100 series shuddering rear

I posted a query back in April regarding a shudder when braking that didn't appear to come from either the front or rear end. I had some helpful suggestions regarding brakes and brake maintenance etc. After a couple of trips to Brighton Toyota the best I had achieved newly machined front discs and replaced front pads but still the problem occured. I then went to a brake specialist who said straight away not brakes, it must be drivetrain related.
After a bit of diagnosis Lane Toyota has identified the problem as the auto transmission torque converter failing to release as you slow down, causing the engine to mimic a stalling characteristic. The cause is a washer made from a "bakerlite" type substance wearing at a slower rate to the metal housing. It sounds as though this is a problem being more frequently seen in recent times. Toyota are apparently inconsistent in their approach to whether this is a problem that should be covered under warranty when the warranty period has expired. My 'cruiser is 2001 Turbo Diesel with 130000 on the clock. We are now waiting to see whether Toyota will asssist with funding the $1300 repair job.