Wow, I never saw this post..and neither did Marlin.
It's ok if you just want to discuss it here. You are 'checking-in' after all-
It sounds to me that your bearings are going out, but it could also be your carirer bearing (do 4Runners have two piece drive lines?) however 4th gear would wine also.....
so Im gonna go with its Bearings in your trans.
I'll get Marlin to check this out tonight-
BigMike