration associated with the rumbling, and where do you feel it- floorboard (passenger or driver or both, or in the steering wheel)?
8) With the truck on all four wheels, have you had someone wiggle the steering wheel left and right ever so slightly while you feel for any movement anywhere, such as between the inside of the wheel and the dust shield?
9) When was the last time you greased the front drive shaft u-joints?
10) What prompted you to take it to get looked at?
My questions for you are,
1) How long have you owned the truck?
2) Does the transmission shift normally?
3) What does the transmission fluid look like on the dipstick, what does it smell like, and is it at the proper level (check with it at operating temp, while running, in park)?
4) Have you had the transmission serviced in the past 60,000 miles?
5) Have you recently had any front end service done, such as brakes, tire rotations, shock replacement, or anything at all?
6) Have you jacked up the front right corner and actually looked around to see if anything is loose, such as wheel bearings?
7) Is there any vibration associated with the rumbling, and where do you feel it- floorboard (passenger or driver or both, or in the steering wheel)?
8) With the truck on all four wheels, have you had someone wiggle the steering wheel left and right ever so slightly while you feel for any movement anywhere, such as between the inside of the wheel and the dust shield?
9) When was the last time you greased the front drive shaft u-joints?
10) What prompted you to take it to get looked at?
- Thread starter
- #9
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- #10
Not sure of this at all. How do you tell?
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- #11
Any leads on who might get into tranny’s here in the tri-state area?
inkpot
SILVER Star
Does the noise go away if you drive in low range?
I would reach out to the Yankee Toys. They are a New England TLCA chapter and have some good folks.
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- #14
Haven’t tried this. Will do so and let you know.
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- #15
Excellent. Thanks much!!
A lot of SUVs have small third rows like 80 series that your dog will enjoy...
Im going to say front driveshaft or knuckle or exhaust based on your front right sound direction.
Im going to say front driveshaft or knuckle or exhaust based on your front right sound direction.
the 1-2 slip is almost always the kick down cable. i bet if you tighten it up that flare will go away.
if you only knew how much money i have made over the years buying 93-94 truck with "transmission problems" and then listed them for sale 2 weeks later after adjusting the cable and replacing the solenoids you would hate me.
if you only knew how much money i have made over the years buying 93-94 truck with "transmission problems" and then listed them for sale 2 weeks later after adjusting the cable and replacing the solenoids you would hate me.
Pending what you say about driving it in low, I'm leaning towards drive flange and/or kick down cable like the other fellows suggested. But not being able to see it in person, it's still anyone's guess at this point. Either way, get the truck back and let us help you diagnose it. 
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- #19
This sure was my guess as well but not the diag from Dealer Service. I’m thinking it’s time to pull from dealer and send to a TLC “ specialist” if I can find one. First need to consult w/ dealer on questions above.
wrt the dog...many have third rows, remarkably few have a window back there that opens.
I will also say that you're taking a 25 year old vehicle to a dealer, which in most cases is older than the technicians working on it. If it can't be read on a computer, they're not going to understand it. Very rarely will you find someone at a dealer who knows anything about a Land Cruiser.
Hell, I had to explain to the service manager at a Lexus dealer that the Lexus key blank I handed him in a Toyota bag was in fact for a Lexus.
Hell, I had to explain to the service manager at a Lexus dealer that the Lexus key blank I handed him in a Toyota bag was in fact for a Lexus.
