QuestionMy 1986 4x4 4 Runner has a transmission problem. It slips out of fourth gear after accelerating to around 40 MPH when I let off the accelerator.
AnswerThis is an indication of worn shift forks, shift sleeves and or shifting hub and the fourth gear itself, to replace those the transmission needs to be removed and disassembled, at that time I recommend that all the gear synchro rings are also replaced.
I just remembered something else that may be the cause and is alot cheaper than repairing the transmission so you may want to check this first:
remove the shifter from the transmission from the top, remove the console if necessary and then remove the shift boot, to remove the shift lever press down on the retainer ring and turn it, it will pop out, there are two bushings that can cause gear disengagement on decel, one is on the end of the shift lever and one is inside the opening of the transmission, it's about two inches in diameter, it may be broken, if it is replace it with parts from the toyota dealer, this may help fix the problem, if the bushings are not the problem the transmission has an internal problem.
