My A340H Tranny is Toast... Where to find a REMAN Unit?

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

Now that I have recently spent over $7K on a new engine, lift, tires/wheels, rear diff, etc... My tranny is now toast.
It started slipping and the fluid smells BAD... and at only 205k miles... jeeze.

So, I figure... Why stop dumping money into it at this point? :banana: The transmission is one of the few driveline components left that hasn't been changed or rebuilt.

I am considering ordering a "remanufactured" transmission from a place called Transmissions Express. They seem to be the only place that I can find that currently remans the A340H. Anyone have any comments about these guys or any other ideas?

Here is a link...
Transmissions Express-Your One-Stop Source for Quality Remanufactured Transmissions - Toyota Transmissions

 

[KidVermicious]

Consider swapping to a manual. These autos are pretty reliable, but they suck. If that's not an option, consider finding somebody parting out or hitting a junkyard and getting a used one for $250 or so.

$1700 for one these slushboxes is just silly.

 

[TrueNorthist]

Check the torque converter. Odds are that is what blew up.

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

Consider swapping to a manual. These autos are pretty reliable, but they suck. If that's not an option, consider finding somebody parting out or hitting a junkyard and getting a used one for $250 or so.

$1700 for one these slushboxes is just silly.

It's not an issue of money as much as an issue of quality... I have located a used tranny/t-case with very low mileage for $500 but I just don't know about putting a used unit in my 4runner when I could have a remanufactured tranny/t-case.
That being said... I would put in a low mileage used unit before going with a rebuild.

Check the torque converter. Odds are that is what blew up.

My tranny still shifts normally but slips in all gears. Reverse has been very weak for a while now which tells me there was a low pressure issue. Even if a new converter solved the pressure problem... the clutches are burnt.

 

[Footofgod]

Consider swapping to a manual. These autos are pretty reliable, but they suck.

Ditto!!! A manual will make you like the 3.0 better. Swap time.

 

[Footofgod]

If you are not a mechanically talented person then a 2nd gen 4runner is not the vehicle for you.

Enough said.

 

[KidVermicious]

Enough said.

rofl

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

Nice one FoG! :lmao:

I would rather have a manual but I gotta stick with an auto because my wife drives the 4runner more than I do and she's against it.

 

[TOY2G]

Consider swapping to a manual. These autos are pretty reliable, but they suck. If that's not an option, consider finding somebody parting out or hitting a junkyard and getting a used one for $250 or so.

$1700 for one these slushboxes is just silly.

THIS GUY^^^^^^^^

Always telling people to dump the Auto because that is what he likes...:lol:

 

[Footofgod]

Nice one FoG! :lmao:

I would rather have a manual but I gotta stick with an auto because my wife drives the 4runner more than I do and she's against it.

Darn wives. I prefer a stick because it KEEPS my wife from driving it.

 

[KidVermicious]

THIS GUY^^^^^^^^

Always telling people to dump the Auto because that is what he likes...:lol:

I can only offer advice based on my own opinion . I've owned a 22RE auto, I've owned a 22RE 5 speed, and the difference is night and day.

But it's ok if you like your auto. I understand that shifting is hard for some people. :moon:

 

[TrueNorthist]

My tranny still shifts normally but slips in all gears. Reverse has been very weak for a while now which tells me there was a low pressure issue. Even if a new converter solved the pressure problem... the clutches are burnt.

Depends on how long and more importantly how hard you drove it with slippage. My TC failed 45kms up a logging road in 3 feet of snow after tipping on it's side. I righted it with the winch and drove it out slippage and all. But I drove it as easy as I could which was tricky. I pulled the tranny and took it to a reputable shop. He poked at it for a bit and suggested I just replace the torque converter, flush the tranny, change the filter, add 2 cans of Lucas and bolt it back in. That was 120,000kms ( and many fluid/filter changes) ago. The shift from 2nd into 3rd is a bit sloppy under power and there is a slightly longer delay shifting into forward but otherwise it is fine.

Yours may be worse but these things are pretty well built. Ya never know...

Regardless, all the best.

Edit: I should add that I have an auto for the very same reason as you. The Ministry of War and Finance can't drive with a clutch.

 

[txbonds]

Did you check here

Rebuilt Manual Transmission | Marlin Crawler, Inc.

 

[TOY2G]

I can only offer advice based on my own opinion . I've owned a 22RE auto, I've owned a 22RE 5 speed, and the difference is night and day.

But it's ok if you like your auto. I understand that shifting is hard for some people. :moon:

Well Played sir...Well played. :fencing:


I do Suck at wheeling a manual. :lookout:

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

Update:

Yesterday, over the phone, I purchased a "less than 50K miles" used tranny/t-case from JDM Engines & JDM Parts | JapanStarMotor in Arlington, Texas for $500.
We will inspect the transmission when it arrives and hopefully everything will look top notch.
More to follow.

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

I have been on a motorcycle trip to Utah but here is an UPDATE:

The tranny arrived and everything was NOT top notch. The tranny had previously been apart as evidenced by orange silicone at every seam and gasket location including the pans. Also - the converter would not fit correctly into the pump... not sure what that was about.
I made a phone call and sent the unit back. Turns out they didn't have another transmission to send either. It took over a week to get my credit card refunded but at least they were nice and polite about it.

I then talked to a French guy in Canada about a transmission that he had on E-bay with what turned out to be an "estimated" 36500 miles. That didn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling after the 1st unit turned out to be a dud so I declined.

I have since ordered a "low mileage" unit from JapanEngines in San Leon, California. I have purchased a used Camry tranny and a reman 3VZ-E from them in the past with good luck. I probably just should have tried there first but I was trying to save a few bucks.

Will update again when I know more.

 

[2ndGen4runner4x4]

UPDATE:

My 4Runner is back on the road again! The new tranny works great and I actually have reverse again! :rockon:

 

[RiFF RaFF]

UPDATE:

My 4Runner is back on the road again! The new tranny works great and I actually have reverse again! :rockon:

I'm sure you already have, but I'd get it professionally flushed, and filled. Did you change out the filter before installation? Also a heavy duty trans-cooler might be a good idea for a long and happy life. I have a Hayden Trans-Cooler I'm getting ready to install in mine. Don't want to replace a tranny anytime soon!

Treated right that transmission should be like the energizer bunny.

:surfer: