Used transmission or rebuild?

Hey all,
So my transmission, an automatic 4-speed has finally bit the dust after 270,000 miles and I am looking to replace it. According to my research it is a A340H. I’ve been told not to get it rebuilt by a fellow 4runner owner because it won’t be of the same quality when it left the Toyota factory. Should I look into a used transmission instead of rebuilding it? Thanks for your help.

 

I have had several 340's rebuilt and they are fine.
Modern high quality clutches and steels are better than the factory used originally.
The addition of a " shift reprogrammer " goes a long way to improve both the performance and longevity of these units. Additionally an external ( post radiator) trans fluid cooler is a must. I also use a "feed side" magnetic and particulate filter.
Tim

 

Ok great thanks for your help. Any idea what the cost would be to have a shop rebuild it like that?

 

A reputable performance shop in south Houston charged me $1300.00 .
This included a new torque converter and a B&M reprogram kit. ( this is quite a bit more involved than a "shift kit" ).

 

Oh that’s definitely reasonable. I guess I’ll have to find another mechanic because my local one quoted me $2500 for the job

 

Find a good transmission shop. I never use the "chains" but rather find a good local performance transmission place.
Generally if it didn't go "bang" but started slipping its a heat related clutch problem and fairly easy to build back. HEAT IS THE TRANNY KILLER. That's why extra cooling is so important. Synthetic fluid helps but the cooler is the big thing.
Also flush the old fluid out when its time for a change rather than just draining the pan and refilling. The point is to replace the fluid in the converter as well.
If I have a converter rebuilt, i have them put 2 drain plugs (180 degrees apart for balance) in the converter housing. When I drain the pan I also drain the converter.
I would be more secure with a built unit vs a high milage unit of unknown history.

 

Yeah it slips but even when it’s cold. Reverse is especially bad and take take up to 10 seconds to engage the gear. I have had the trans oil temp light come on a couple times recently during normal driving as well. There is a metallic scratching noise at idle and pulling away from a stoplight that’s very noticeable and the truck absolutely hates rolling starts from 5 mph or so it bucks quite a bit. I recently had the transmission fluid changed and topped of, whether or not it is synthetic I have no idea. A full rebuild seems to be in the works, and I’ll get on that once it dies. I’ll look into adding some form of trans coolers as well. Thanks for all your help.

 

I would consider it dead....
If you push it you may get the unwanted "bang"....
Then things can get expensive.
Trying to save you some pain.

 

This may be a stupid question but why would waiting until it “goes bang” be a more expensive rebuild than if I get it done now? Isn’t everything going to come apart anyways?

 

Everything will come out and get checked. The replaceable/ consumables will be replaced.
My point was that if something get real hot/ worn/ broke from heat. It may come apart under pressure. Think of it like an engine.... If the bearings are worn out you can replace just the bearings. If a worn out bearing overheats and causes a rod to be thrown through the side of the block.... Much different repair scenario.
Something else to consider is, whether you rebuild or replace, your lines and radiator cooler need to be flushed of the trash before the "new" tranny is installed.

 

I was under the impression that if I were to have the transmission rebuilt they would replace all the internals as you would an engine rebuild but that makes sense if they don’t

 

There are internal parts that wear out and those that don't. Clutch packs for example have the seals and friction surfaces replaced but not the shafts and hubs and planetary gears (unless they're worn).
Everything is meticulously cleaned and examined.
Good luck whichever way you go.
Tim

 

Oh I see. I’ll err on the side of caution and just get it done now. I’ll find a reputable transmission shop and have it rebuilt. It seems to be the better long term plan since I hope to keep her around for a while. Thanks again for your help really appreciate it.
Cole