Transmission: new or rebuilt, or rebuild mine?

[Skunkworks]

So I'm having issues that lead me to believe my torque converter isn't functioning properly.
I'm considering my options to get it fixed and looking for some advice. My 2000 4x4 Limited is solid and rust free. The engine seems strong and I plan to keep it for a long time yet. Current mileage is right at 260K.
Is it better to rebuild or get a new torque converter, or should I look at getting a different A340F swapped in?
If I swap, is it possible to get a new transmission or only a re-manufactured? And is a dealer sourced reman with a 1 yr warranty better than O'Reily or local parts shop with a 3 yr warranty?
Finally, where is a good source for one?


Any help or advice is appreciated.

 

[mtbtim]

I suggest you get a remanufactured transmission from Toyota. Remanufactured means all the moving parts have been replaced so you're basically getting a new transmission. Only the casing and other non-moving parts are reused.

There's a guy on Facebook that's doing some great things in regards to getting Toyota parts for people. Quite often, his prices are better than the well-known parts sellers like McGeorge Toyota and Toyota Parts Deal and his shipping fees are better. He only charges you for the actual cost of the shipping. He makes zero profit on the sales of the parts and zero on the shipping. He does one other amazing thing that nobody else does and that's offering his customers a lifetime warranty on the parts he sells.

The guys name is Joe. He goes my Joe Joe on Facebook. I've had a conversation with Joe over the phone because I was heavily doubting how he can offer people a lifetime warranty. After talking with him, I understand how he's able to do this. It's not my place to share his secret of how he's doing it, but the guy is legit. I have never heard one complaint about Joe, only praise. For any of you that are on some of the Toyota Facebook pages like 3rd Gen Mafia, you no doubt have heard Joe Joe mentioned many, many times when it comes to getting Toyota parts for a very fair price.

Joe lives in SoCal, in the Palm Springs area. The parts he sends to people come from a dealership in the Palm Springs area. There's times he's actually dropped off a transmission to someone to save them the shipping and the $1000 core charge.

You can contact Joe Joe by messaging him on Facebook. He's not the only one who responds to messages. He actually has people from Toyota with access to his account that are involved in giving people price quotes on the parts they need.

Here's Joe Joe's Facebook page: 登录 Facebook

 

[mtbtim]

Whichever way you decide to go to fix your issue, this video series will help you out.

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[Skunkworks]

Thanks, Tim.
I actually have a part on the way from Joe Joe. My first dealings with him, but I do see the praise others are offering up. I'll check with him.

 

[Clifford]

Hey guys- I have a BELOVED 2001 4x4 w 280k and the tranny just started whining bad- need a rebuilt but I want Toyota OEM quality. I cannot locate Joe Joe on FB and I actually live close to him. Please render a fellow Toyota lover some assistance!

UPDATE- 07/29/26 - Called a dealership and they said Toyota is no longer offering rebuilt transmissions for this 2001 4runner and most vehicles earlier than 2005. I am sad. Very sad.

 

[T4R2014]

Hey guys- I have a BELOVED 2001 4x4 w 280k and the tranny just started whining bad- need a rebuilt but I want Toyota OEM quality. I cannot locate Joe Joe on FB and I actually live close to him. Please render a fellow Toyota lover some assistance!

UPDATE- 07/29/26 - Called a dealership and they said Toyota is no longer offering rebuilt transmissions for this 2001 4runner and most vehicles earlier than 2005. I am sad. Very sad.

I believe Yota1 is the go-to source for an 01-02 transmission.

 

[calimobber]

Yeah I agree. i drove 8hrs to get my 2002 auto replaced by yota 1. only have 10k miles or so on it but its been great. 4k ish is not bad at all knowing its all oem quality parts and they do it all the time. Dont call a random shop who says...yeah i think i can rebuild that transmission, go to someone who focuses on toyota's.