Torque Converter and Transmission Questions: To rebuild or not to rebuild?

The truck: 2003 Tacoma TRD double-cab 3.4l 5VZ-FE A340F w/ 165,000 miles

The Issue: Bought my first Tacoma about 10 months ago. Of course, I didn’t hear it while I test drove it, but there is a whining noise coming from the transmission area. It is most noticeable in 1st and 2nd gear. Higher speeds and road noise drown out the sound, however it is still there. Also happens in reverse. It DOES NOT make any whining sound when just revving the engine in Park. I recently installed a scan-gauge and have noticed the trans temp rise to 210-215 several times while going up longer incline roads in the Poconos. Nothing crazy at all, just mountain roads. Mind you this is just road driving, in 2WD and the outside temperature was around 40-50 degrees. After taking it to a few local shops and doing some extensive research on this forum, I believe that the whining is coming from the torque converter. Thinking maybe a bad bearing. I took it to Toyota, and they told me they won't even touch it since they would have to just replace the entire trans assembly.... which is discontinued. I just got back from a highly rated Transmission shop here in Lancaster, PA. He gave me some numbers...and now I have tons of questions!


The Options:

1.) Remove transmission and replace with aftermarket torque converter ~$2300-2500

2.) Remove transmission and replace with OEM torque converter (32000-35150) ~$3300-3500

3.)Remove AND rebuild Transmission with aftermarket torque converter ~$4000-4500

4.) Remove AND rebuild transmission with OEM Torque converter ~$5000-5500


The Questions:

1.) Are these prices fair? I understand this is an in-depth job, just never had transmission work done before so just feeling it out.

2.) The torque converter is being done regardless. Does anyone have any experience with aftermarket torque converters? I have seen some people mention the Transtar Recon TC.I’ve also heard that the after-market TC heats up quicker.Is this something I should definitely stick to OEM with or are there comparable alternatives for better prices? Looks like an OEM will come out to around $1000. The Transtar recon is around$250.

3.) Someone told me once that the 03 and 04 3.4 TRD had a unique TC. He said the part number was 32000-35150. All of Toyota part websites seem to have conflicting info about the vehicle fitment. Can anyone confirm that this is my part number? 2003 Tacoma TRD double-cab 3.4l 5VZ-FE A340F.

This is what I believe I need....

https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota....atic-transmission-torque-converter-3200035150

4.) Is it worth having them rebuild the transmission while it is down? Any reason why you wouldn’t put a new torque converter in with an original trans? When does a normal transmission usually need to be rebuilt? I know 165,000 is relatively low considering how long these trucks can go for, so I'm not 100% sold the transmission should be rebuilt. Obviously, peace of mind would be nice though. It will cost anywhere from an additional $1500-2200 for them to do the rebuild while they have the trans down for the torque converter, but of course there is a possibility that it's not even necessary.

5.) What would YOU do?


THANK YOU for taking the time to read this, and all input or comments are very much appreciated!

 

Wowww those are some numbers dude!

 

Are you physically able to work on a truck? ( not being a dick some people have physical impediments) if so this is a job that can be completed with the truck being on its 4 tires. The torque converter should be about 200 and some bucks and could be completed with basic tools and a transmission Jack in a couple of hours. I have seen a bunch of PA dudes in the forum.

 

Hey Ricardo! No offense taken!! Yes, I would say that I am physically able to work on her. I've done LBJ, brakes, several oil changes, and whole lotta cleaning and fluid filming over the past several months. Taking on valve cover gaskets this summer at some point.

 

And yea......they certainly are!!

 

Dude you should be able to tackle this no issues. No special tools are required.

https://youtu.be/uqrDQyKAqSk In here’s it briefly shows the steps, again it an easy task. It could be intimidating but simple non the least.

 

Just swapping out the TC, right? I'm not sure i'm ready to rebuild a transmission...

 

Whoops, sorry i didn't see the rest of of your reply! Interesting....I never really considered it. I just figured transmission work was a little out of my league. I'm going to look into that now!

 

Correct me if I am wrong but the issue you have is the whining noise, shifting still smooth? No grinding noises or nothing crazy?

 

Exactly. Shifts like butter and there are no unwanted sounds besides the whine. I took this video a while ago. You can kinda hear it at the end... not the best video though.

IMG_4014.MOV

 

Private clip, recommend you to upload as a private clip to YouTube and share the link here. Does any of the noise changes as you cycle your 4wd?

 

IMG_4014.MOV < that should work now!

