BrianV

What did those bushings cost labor and parts, I think that'll solve my little clunk right when I lift off the gas at low rpms (when the rpm needle falls fast)

Rice

The clunk that you are talking about is probably caused by one of two things (or both):
1. Transmission mount - about $50 from a dealer and around $30 labor.
2. Rear diff. bushing. There are three bushings that hold rear diff: two are horizontal located at the back of the diff accembly (I didn't touch those) and one is vertical (prevents diff from moving up and down). That's the one I changed. It consists of three parts. I only replaced the top bushing because, in order to replace the bottom one, the whole diff accembly must be removed. The top bushing cost $8 from a dealer and I did it myself - very easy.

Dealer: www.spartanmotormall.com -> Parts Catalog.
If you don't see the parts on one of the diagrams, call them and mention that this is internet pricing (much cheaper).
Good luck.

azari

My tranny does the same thing. When I just start the car up and after like 2 minutes start driving it (still kind of cold), as I reach the first stop sign in my neighborhood (150 yards away) and put my foot lightly on brake, there is a relatively noticable downshift to 1st gear. Since so many of you describe this same thing, I think it's normal. Probably has to do with the fact that the tranny fluid is cold. Anyone else experiences this?

azari

oh, forgot to mention; my car is a '91 with 74000miles

johnw

I've got a '95 with 116,000 miles. the transmission seems fine but the brakes do make a lot of popping sounds at slow speeds, especially in reverse. My dealer said he has a kit that could fix the problem. It consists of things that look like small stids that are inserted into the brake pads, but he said in about 10,000 miles the noise would return. Naturally I haven't bothered doing it.

If you do find a better solution, please post it.

Good luck,

Johnw.

pscmj

My '94 with ~80K miles did the same as described by many in this thread. The change back into 1st gear was noticeably abrupt when slowly coming to a stop for the first 10 minutes of driving or so. After that, it was very smooth and just about undetectable. Sounds like this is normal for these cars, especially as they age ... certainly nothing to worry about IMHO.

azari

Any cures, further information, and/or news about this particular transmission issue? Mine hasn't gotten worse or anything, however it's one of those things that until you're not told it's there, everything is fine... but once you find out it exists you notice it and start to worry (maybe the tranny is on the way out? maybe this or maybe that.... etc).
Any inputs will be appreciated.

johnw

My "95 makes the same noise. I took it to Lexus and a well respected import mechanic and they both said the same thing. Lexus sells a kit for the pads that will take away the noise but only for about 10,000 miles, then the noise returns.

If you find out anything new, please post it.

As far as the transmission, the only thing I notice is when I brake fairly hard I can feel it going from2nd. to 1st. The rest of the time it shifts great.

Johnw.