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Toyota 4Runner 1996-2002 factory workshop and repair manual download

1) Symptom diagnosis (theory + what it means)
- Common synchro faults: grinding when shifting into a gear, hard/slow engagement, gear “notchiness”, or popping out of gear. These symptoms mean the synchronizer failed to match rotational speeds between gear and shaft before engagement — usually due to worn friction surfaces, damaged blocker/baulk rings, broken springs/keys, or excessive shaft/gear wear.
- Diagnose by noting which gear(s) are affected (e.g., 2nd only), whether problem happens cold or hot, and by test-shifting under light load. That localizes which gear cluster and which synchro ring is worn.

2) Prepare and plan (theory)
- Synchros live inside the transmission on the main/input/lay shafts and are integrated with the gear cluster and hub/sleeve assemblies. Access requires transmission removal or partial disassembly. Plan for parts: synchro kits (baulk rings, friction inserts, keys, springs), possibly hub/sleeve, bearings, seals, gasket, and fresh fluid.
- Theory: you replace the components that provide the controlled friction and mechanical centering needed to speed-match gears. If you skip replacing any worn mating surface, the symptom will return.

3) Remove transmission / gain access (theory + how it fixes the fault)
- Remove transmission from vehicle, drain fluid, strip external linkages and housings to reach gear cluster. You must physically disassemble to reach the failed synchronizer; there’s no external fix because the failure is internal.
- This step fixes nothing by itself but is mandatory to access the failed parts.

4) Disassembly to synchromesh assemblies (theory)
- Disassemble to remove the gear cluster and hub/sleeve assemblies. Keep parts organized and note orientation/stacking.
- Theory: the synchronizer consists of a hub splined to the shaft, a sliding sleeve, baulk (blocker) rings with friction inserts, and small keys/springs that index the sleeve. Disassembly reveals wear locations and damage.

5) Inspect wear and damage (theory + what to look for)
- Inspect baulk rings: look for worn/chamfered friction surfaces, heat discoloration, missing friction material, or broken ring ears. Inspect hub and sleeve: scoring, rounded engagement dogs, excessive radial clearance between sleeve and hub, bent or worn splines. Check small keys/springs for breakage and check gear teeth for chamfer/deformation. Measure bearings and shafts for runout and scoring.
- Theory: synchronizers rely on a consistent friction coefficient and correct geometric mating. Worn friction faces or damaged dogs prevent the ring from friction-locking the gear to the shaft before the sleeve engages, causing clash/grinding.

6) Decide repair vs replace (theory)
- If baulk rings/friction inserts and keys/springs are worn or broken, replace those parts (synchro ring kit). If hub/sleeve dogs are heavily rounded, sleeve splines are elongated, shafts are scored, or gear teeth are badly damaged, replace the hub/sleeve assembly or entire gear set / transmission as needed.
- Theory: friction surfaces are consumables; hubs/sleeves are hardened and can be replaced if worn beyond spec. Replacing only the consumables restores function unless the mating hardware is too damaged to hold geometry/tolerances.

7) Clean and prepare components (theory + why)
- Thoroughly clean gears, shafts, and housings, remove old lubricant and contamination, and inspect fit tolerances one more time. Replace bearings and seals if suspect. Deburr lightly only where specified; do not alter gear geometry.
- Theory: contaminants or old degraded fluid reduce frictional properties and can accelerate wear; new bearings/seals ensure correct preload and alignment so the synchronizer parts can operate within intended clearances.

8) Install new synchro components (theory)
- Fit new baulk rings / friction inserts with proper orientation, install new keys/springs, and, if needed, install new hub/sleeve assemblies. Ensure sleeve slides freely, that the blocker ring seats correctly on its cone, and that the dogs engage crisply.
- How this fixes the fault: new baulk rings restore the friction surface and cone geometry needed to bring the gear and shaft to equal speed before the sleeve locks them. New keys/springs keep the sleeve indexed and permit controlled engagement; replacing worn hub/sleeve restores positive dog engagement and removes excess clearance that prevents reliable locking.

9) Check clearances and endplay (theory)
- Verify shaft endplay, gear lateral clearances and that the sleeve-to-hub axial/radial clearances are within service limits. Replace shims or bearings as necessary to restore specs.
- Theory: excessive endplay or misalignment prevents the sleeve and ring from making consistent contact, negating the benefit of replaced synchro parts.

10) Reassemble transmission and bench-test (theory + verification)
- Reassemble gearbox, refill with correct spec fluid, and on bench (or when installed) cycle the shifting mechanism through gears, checking for smoothness and no grinding. If possible, bench-run the input and output under simulated load to verify synchro operation.
- How this fixes the fault: verification confirms that speed matching and dog engagement now occur reliably; bench-testing catches remaining issues without risking vehicle damage.

11) Install vehicle, final adjustments, road test (theory)
- Reinstall transmission, reconnect linkages, adjust shifter if needed, fill to proper level, and road test across the rpm/load range and temperatures to confirm repair. Monitor for noise, slip out of gear, or return of symptoms.
- Theory: synchros depend on actual operating loads and temperatures; a successful road test proves restored friction behavior under real conditions.

12) Root-cause considerations and prevention (brief)
- Causes: low/contaminated/incorrect fluid, aggressive driving, missed maintenance, or inherent wear. Use correct spec lubricant and change at intervals; avoid abusive shifts that force-dog engagement without synchromesh.
- How prevention fixes future faults: correct fluid maintains friction characteristics and temperature control; proper use extends synchro life.

Summary: The mechanical theory is that synchronizers match rotational speeds via a friction cone (baulk ring), then a sliding sleeve locks the dog teeth. Repair replaces the worn friction surfaces, springed indexing parts, and any damaged hub/sleeve or bearing geometry so the cone can re-establish controlled frictional speed matching before the sleeve engages—eliminating grinding and hard shifts when tolerances and friction are restored.
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