This is the first time I've noticed anything up with my transmission. After parking with the nose down on a fairly steep hill I noticed the transmission slipping slightly in first but other gears fine. Drove about 2 miles so see if it would even out. Scared to drive it more. Could the transmission fluid have pooled somewhere internally? No signs of leak under the truck. It's a '92 FJ80.
Your trans fluid might be low and parking that steep could have left a little open space for the pump to suck up into the filter.
How long have you owned the truck? Have you ever topped off the trans fluid or checked the level? I would get it parked on a flat surface (gas station pump area) and let it warm up a bit to operating temp. Properly check the fluid level with the engine running and see where you are at. Could just need a little top off with some fluid.
Thank you! I've had the truck for 3 years and have never thought to check the fluid since it's totally clean underneath. No drips or leaks. I'll give that a try and report back. I'm crossing my fingers that's it!
This could also potentially be partially stripped front drive flanges. Basically on the front hubs, the smaller circle of bolts inside the hub cap hold on a flange with grooves in it that transfers power from the front axles to the wheels, and if they get stripped out, the front axle can slip/spin and cause loss of drive power.
@sbman Good theory as well. It was in fact on a very steep hill, and could have have simply too much pressure applied to the splines (which may have been worn down to begin with).
Another free inspection to perform. Would be worth it to pull the caps and have someone stand outside the truck to see if those are slipping.
Thank you! I've had the truck for 3 years and have never thought to check the fluid since it's totally clean underneath. No drips or leaks. I'll give that a try and report back. I'm crossing my fingers that's it!
I'm here to inform you that fluids "burn" and deteriorate over time. There doesn't need to be a leak for fluid levels to be low. You should check all fluid levels when buying a used vehicle. Especially one 30 years old. Differentials, transfer case, transmission, brake fluid, blinker fluid, everything....
Going to check levels this weekend. If it’s low and If I get the atf for my exact transmission from napa, can I just too off or is there a risk of mixing different fluids / do i need to flush the entire system and replace?
It's not a big deal to check it. Pick somewhere flat after driving it and pull the dipstick. If it's low, you've found your problem. If it smells or looks burnt, you probably need to plan on doing a change. Topping it off is fine for normal operation, just use the correct type.
I'm going to be the one to say it.
Your truck is 32 years old with an unknown history. Are you planning on driving it until it just dies and then setting it on fire?
Change the freakin' fluids and do some basic maintenance or this thing will leave you stranded.
My first cruiser was a fj62. I parked it nose down on a steep hill and started walking away. I noticed the cruiser was slowly walking down the road. It would move like a 1/4 turn of the wheels than stop than roll again. I was able to jump inside and stop it.
I figured this is why they teach you how to park special on steep hills in drivers ed.
If your parking facing uphill turn the steering up up and away from the curb. If your parking facing downhill than turn the wheel into the curb.
I'm going to be the one to say it.
Your truck is 32 years old with an unknown history. Are you planning on driving it until it just dies and then setting it on fire?
Change the freakin' fluids and do some basic maintenance or this thing will leave you stranded.