So I have a 1997 Toyota 4Runner and I just completed a transmission swap. I purchased a used transmission from Japan through an import company and installed it. The only thing the company knew about it is that it is off of a Toyota Hilux, they claim they do not know the year. It mounted up perfect, everything looks just like the original.

Now the problem is... I don't have a dipstick for it, and have no idea how much fluid it takes. I know quite a bit about these 3rd gen 4Runners, and despite the outside of the transmission looking the same, the amount of fluid and dipstick levels changed considerably throughout the generation. I can't take it to the Toyota dealer to run the VIN to find parts obviously, they also have no access to Hilux part numbers. Toyota's USA headquarters was no help as well. Both the dealer and the HQ have directed me back to the company that sold it to me, but they claim to have told me everything they know.

So I'm off to do my own research... The only things I have to go by are that it was taken from a Hilux and this picture of the writing on the side of the transmission: Imgur: The magic of the Internet

It's pretty tough to read so I'll translate best I can...

The imprinting at the top of the picture reads: "Aisin 8980 15"

The model number is: "30-43LE"

The number to the right of the model number is: "35000 60490"

The serial number I believe is: "96G E 01558", could also be: "95G E 01558"

The original transmission's picture: Imgur: The magic of the Internet

Once again, tough to read, I'll translate...

The imprinting at the top of the picture reads: "Aisin 8980 17"

The model number is: "30-40LE"

The number to the right of the model number is: "35000 3D550"

The serial number I believe is: "97D R 18244"

So clearly they are different, that's not a problem, it's just confirming that I need to find the correct dipstick. Now, how to find the right dipstick?

With a little research, Toyota A transmission - Wikipedia), I believe the 30-43LE is also known as the A343F and was used in the 4x4 Hilux Surf along with some other vehicles. So I need to find the dipstick for that model I think? Anyone know where to find a 1995 or 1996 Toyota Hilux Surf 4x4 dipstick? When I Google "30-43LE 35000-60490" this post also comes up: Toyota LAND Cruiser Prado 1996 [3500060490, *, *3500060490, *, *A343FA03B] : 54 000₽ "Catana Parts" | thats exactly what the transmission looks like. Maybe a 96 Prado Dipstick would also work?

Thank you all for reading, I posted this so that other people could check my work and ask questions. If you think you could help at all please let me know.

my dad has a 97 and I have a 2000. I am fairly certain our dipsticks are the exact same. We have an A3040F standard on the american 3rd gen 4runner. My guess is find a vehicle that has that trans from the factory and purchase a dipstick for it or pull it from the junk yard.

There are a few different part numbers for the dipstick. Depends on year, trim, CA emissions, etc.

You are right unfortunately, they are all not the same. I did just found a manual page claiming that the 30-40LE model (American 4Runners) and the 30-43LE (Toyota Hilux Surfs) are the exact same transmission, the 43LE just has a slightly higher final drive ratio. So I'm going to start looking around for a 96 4Runner with "AISIN 8980 15" written on the side of the tranny. Hopefully I need the same dipstick that one has that.

It would seem to me the trannies, 30-40le, 30-43le, A340f, AW4 would all use the same actual fluid level relative to the transmission internals. And that the difference in dipstick would be related to dipstick tube geometry and not actual fluid level.

It’s also been my experience that these importers say everything is out of a Hilux, but they really mean Hiace Van.

At this point you may want to reach out to Aisin directly and give them the information you have and see if they can come up with a part number for the correct dipstick.

Also, is your truck 4WD or 2WD? The 30-43LE tranny is for 2WD and the 40-30LE tranny is for 4WD (based what I found online) so I'm assuming your truck is 4WD. Did the transfer case bolt up fine? I was also under the impression that the 2WD tranny pan is smaller and hold less fluid but you said the two transmissions look identical.

Good luck

3500060490 Toyota TRANSMISSION ASSY, AUTOMATIC, Price: 5396.16$, Weight: 73kg - PartSouq - Auto Parts Around the World

35000 60490 is definitely the part number for the transmission itself.

Here is what I found:

The transmission you installed is PN 35000 60490 which was used on 2nd generation Land Cruiser Prado's

Buy genuine transaxle or transmission assy & gasket kit (atm) for Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2 generation 05.1996 - 06.1999 from Japan - Amayama

Scroll down to you see the exact PN.

That specific transmission uses Dipstick PN 35103 35340. Here it is: Buy genuine transmission case & oil pan (atm) for Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2 generation 05.1996 - 06.1999 from Japan - Amayama

I believe my research is correct but I offer no guarantees.

I’ll rephrase my original post.

I believe you will find the dipstick used relates to the upper section of the dipstick tube used (vehicle dependent) and or the tranny pan used (possible vehicle dependent).

I wouldn’t expect the tranny to include the upper dipstick tube or the dipstick. Or for the upper tube section and dipstick from another vehicle to fit well.

I tried to reach out to Aisin, they have a strict policy about not talking to the public and only speaking with companies. Yes it is a 4WD. Based on another message from a guy on reddit. There are 4 Transmissions we are talking about here the 30-43LE has a 2WD and a 4WD and then the 30-40LE has a 2WD and a 4WD. Turns out they are the exact same transmission, 4th gear just has a slightly different ratio. Their fluid capacities and everything are identical.

I believe you are correct as well. In my original post I linked a listing for a tranny out of a Prado in Russia. Looks the same to me, part numbers and all. Just did a search for that part number on the dipstick here in the states. Looks like it was the same dipstick used on the 3rd gen 4Runners with the 4cyl and the tacomas with the 4cyl over the same years.

I agree, I assumed my original would work since nothing is really different. But the reason I am second guessing so much is because my fluid level was actually dropping when the tranny was hot. I filled to the cold line when it was off, and then when I ran it, the fluid level would drop a few inches. That isn't how I understand it should work.

I just did some hunting around on that amayana link you sent. I think the part number you gave me was for the right hand drive or something. After I filtered by left hand and the 3.4. It had it narrowed down to just one part number, the one that comes in the American 4Runners. Awesome link, thanks man.

Have you laid your dipstick up outside the tube on your original tranny to determine fluid level, and then made the comparison on the new tranny to see if the dipstick tip lays at the same level?

I don't think it would be any different? The pan and everything are exactly the same.