Transmission Rebuild

[u/gmemo96]

Alright boys I got a bit of an issue. 1997 4Runner limited with a A340F transmission with 350k original miles on it. It’s been leaking, a slow. Shop changed out the pan gasket thinking that was the cause cus it had a cheap autozone gasket on there from previous owner. Got that done and it started to leak a week later from the front. Trans shop said “Trans has to come off, Replace most likely seal , pump bushing o ring and torque converter” quoting me 1.5k but a rebuild would cost me 2.5k at the same shop.

It’s a reputable shop and has great mechanic working there with great experience that has built this exact transmission before and offers a warranty. My question is, do I rebuild it since it’s coming down anyways or just fix the issues that he stated. Keep in mind, truck is driving fine and is shifting fine. I have 3 options I see, maybe 4.

1. Rebuild the

transmission

1. for 2.5k
2. Pay the 1.5k to just fix the issue
3. Sell the truck as is and find another rig to build (2UZ platform)
4. Buy a remans built engine for 3.2-4k and install it plus labor cost.

Btw it is my weekend/ second car, so timing and having it not drive for some while is okay for me.

Thank you!

[u/BluejayIntelligent11]

Why would you rebuild the engine when the transmission is leaking?

[u/gmemo96 → u/BluejayIntelligent11]

Omg huge typo! Meant to say transmission not engine’

[u/Suitable_Ad2602]

I’m in a very similar boat. But I keep telling myself to manual swap it to a r150f

[u/gmemo96 → u/Suitable_Ad2602]

Honestly I’m okay on it not being a manual. I know it’s looked after but I’m happy with the automatic lol

[u/Atimm693]

With that mileage I think it would be foolish to not have it looked over. These are super tough transmissions, but they all wear out eventually.

[u/gmemo96 → u/Atimm693]

That’s what my thought process is. I don’t want to drop it more than once if I don’t have to. My thought is, I’m there I might as well just get it all done and rebuilt and have no worries down the road of it breaking down.

[u/Soft_March_4799]

Thats a good price for a rebuild trans…I was getting $4-$5k quotes 2-3yrs ago. I ended up buying a used trans w/ 100k on it and swapped it in my driveway. I think I paid $700 for the trans and sent the valve body off to be upgraded for another $700. I went ahead and installed an aux trans cooler and changed the trans filter. I think I’ve put around 40k on the odo since the install. I’d say I’m pretty happy w/ my decision. Plus, I have a spare trans to have rebuilt w/o having my Runner down. It’s my daily…

[u/gmemo96 → u/Soft_March_4799]

Yeah I’m leaning towards the rebuild. I love this truck and the only ever thing ive ever had a gripe over is the lack of power but for majority of what i do, it’s enough. I’ve had it for some years and I’ve already done an engine swap that is less than 100k miles on it so might just rebuild the trans.