Hello All,

Ive had my very first 4Runner for about 2 1/2 months now, and I?ve been enjoying it. It?s a 2000 4cyl / 5speed 4x4 model with 84K miles. It?s replacing my 250K+ mile Accord daily driver, so I thought it to be a logical choice (plus, Ive always wanted one). Its in great condition and is completely stock except for the new set of 31 inch BFG All Terrains.

My question is directed primarily at 4cyl/5speed 4Runner and Tacoma owners and secondly at V6/5speed owners. Do these 5speeds tend to be somewhat noisy? I realize Im used to a front wheel drive car (5speed), but I tend to hear some gear whine. Unfortunately, I have nothing to compare it to since I was specifically looking for a 5speed model and I never drove any others.

But, thats not all. There is an additional noise that can only be heard for the first few minutes of highway driving, then fades away. It seems to be like a gear whine that you start hearing at 35 mph or so, and gets louder and higher pitched as speed increases. Its only effected by vehicle speed. Throttle on / off, clutch in or out, neutral or any gear, the noise is unchanged other then by vehicle speed. Once Im on the highway in the morning, the noise fades completely away after about 2 to 4 minutes of highway driving.

As a test, I put it into low range and shifted through the gears as if I were on the highway and I heard the same noise.

I recently changed the tranny / transfer case oil with AMSOil full synthetic gear oil (80-90) with no change in noise.

Im about to take it into a transmission shop near work, but I wanted some opinions before I do.

Any thoughts?

Thanks a lot,

Rob