Tacoma DC 4x4 tranny

[Natedogg]

The transmission in my 2001 Taco Doublecab 4x4 just shit the bed. 152,000 miles.

#1. is that something others have heard of? I was under the impression that Tacos would go 300k without too much other than brakes and oil.

#2. they quoted me $3500 for a new tranny, and said don't do used on a 4x4. Not sure if this price includes work they've already done (originally thought it might just be a solenoid), or if that's just the tranny work. Sound high? Sound ok?

Thanks

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

Sounds pretty high to me. I think you could find a decent low mile unit in a wercking yard for less than $1000. You might even be able to get them to install it for you too if they're squared away. At worst, one of their guys will probably do it on the side or refer you to someone who will. Regardless, if the truck is out of warranty there's no sense paying dealer prices for repairs unless it's something extremely vehicle specific and requiring special tools. Even then...

As far as the Tacoma going 300K - yes. The transmission, no. Unfortunately there isn't an automatic transmission on the planet that will go that long without constant babying. Unfortunately that's the price you pay if you want to drive the double cab.

[Conundrum]

Is it an automatic. I've heard the sticks go a lot longer than 150k. $3500 sounds steep. And yes, don't go used on a 4x4 if you want that mechanic working on your pickup. You can use used stuff.

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

DCs were available with auto only. Blah. Which is precisely why I didn't buy one.

[Conundrum]

^^^^ Lame

[RootSkier]

You mean the pre 2005 Tacoma double cabs weren't available with a stick, right?

Because the new ones are.

[Natedogg]

Sounds pretty high to me. I think you could find a decent low mile unit in a wercking yard for less than $1000.
As far as the Tacoma going 300K - yes. The transmission, no. Unfortunately there isn't an automatic transmission on the planet that will go that long

I called around and for a rebuild ~$3,000 seems to be the going price. Getting a used tranny goes closer to $1,500. I guess I don't understand the different options. Is it:

New: brand new, lotsa $$$$$
Rebuild/reman: used, but refurbished with 12/18 month, 12k/18k mi warranty
Used: from junkyard, lowest price, no guarantee or warranty

??

Glad to hear that a transmission will generally need to be replaced before the truck will go 300k. I'd like to drive this truck into the ground, and if I need a new tranny to do that, I'll do it. I'd rather spend $3k now and be fine for another 150k mi than to fuck around with used shit.

Yeah, all DCs from 01-04 were auto. Which totally sucks, but I wanted that truck. Do the newer DCs really come in manual??? Too bad they fucked up the design--now it's bascially a small Tundra (the new Taco) and the ginormous Tundra. Bye bye small truck.

BTW, anyone hear of this?
http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=95993

Pretty good deal for someone with that model truck!

[BLOOD SWEAT STEEL]

Yeah, YMMV. Out west, rolled/front ended 4x4 Tacos are a dime a dozen. New England? Prolly not so much.

I guess if you're gonna drive for the next ten years or so, buy the new unit with max warranty from the dealer and have them install it.

[MarsB]

I had to replace the tranny in my 00 Tundra a couple of years ago, and I've actually have the receipt handy. Rebuild for $2667 (parts $1256, labor $1260) at a transmission shop. 12mo/15K mile warranty.

I was just under 150K when it went, fwiw. Sticks are great, but if you do any towing AT is where it's at.

[Kski]

In general... a Quality rebuild is every bit as good and sometimes better than a Brand new tranny.

Many rebuilders of 4x4 tranny's actually rebuild them better and stronger than stock... poke around on some Taco forums and see what rebuilder people recomend.

Oh... and dont go to the stealership!!!

[RootSkier]

Do the newer DCs really come in manual???

Yeah, a 6 speed. But it supposedly gets worse mileage and is rated for lower towing capacity.

[fez]

Yeah, a 6 speed. But it supposedly gets worse mileage and is rated for lower towing capacity.

but not if you want the DC with a 6 ft bed. those are auto only.

[Viva]

Nate, have a tranny oil cooler installed when you get the rebuild if you don't have one already. Heat kills auto transmissions. Yes, have a cracker jack rebuilder fix your baby and it will likely be better than stock.

Also, down the road, have the stealer flush the new tranny periodically, like every 2 years along with a brake system and cooling system flushy-poo. As far as basic maintenance goes, I found the stealership to be reasonably priced.

Although it is an auto, the Toyota autos have way better gearing than their fOrd counterparts. One can approach stick-like driving in a Taco. I still wish I had a stick, though.

[Natedogg]

but not if you want the DC with a 6 ft bed. those are auto only.

Well, obviously, I mean, why would you want it all? Sorry, I've had a few beers and am feeling sarcastic.

Nate, have a tranny oil cooler installed when you get the rebuild if you don't have one already. Heat kills auto transmissions. Yes, have a cracker jack rebuilder fix your baby and it will likely be better than stock.

Viva, my man, thanks for the advice. Although pardon my ignorance, but I'm not queuing in on the cracker jack rebuilder line. BTW, how do I find a good rebuilder? Everyone I ask says "oh yeah, I know a guy who does a great job!"

[FJ62]

You should post on the Tacoma forum and see if you can get a decent transmission specialist recommendation near you.

Rebuilding a spent automatic transmission is a work of art that few mechanics really perfect. So many parts and variables... I had to have a Seattle tranny shop rebuild my Nissan pickup's transmission twice. The first time it drove fine for about 20 miles then kept slipping out of gear. The second time worked but by this time I had been car-less for about two and a half weeks.

x2 on the tranny cooler idea... even if you don't tow it's a relatively cheap way to ward off having to do this quite so often.

[khakis]

Nate, the best way to find a good tranny guy is word of mouth. If you don't know any "car guys" go to some auto parts stores (not autozone or checker) and ask if anybody there could recommend someone. TTORA is also a good resource. Then call around. A lot. I recently had a transmission rebuilt and, considering the investment that is, essentially "interviewed" all the tranny guys I talked to. Make a spreadsheet to keep track of price/warranty/upgrade parts, and pay close attention to the vibes you get from people over the phone. A true tranny guy will want to talk your ear off about different problems he's seen with your particular tranny, and what he likes to do to fix the factory's shortcomings. This is the guy you want. And he will usually be cheaper than Aamco or the dealer.

[Viva]

Although pardon my ignorance, but I'm not queuing in on the cracker jack rebuilder line.

Crackerjack means first rate. Top quality. Someone who will do a great job and back it up forever...well, maybe not forever, let's just say for a reasonably long time.

Ex. "I'll only take my skis to Iceman's Snow Extravaganza because they've got a couple of crackerjack tuners there."

As others have mentioned, Tacoma Territory is a good plce to post your querries.

[El Chupacabra]

Cheap replacement on Reno craigslist:

http://reno.craigslist.org/pts/607460775.html

Now you just have that little issue of actually getting it home...

[Natedogg]

Thanks, guys. Good info. Cracker jack--I swear I've used that in a derogatory way before... ooops.

Cheap replacement on Reno craigslist
Now you just have that little issue of actually getting it home...

Heh, thanks.

[Flake]

The tranny in my 02 tacoma doublecab imploded last year. The rebuild came to a little shy of $4500 canuck bucks.

[Natedogg]

The tranny in my 02 tacoma doublecab imploded last year. The rebuild came to a little shy of $4500 canuck bucks.

Cheeseandrice... how many miles on it when it blew out? Did you have any modifications done to it, or get an extended warranty?

[tigerstripe40]

Having an auto tranny rebuilt properly by a reputable shop isn't going to be inexpensive no matter how you slice it. Automatic's have just SOOO many parts, and toyota stuff just isn't cheap.

[SuperChief]

Definitely get a rebuilt, and have the oil and filter changed every 60K with synthetic oil. There are also some additives that will get you a little more service life out of a tranny, Lucas is one that I've used to get my ford to stop shuddering between shifts.
Don't get a rebuilt from a wrecking yard, too many variables and the chance of getting something abused or damaged in a an accident flood or fire are not worth the 1000.00 you think you are saving. This only works for people who work on there own stuff.

If you are planning on keeping it another three or four years. The rebuilt will pay off. check and see if NAPA auto parts still sells re manufactured ones? then any greasemonkey can install one.

[tigerstripe40]

You can get a new transmission for about $1950.

check here: RIGHT HERE

[Natedogg]

Right on, thanks. Re: not being inexpensive--yeah, I'll pay the $3,500, but I want the damn thing to go for awhile after I sink that much loot into it.

You can get a new transmission for about $1950.

Wow. Is that BRAND NEW????
I guess then the question is: is a rebuilt tranny better than a brand new one?!?! I've heard that is the case...