No different sounds besides the quick buzz from the actuator. Still makes the whining when in 4WD. I actually haven't tried 4L yet though..

 

So yeah, it absolutely is an involved process to pull the transmission which has to be done to replace the torque converter. Are they inflating the price? Probably. Still, it's involved so it will be pricey. Basic tools and lots of drive extensions (lol) and you can remove the transmission yourself.

If replacing the torque converter, stay away from aftermarket and only replace with OEM. Make sure it is the exact same part# as the one which came out of yours. Use your VIN over @ partsouq.com and drill down to the transmission/TC to get the correct part# or call a couple of parts departments and see what they tell you.

My number one question is - Why do you suspect its a problem with the torque converter?

Have you checked the fluid level/fluid condition? Perhaps due a drain and fill.

EDIT: Your check engine light is on. Pull the code(s) and post back with it.

 

Test it but it seems that the torque converter could be a little tired specially that shifting is smooth. @gearcruncher could share some knowledge. Again I’m more used to the A750(2nd gen platform)

 

He’s basing his decision based on what the specialty shop and the dealer told him. I posted the aftermarket for him to be informed what’s the price range for that route. OEM all day if possible once you know 100% what’s the issue.

 

Hey Mike! Thank you for the response. My reason for suspecting the torque converted first started when I noticed how the whining sound directly correlated with my increase of torque and rpms. The whining is the loudest in 1st gear.

Then I saw this post...https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/winding-noise-when-accelerating.628556/#post-27503747. Same exact sound mine is making. @potatotaco7 mentioned that replacing the TC fixed the problem. However he also had his transmission rebuilt so i guess that doesn't nail it down....

The sound is also noticeably coming from that area. The first shop I took it to thought it might be a clogged pump...however the two other shop I have taken it too ruled that out and suggested torque converter. The shop I just got back from today specifically suggested the TC bearing.

Fluid level is good and it looks clean. No glitter. I haven't done a drain and refill yet, but was thinking about dropping the pan this weekend and taking a closer look inside.

Funny you say that yes it DID come on a few days ago. Just a week before inspection (almost made it all year!), but its everyone's favorite P0171. The whining issue has been present since i purchased her this past June.

And thank you for that website! I'll definitely be bookmarking that

 

yep, and we know all too well what that usually means lol. I wonder, did they stall test?

Watching the video, I can hear a little whine but honestly, its hard to pick out. @Tacojoe68 has the carrier bearing (drive shaft) been replaced? Only reason why I ask is if that CB is a little misaligned you can hear funky noises. I installed an aftermarket driveshaft and the thing had some cheap import CB. I immediately "heard" a difference. Ended up replacing it with a Spicer CB and guess what? No more weirdness. I'm not saying what you are encountering is related to the CB but I mention it because other things can cause noises.

First, pull any codes and update the thread.

Also check your trans fluid level. If you are unsure how -

• check cold with engine off. It should be within the COLD range on the dipstick. If it is over the COLD range then you have too much fluid in it. Under the cold range you need to add.
• Start up the engine, cycle the gear shifter through all the gears and put back in park. With the engine running, check again. If its now off the dipstick, add until its in the cold range. Once in the cold range, go drive until you get it up to operating temp.
• Once at operating temp, check again (with engine running). Should now be within the HOT range. If its not, add until it is. Again, be careful. You do NOT want to overfill.

 

Yea i'll give 4L a little love this weekend and see how that sounds. I'm very grateful for your contribution, brotha!

 

This is as accurate as it gets.

 

Decisions... Yeah, I don't know. I would love to give a solid suggestion but can't.

I just converted my PreRunner to 4WD and my 165k mile A340E had no issues. The A340F I swapped in came from a 1999 4Runner with 160k miles. Both torque converters were the same part and I opted to risk it and keep the 4Runner's TC instead of swapping mine. No issues other than some weirdness with whining also but that ended up being the POS CB on the driveshaft.

Pulling the transmission is involved as I mentioned. You definitely want a garage to work in if possible. Jack stands weren't necessary but my truck does have the OME kit so there is a bit of a lift. A transmission jack is absolutely necessary. Will make life so much easier. Lots of extensions as well - getting to those bolts where the trans mounts up to the engine, extension city!

If you find yourself pulling it yourself, reach out to me via DM and I'll get you set up with some docs and my notes from when I did it. If you can have the taco down for a couple of days, do it yourself.
Oh, important to note - I'm in California so rust is a non-issue. If you're in the rust belt, you might run into problems