Torque Converter Recommendations?

Hello, I am in the middle of ordering parts to rebuild my A340F and I am having a hard time finding a torque converter to use? A OEM from Toyota is about $1000, which seems pretty excessive. I am rebuilding the trans because I started getting some slipping on take-off so I didn't want to reuse my old one in case it is full of crap. Has anyone used a aftermarket torque converter that they recommend? I saw NAPA sells Pro-king branded ones but they are pretty cheap, like $150 and I cant imagine they are of any quality being that cheap. Anyone used a Pro-king before?

 

Also, this is the rebuild kit I was planning on buying. Has anyone used it or know if it is good quality? https://www.oregonperformancetransmission.com/product/OPT-A340-RB.html
Possibly @gearcruncher would know?

 

Wherever the tech gets his parts prob. has decent ones.

If you get a pick of stalls, lower is better for our engines.

 

Me and my grandpa are actually going to do it ourselves. He is a heavy equipment mechanic so he said he could rebuild it with the repair manual no problem but he doesn't know where to buy the parts since he doesn't do automotive very often. Hopefully someone here has been through this before and found a good one that isn't $1000 OEM.

 

Make sure that slippage is repairable. Mine was a damaged case. No rebuilding. $3k down the drain.

 

I don't know why it's not an option for the Taco. with the above kit?

It lists T100 and 4runner.

 

That's what I was wondering as well. I was under the impression that the 3.4l 4Runner and 3.4l Tacoma shared a torque converter. Earlier this morning I messaged the company to ask if it would fit a Tacoma. I guess we will see what they say.

 

I'd buy a used 03 or 04 before I rebuilt an 02 or newer. That planatary gear assembly is a time bomb.

 

Why not try a transmission shop ? Those guys use converter companies from the aftermarket every day . As long as you bring them your converter core , your going to spend about 300 bucks .
Try the transmission shop for the overhaul kit as well . Again about 300 bucks with better quality clutching , filters and a band .
There are common reasons why these transmissions start slipping in forward .
Send me a private message with your e mail and I will hook you up with a transmission repair manual .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sions-write-up-your-4-speed-automatic.325531/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transmission-coolers.526283/

 

Yeah, that's probably the best way to go I will call around on Monday. I just sent you a pm too, thanks for the help!

 

I put a Transtar Recon torque converter in my truck last year for the dreaded whining noise while in gear. It’s been about 17k so for so good. I got it through a friend that has a friend that owns a trans shop. It cost me $140.00 at a discount. They needed the old one to check the marks on it and for a core.

 

That’s so funny, I was doing research yesterday and it seems like Recon was the way to go. I’m waiting on a transmission shop here to get back to me with part numbers and prices of what they can get me. But depending on what they come back with I might go get a recon. Transtar has a location 30 minutes away with one in stock and they have a Transtec overhaul kit there as well. Thanks for your help!

 

Most aftermarket Torque converter companies can build you a custom torque converter that's spec'd to your truck

You would fill out a form such as this .....

 

According to that site you posted they offer them but like cruncher said buy a reputable transmission shop a pizza and ask them to order for you what they use. I plan on doing the same thing, pick up one in a boneyard and rebuild it over next winter. I also noticed in there that we can get ..... shift kits!!!! nice

 

No problem man, I saw your post and thought I’d share my experience. It was an affordable price for a great product, I certainly wasn’t gambling for a $1000 bucks with my truck. Good luck with your rebuild.

 

Thanks for everyone that helped out here, I ended up calling a local shop that recommended either a Transtar Recon, or a CVC torque converter. I went with the Recon since someone here had used one and had no problems. They also got me a Transtec gasket kit, Borg Warner band, and Raybestos clutch and steels. I also order a Transgo shift kit at the recommendation of @gearcruncher. Should be reassembling early next week when my shift kit comes in. My grandpa is making me a tool to remove the retainer springs as well that should be ready tomorrow.

Picture of cleaned and painted cases
(Don’t worry not rebuilding in my room took the cases home to paint. I am rebuilding everything at my grandpas shop.)

 

Grandpas are great. You are fortunate to have him.

 

Picture of the painted casing looks great . Excellent job so far .
Did you find out why the transmission was slipping in forward ?

 

I just reread my first post and see how that was worded incorrectly. I have a prerunner that the transmission is currently slipping in. This is a A340F I bought a few months back to do my 4wd conversion. (I have a post about the confusion with this as well ) I was going to use the torque converter from my A340E since this transmission did not come with a torque converter. But couldn’t since my A340E was slipping. So the new torque converter was a necessity. The rebuild of this trans wasn’t necessary required, the guy I bought it from said it worked fine. I just felt like it was the time to do it. And with the lock down it’s the perfect time to learn how a transmission works. While tearing this trans apart, I did find a crack in the oil pump though. I had a new one ordered that should be here next Tuesday.

 

Fantastic catch on the crack in the pump . it looks like there is a needle from a torrington bearing laying in that pump as well .
Considering you are going to be swapping to 4x4 , This thread should help
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transmission-swap-write-up-s.384303/