Just to bring you all up to date.
First, you all are going to thing I'm off my rocker. But, that said, after driving it a while, it seems that this 'whine' is kind of inconsistent and intermittent. To my way of thinking, a real gear whine is consistent, but I'm no technician. Maybe it's something else??
I'm almost thinking it's just the nature of the beast. It's just interesting that some report it and some don't or don't hear it.
I'm almost getting used to it, but never the less, I did go back to the dealer.
His remark was, 'You have a new transmission (not really, it factory remanufactured) and a new transfer case, we can't do anything more for you, it was our best
guess. You have a 5 year 60000 mile warranty'.
Gee thanks.
I did explain how it doesn't happen all the time now and you can imagine the look I got. They said bring it in when it makes the noise.
Also note, when I got the car back from the repair, it made only the very slightest whine and the repair order did say, some noise was noted and "Nothing wrong with vehicle".
So, it could be very well normal, but annoying.
For those interested, follow the thread at toyotanation.com that I referred to above.
Another note. Toyota is or has used two different transmissions in the Highlander. One with a dipstick and one without.
I wonder if there is any correlation. Mine has a dipstick.
Just a thought.