Transmission

[goatfarmer]

1990 T4r, SR5 package, auto 4x4. Regardless of which position the selector is placed it's a no go. Checked the shift linkage and as best as I can determine appears okay??

Imagine faced with same/similar issue as other 'classic' T4r owner's, with 210 K how much is one willing to go? Otherwise the 4 runner is in fairly good condition but never know what issue is going to surface next.

Average mechanical skills, primarily on 60's vehicles. Before getting over my head, figure I would see if member's would offer advice? Not sure I am up to the job, spoke with local shop who mentioned it could be an issue with the transmission, or the 4wd unit, don't believe I have the experience to determine? If a 'do it myself' removal figure run at least $1000? Another option, swapping it for a replacement? There's always the salvage yard who offered me $41 and will tow the 60 miles for free. :Cry:

Comments/Suggestions appreciated.

 

[magnet18]

good grief you'd be insane to scrap it for $40, especially if it's in decent shape

worst case scenario sell it for at least a few hundred to someone looking for a project

 

[KidVermicious]

Did anything happen before you lost drive? Was the clutch slipping? What does your tranmission fluid look like?

If you can't isolate it to a specific component, swap the entire unit for a junkyard trans. I see A340Hs on car-part.com in California starting at $400, and if you find a guy parting out or swapping to a five speed you could probably pick one up for half that. Dropping and replacing a transmission isn't the easiest repair on a truck, but it isn't scary and you don't need any special skills. If you can put a wrench on a bolt, you can drop a transmission.

 

[goatfarmer]

For past few months, automatic transmission would hesitate shifting until the engine reached normal temperature, otherwise, no prior signs of a problem. A few days ago backed the 4runner approx. 50 ft. and went to pull forward and it would not move. Used a come-along to move the vehicle forward about 20 ft and to my surprise drove with no problem. Next day drove around town approx. 80 miles with no issues, returned home and parked, next day, have not been able to move since?

Mentioned replacing entire unit, are U referring to both the trans, and 4 wd as a unit? Noticed the drive shaft spins with the axle to the trans/4wd unit with selector lever in park position. Problem with not knowing what I am doing end up removing/disassembling components that have nothing to do with the problem.

There's particular Ca. salvage yard located thru-out Ca. where one can search for a particular year, model, make where a list of the location, date it was planted, problem it is a crap shoot; in my case, travel several miles to find trans already been salvaged. Considering looking for a rebuilt, or check on the cost of having existing rebuilt?

Appreciate the input!!

 

[goatfarmer]

For past few months, automatic transmission would hesitate shifting until the engine reached normal temperature, otherwise, to prior signs of a problem. A few days ago backed the 4runner approx. 50 ft. and went to pull forward and it would not move. Used a come-along to move the vehicle forward about 20 ft and to my surprise drove with no problem. Next day drove around town approx. 80 miles with no issues, returned home and parked, next day, have not been able to move since?

Mentioned replacing entire unit, are U referring to both the trans, and 4 wd as a unit? Noticed the drive shaft spins with the axle to the trans/4wd unit with selector lever in park position. Problem with not knowing what I am doing end up removing/disassembling components that have nothing to do with the problem.

There is Ca. salvage yard network where one can search for a particular year, model, make and a list come up with local yards comes up with the day the vehicle was planted, problem it is a crap shoot; in my case, travel several miles to find trans already been salvaged. Understand they will pull an item for customer, not sure if worth swapping a salvaged trans or whether it would not be better replacing with rebuilt, or having existing gone thru??

Appreciate the input!!

 

[KidVermicious]

Mentioned replacing entire unit, are U referring to both the trans, and 4 wd as a unit?

Yes. You don't have to, but the A340H has an integral transfer case that would make it a pain to take your transfer case off and add it to the new transmission. I'll bet you $5 every used transmission you find for sale will have the transfer case with it.

There's particular Ca. salvage yard located thru-out Ca. where one can search for a particular year, model, make where a list of the location, date it was planted, problem it is a crap shoot; in my case, travel several miles to find trans already been salvaged. Considering looking for a rebuilt, or check on the cost of having existing rebuilt?

Appreciate the input!!

Having your setup serviced or buying a rebuild will run more than a thousand, probably a lot more. Again, hit car-part.com to find one in a junkyard near you, pulled and ready. Or check your Craigslist/classifieds for guys parting out trucks. Try the Marlin Crawler forum too, most of those guys are in California and you might find a used transmission near you that way.

 

[HanginInUtah]

I think I happen to know exactly what you're dealing with.
I had a '92 with 240K miles. Trans did the same thing.
Cause: The A340 works with the transfer case, (which is hydraulic like an automatic transmission) and there is or are tab(s) on a drum in the transfer case that has to hold stationary for the output shaft to turn. Once those tabs start to slip or break off, the drum spins with the output of the transmission, and the output from the transfer case to the rear axle stops. Cold transmission may still drive a little, but I found with mine if I went on the freeway for 5 minutes, it would stop moving. I could drive around town up to 40 for a half hour or more.
Solution: rebuild the tranny for around $1500, not including removing and replacing. Or, I picked up a used tranny for $300 from a yard 45 minutes to the south of me. They're out there. But that doesn't include remove and replace.
Or, sell it to someone who wants a project and knows they get to replace the transmission.

