Tranny clunks BUT only when warm

[Haole]

My 1989 fj62 transmission "clunks" somewhat violently when shifting into reverse and a bit less violently when shifting into drive ... The kicker is that it ONLY does this when the transmission is warm. In the mornings when I fire it up it shifts into reverse and drive silently.

I've read about the McNamera Gear and I'm just not sure that's it because of the temp thing.

Any thoughts??

Pss. Had my oil galley plug blow out when I was cruising down hwy 101 last week. Boy was that crazy. Never see so much oil spew from an engine. Thankfully I caught it very early and got it sealed up.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Is this a new development? Mine's been doing the same thing, well maybe not violently, for the entire 11 years I've owned it and it's not related to wear of the output shaft splines. Guess it's play in the TC and/or rear end.

 

[tag3]

U-joints?

 

[Haole]

Yeah mine is not a new development either. I have always just heard it was a normal thing, but then I started reading about the McNAmera Gear thing and it got me thinking.

U-Joints ... that could be it ... maybe grease em up real well and see what happens.

 

[HoustonFJ62]

I have had the same trouble with my '89 FJ62 when shifting into reverse. Sometimes it sounds like the tranny has dropped out of the truck! From what I have gathered, this is common to FJ62s. Try stepping on the brake HARD when you shift into reverse...it works for me. On the other hand, I had a homeless guy starting my way until he heard the clunk. When he did hear it, he turned around and walked away!

 

[Haole]

Haha that is so true. Mine feels like its just dropped off the truck as well. I'll try the brake trick tomorrow and report back. Thanks guys!

 

[NYFJ62]

Mine does the same thing too! Only when warm.

 

[hedski]

Same on my friends 62. Any further thoughts? Would a trans cooler help?

 

[Devils Paw 80]

No, tranny cooler won't stop the clunking. It's still going to warm up. I'm finally ready to admit that it's just internal tranny play. Actually, a pro mechanic with a stethoscope finally gave me that diagnosis. Lots and lots of 62s do this. Just drive it!

 

[weasel]

Must just be a 62 thing. Mine feels like it falls out every time. Already did u joints and I just installed a locker so I know the rear is within specs. Think I,ll just have to deal with it until the NV4500 conversion.

Weasel

 

[RMutt2017]

So i just completed a transfer case rebuild, put in a DIY McNamera gear, thought it would solve my clunking, nope, there is just clunking, must be the tranny (who would of guessed with 240k?) because the u joints are solid. To be honest I was a little disappointed.
If you want to see if it is slop in your tc, disconnect rear drive shaft, take off pto cover plate(there is a gasket you will need new one $5), turn with your hand where the driveshaft bolts on and look at the gears you can see through pto, if there is play, your output shaft splines are worn and causing part of the clunk. Mine was so bad the splines were worn half way through.
Buuut, as I found out it may not be the whole cause of the thump/clunk.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

So i just completed a transfer case rebuild, put in a DIY McNamera gear, thought it would solve my clunking, nope, there is just clunking, must be the tranny (who would of guessed with 240k?) because the u joints are solid. To be honest I was a little disappointed...

Same here on all counts, but my mileage isn't quite that high.

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

Mine has done the clunk since 2006.

 

[mrt6644]

I had the same clunk in my 2008 FJCruiser starting around 2010.
It turns out it was the drive shaft slip joint. Greasing it fixed it for a while.
In the end, Toyota issued a service bulletin and replaced the driveshaft for free.
Wonder if it's the same thing with 60's?

 

[Devils Paw 80]

No, it isn't. At least, not usually. My slip joints and U-joints are good.