Possible Transmission Issue

[RadLife]

Just bought my 2001 LX470, 127k miles, over the weekend knowing it had a possible transmision issue. The low mileage makes me think it's not necessarily the transmission. Here's a description of my issue. When put into R or D, the engine will rev pretty high, and then with a slight delay it will move a little bit.

I tried adding ATF, and then found it leaking from the the transfer case output shaft (I only know this because I text pics and a video to a knowledgeable friend).

I found this on an old thread, "From a stop it won't engage drive at all, or engages but then revs and barely moves/revving when you accelerate = torque converter low on fluid, can't build pressure. Likely will slip under loads."

Any input or advice from the community is greatly appreciated!

 

[3_puppies]

have you tried driving with the center diff lock engaged?
c clip issue?

 

[RadLife]

have you tried driving with the center diff lock engaged?
c clip issue?

Per my friend that came by to check it out, yes.

 

[Super77]

I tried adding ATF, and then found it leaking from the the transfer case output shaft (I only know this because I text pics and a video to a knowledgeable friend).

A little confused here - you tried adding ATF where? To the transmission or the transfer case? There's ATF leaking from the transfer case?

Trans and TC are two different things that use different fluids.

 

[RadLife]

A little confused here - you tried adding ATF where? To the transmission or the transfer case? There's ATF leaking from the transfer case?

Trans and TC are two different things that use different fluids.

I'm also a little confused . This is my first rodeo with a 4wd and drive train issues after the engine.
I added ATF where the dipstick is for the transmission. I then found it leaking where the output shaft mates with the transfer case. After doing some online research, ATF goes into the output shaft in '01 LX470s and there appears to be a broken seal. Looks like I first need to replace the output shaft seal and the input shaft seal to the tranfer case, then seen if the transmission is okay.

 

[excessive]

wow that truck is clean underneath. Good luck with your issue, i would drop the transmission pan and have a look inside, maybe test the solenoids ( there are detailed test procedures in the service manual )

 

[Super77]

I'm also a little confused . This is my first rodeo with a 4wd and drive train issues after the engine.
I added ATF where the dipstick is for the transmission. I then found it leaking where the output shaft mates with the transfer case. After doing some online research, ATF goes into the output shaft in '01 LX470s and there appears to be a broken seal. Looks like I first need to replace the output shaft seal and the input shaft seal to the tranfer case, then seen if the transmission is okay.

The trans dipstick fill tube is the correct spot to add ATF. The TC gets filled through the upper of the two threaded plugs in its case, accessed from under the vehicle. The lower plug is for draining.

If you have ATF leaking from your TC, that's a problem. What does the leak look/smell like? TC gear oil has a pronounced sulfur smell (rotten eggs), while ATF is typically a reddish color. There is a seal between the TC and the trans that could potentially fail but I have never heard of enough ATF getting into the TC to leak out of it.

I'd carefully trace that leak, be certain where it originates. And you want to be certain of what is actually in your TC. Drain and refill if you can't be sure, it's only about 2qt of gear oil, IIRC. Not expensive. Always break the seal on the FILL plug before you unscrew the drain plug.

Also, I thought my Pacific Northwest rig underside was clean - yours looks surgically sterile! Our rust belt friends here can only dream of one like that. Should be easy for you to trace that leak.