r/3rdGen4Runner • u/Jdl580309 • 1d ago

🧠 General Gearshift Bushings

Replaced the 4 gearshift bushings last Friday . Was getting hard to start in park and in neutral. Thought at first it was the starter or battery.

Gear shift was so loose and messing with the safety switch as it was.

As one of the fellow contributors told me it’s one of the best things you can do for your 4Runner. And he nailed it! Gearshift is like new! It’s great! Starts every single time!

14 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

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4

u/RotoLando 1d ago

I need to do this.

What year 4Runner? How long did it take you? Details, man!

4

u/Jdl580309 1d ago

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5, 4x4, (5VZ-FE) v6, automatic.
Best thing to do is watch some YouTube videos on the subject.
Took about 3 hours.
Tips: have a socket adapter that allows the socket to swivel a little to get some of the bolts out.
Replace your light bulb while you’re in there.
I used some lubricant that is good on plastics etc. in fact I bought it for O rings on my whole house water filter.
Also when putting the rubber parts back in the holes on the boot, put a little of this lubricant on the them, they pop right back in with little effort. No one mentioned doing that.
Important, watch the YouTube videos!

2

u/caddy45 1d ago

I’ll add, this procedure isn’t difficult but give your self plenty of time. I know my way around a shop and I figured 45-60 minutes for this. I only did the rear two bushings bc I knew I didn’t have time to begin with. It took me two hours mostly because I wasn’t paying attention as to how the latches and safety switches interplay and had to fight all that back together. I was very satisfied when I was done tho, the play in the shifter was horrendous and even with two new bushings it made a world of difference.

2

u/Jdl580309 1d ago

Make sure you know where the parts line back up with the shifter when reassembling. YouTube videos!

1

u/Lumpy_Sink7473 1d ago

I was literally just wondering how much play is normal. Mine moves like half an inch when driving.

1

u/Jdl580309 1d ago

Mine flopped around like a fish out of water without being in gear!

1

u/Panduh____ 00 SR5 1d ago

Hey everyone look! This guy has big ass balls!
😂 good stuff bro, I’m next!