The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[AfricaOverlander]

I'm new to the diesel Cruisers, and recently obtained a 95 VX Cruiser with the 24v 1HD-FT turbo diesel. As most UK spec cruisers of that year are, it too is a manual. As I've learned, most Cruisers around the world are automatics, but Toyota apparently took a lorry gear box and put it into the UK spec Cruisers to help them sell. Not sure if that is fact or fiction, but maybe it will explain my problem.

I have a lot of trouble shifting into 1st and 2nd gear from the neutral position. Also, if I'm downshifting from 3rd gear into 2nd, it's quite a pain too. Sometimes I'm able to get in by double/triple clutching.

No manual gearbox in other vehicles I've driven did this unless there was some sort of problem, but I've heard that this may be normal.

Some guys are recommending changing oil weight and one even said to try ATF. I'm not sure about ATF, but does anyone have  shared experience with this issue that was rectified by changing the oil weight or type???

David

[Google]

[Roger Fairclough]

You need to check your clutch operation. Any drag will create g/change problems. I suggest you try changing gear without the engine running i.e. just sitting in the car. Don't depress the clutch. Now run the motor until the g/box is warm. Now turn the engine off and try changing gear as before. With a cold box, you should be able to select each gear OK---reverse may be tricky---and with a warm box, the change should be easier. Compare this to driving the car normally. If it is easier to change gear without the engine running, you probably have a clutch problem.

Please report back.

Roger

[AfricaOverlander]

Roger,

Thanks for the tip. I'll give it a go tomorrow.