Toyota Repair: 5 speed, synthetic gear oil, shift rod

Question
Hi Ted,  1994 4runner  v6  5 speed  4x4  105,000 miles

Trans is popping out of first & third gear, also some trouble shifting into 4th. The difficult thing to diagnose is that it doesn't happen all the time. We may drive 10 miles with no problems & then it will do it three times in one mile of stop & go. When it acts up its like the shifter wont go in gear as far as normal. The dealer drove it & it would not act up for them. They said drive it like it is or rebuild it for $1800. Once trans is out may as well replace clutch, more $.  The miles dont seem high enough to start having trans trouble. Could I try synthetic gear oil? Do 4runners have the bushings in the shifter that could be replaced? Would you have part # or could you fax me a page from the manual? Ted Thank you for your time. RC DiBiase

Answer
Your question about the shifter bushings is in the right direction and probably correct, these transmissions do not have any chronic internal problems with gears or sync rings etc.
Tell the dealer that you want the both of the shift rod bushings replaced, if they act like they don't know what you are talking about find another dealer that that can help you, DO NOT LET ANYONE TAKE THIS TRANSMISSION APART, there is nothing internally wrong with it, replace the shift tower bushings, let me know if you need more information.