 

[Chuckles89]

A transmission at the junkyard I go to is $88....

 

[goatfarmer]

I think I happen to know exactly what you're dealing with.
I had a '92 with 240K miles. Trans did the same thing.
Cause: The A340 works with the transfer case, (which is hydraulic like an automatic transmission) and there is or are tab(s) on a drum in the transfer case that has to hold stationary for the output shaft to turn. Once those tabs start to slip or break off, the drum spins with the output of the transmission, and the output from the transfer case to the rear axle stops. Cold transmission may still drive a little, but I found with mine if I went on the freeway for 5 minutes, it would stop moving. I could drive around town up to 40 for a half hour or more.
Solution: rebuild the tranny for around $1500, not including removing and replacing. Or, I picked up a used tranny for $300 from a yard 45 minutes to the south of me. They're out there. But that doesn't include remove and replace.
Or, sell it to someone who wants a project and knows they get to replace the transmission.

Great info!! I am beyond the scope of being totally in the dark. Contacted a couple of local yards; if understand correctly, the transmission and transfer case are separate; they quoted me $900 for the tranny, and $400 for the transfer case?? Wonder if I should take a shot in the dark and remove the transfer case, does not seem it would be as involved as removing it and the transmission. Assume there's a way of testing the transfer case, if found faulty then faced with decision whether replace, rebuild, or sell 4runner as is. Likely salvage more by parting out not sure how long family willing to put up with the carcass?

Again, I thank U's all!!

 

[goatfarmer]

A transmission at the junkyard I go to is $88....

The salvage yards in my area are approx. 70 mi's round trip, which I do not mind; problem is traveling the distance and not finding the part. The price list shows they charge $99, plus $29, which assume is for the return policy?? Attempted to cal local Pick N Pull yards, either do not answer, or constantly busy?

Did contact the local 'no pick' salvage yards and got a $900 quote??Seems pricey but when do not have a clue they can charge what they want because they apparently think they can?

Thank you!!

 

[HanginInUtah]

I'm not sure how easy it is to separate them. You could try on yours, since it isn't all that good anymore.
And make sure you check your local online sales sites. Here in Utah, we have ksl.com classifieds that a lot of people use; or craigslist; or whatever works for you. I've seen transmissions available locally at times, when someone wants to get it out of their garage or sell their projects, or piece out a wreck.

 

[KidVermicious]

If you're thinking pick and pull yards, try row52.com. They've got a service that puts you in touch with guys local to the yard - if you find the right truck, toss one of those guys $5 to see if the transmission is there. That way you know before you go and you don't waste a couple hundred miles. Or if you don't want to pull it yourself, see if you can arrange for one of them to pull it for you.

 

[goatfarmer]

If you're thinking pick and pull yards, try row52.com. They've got a service that puts you in touch with guys local to the yard - if you find the right truck, toss one of those guys $5 to see if the transmission is there. That way you know before you go and you don't waste a couple hundred miles. Or if you don't want to pull it yourself, see if you can arrange for one of them to pull it for you.

Row52.com, great site, I thank you!!

Not only a parts search engine but they offer what the sight refers to as 'parts pickers', there are a couple of individuals in my area. I doubt they will pick the items for $5; however, if reasonable might as well inquire if they will remove the old and install replacement? Now it is a matter of getting off my backside and making a decision.

Again, thank you for the source!

 

[russman]

I have found that the A340h transmissions are extremely easy to come by, and most are dirt cheap. Doing a replacement tranny may in fact be a far, far less time consuming project than dismantling what you have to problem solve the issue.

In fact, I have one sitting at my house that is in perfect running order! Came out of my 93, and just haven't done anything with it. I honestly can't even get $200 for it, because they are so plentiful in Washington junkyards..

Just my 2 cents...

 

[goatfarmer]

Unfortunately not familiar enough with the transmission/transfer case removal/install to make a decision? These ole 70's bones have been crawling under these 'classic' vehicles for more years than want to admit to. Most recent thought is to move the vehicle to the bottom of the turnout where it is accessible, call 'road service' and have it towed to shop who charge 1/2 hours labor for an assessment and quote for repair. I will then be faced with the dilemma of whether to have them repair, 'do it myselfer', using the itemized repair sheet, or tow it to the closest bone yard.

 

[goatfarmer]

Thought I found an individual who would be able to diagnose and repair my transmission problem, not, but lesson learned??

I am currently have a serious debate with myself whether to attempt a 'do it myself' removal and install. I came across this website and thought I would check whether familiar with this company; delivered runs approx. $950 with a 1 year warranty; definitely discuss with them any disclaimers. Also, if understand correctly, the transmission and transfer case are integrated, that is come as a unit and not separate?
Thank You

Another option: Less labor intensive, but in my view, a major hit to the pocket book is take the 4runner to a transmission shop, they will assess and charge for 1/2 to 1 hour labor diagnostic; based on description est. between 2-3 k for repair. The 4r will only drive in the 4wd L position, rather than risk further damage, if decide to go the shop route, will have it towed.

Comments/Suggestions appreciated!!