Hard downshift 4->3 A343F

[DiscoCam]

So I have been trying to fix this problem since I bought this truck. 1996 FZJ80 with 159K miles. Drivetrain is stock, still has the stock Michelins. Here's the symptoms:

When slowing down, like coming to a stoplight, the I hear a clunk when the transmission downshifts from 4th to 3rd at around 20MPH. I am assuming it is 4th gear as I don't have this problem when O/D is off. It is audible in the cab, but I don't feel it. I only hear it. Also doesn't do it if I am decelerating quickly. Occasionally does it with the AC compressor on.

Some history on what I've done with the drive train to achieve a baseline:
-VC has been deleted. It was locked up.
-U-joints have been replaced. They had a tiny amount of play
-wheel bearings have been repacked. Front spindle bushings were replaced as PO replaced one of them and the shop that did it screwed it up.
-All fluids are fresh. Transmission filter has also been replaced.
-Downshift cable has also been adjusted per the FSM.

Also should mention that the transmission fluid has been changed regularly. It looked nice and red when I changed it. The magnets had the same amount of gunk on it as my 2004 Sequoia when I did the same job on that at a similar mileage (has an A340F). So internally, at least from what I've seen, the transmission seems healthy inside.

Drive flanges also seem pretty tight, no play that I noticed in the splines.

Anyone have any ideas? I am kinda stumped on this. Been chasing this for a while, read the FSM, read countless MUD threads, and I have nothing. It's like the last thing I have left for my baseline.

Thank you in advance. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

PS: I had a 1998 Land Rover Discovery that did the same thing. Never figured it out lol.

 

[DiscoCam]

Should also add that I think I remember reading somewhere that this is normal behavior. Seems kinda strange to be normal, but idk maybe it is. I'm gonna put a poll up and see what you guys think.

 

[DiscoCam]

Just thought I'd give this thread a bump. Still doing some research on this. Has not gotten any worse, still annoying though.

Was thinking maybe the transmission computer holds adaptive values that need to be reset? Not sure if the 80 is like that, but I have seen other cars have this.

Maybe I'm not adjusting the cable properly? I seem to notice no difference after adjusting it to FSM spec.

 

[DiscoCam]

I adjusted the cable to completely hide the metal stopper. No more clunk. Transmission shifts super smooth in all situations now. So problem solved.