Transmission Replacement on 2002 Tacoma TRD 4x4 Double Cab

Hi all,

My Tacoma is up to 302,000 miles and I'm just waiting for the transmission to go out. My fluid is darker than a desert night with a new moon and I want to get it changed out before something happens to me unexpectedly because I use the car as a daily driver and for every job I've ever had/majority of hauling firewood. Additionally, I replaced the motor at 287,000 due to a head gasket failure, replaced catalytic converter at 220,000, new fuel injectors, new bat, new tires, new brakes, new rotors, new drive belt, new serpentine belts, etc.- all in the last 40,000. Plus I invested the money in a supercharger so I already have what I want for hauling loads, so I want to keep the thing running to say the least...

The transmission is a A340F, can anyone point me to resources for finding a cheap replacement? While I'm at it, is there anything else I should replace along with the transmission?

I don't have the tools to make this DIY, but figured I could purchase them separately for a cheaper price and take it to mechanic to get the job done and save a little money.

To add- I'm in New Mexico if anyone has suggestions for parts. Thanks

Any help or suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks,
Trent

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

http://car-part.com has local results which may help. If you want a yard that sells online, check out Spalding Auto Parts in WA. I've purchased from them before. No bad experiences. https://www.ebay.com/str/spaldingautopartsinc or https://spaldings.com/

You're going to need to limit yourself to 2002 Tacoma A340s and 4Runner transmissions prior to the switchover to ETCS-I or,
you might be able to do a valve body swap. Check this thread for related information.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/converting-95-02-auto-transmission-to-03-04.591116/

When I replaced my transmission, I ended up dropping a 99 4Runner transmission in. With the T4R A340Fs you'll need to replace the Park/Neutral Safety Switch since the 4Runner has a different connector than the Tacoma (you can just swap over the tacoma P/N Safety Switch).

Be sure its from the same size engine as well since the bell housing is different on the 6cyl vs the 4cyl (starter motor location).

Finally, it's possible to do the swap yourself. Only specialty tools would really be just a transmission jack. You'll need multiple socket extensions to reach the bolts of the bell housing. There are enough videos on youtube to walk thru removing and replacing the transmission.

Also check the regional forum. You might be able to find a lead to a top notch local yard, reliable shop or even a MOD Day with other local TW members. Take a look -

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/south-west.41/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-mexico-owners-bs-thread.32579/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-mexico-flea-market-thread.186714/

 

Thanks for the help!

Think I found one that is barely used for cheap. Still don't have space or tools to do the transmission myself and not enough experience to try it either. Maybe some day... Will cut my cost drastically though ordering this myself.

 

Does your transmission work fine ?
Its normal for transmission fluid to turn light brown as the reagents in the fluid start to deplete .
Have you considered changing the transmission fluid ?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sions-write-up-your-4-speed-automatic.325531/

 

It works fine but it's black with metallic in it. Hasn't broken down yet, but coloration is bad enough that if I change fluid I think that might be the end. Just want to get ahead of it a find a cheaper one to purchase before this one goes out so I don't end up without a vehicle.

 

I made the mistake of buying it off the original owner saying he had serviced it regularly. Found out he only meant that he was changing the oil and that's it. Should've looked at trans fluid before the purchase.