CenTexFlyer

Just snagged a little 92 4Runner with the problem of a slipping auto tranny. Did the usual checking of the fluid, FSM troubleshooting, and determined it was indeed in need of replacement. Found another A340H from a 94 4Runner (actually got the whole truck for $350!) and pulled it to put in the 92. The first problem to encounter was the plug was different and had to splice in the plug from the other truck. After getting the tranny in and snugging it up, we found that the pilot was bound up to the pressure plate. Could not move the converter or move the crank (manually) - she was locked up tighter than Dick's hat band! We were pretty worn out after removing the tranny and trying to stab it in the old one (who said that was a four hour job?!?!?) that we are going to tackle it tomorrow. So question is......

Could the overall dimension of converter be that shade longer to cause the bind when we snug the bell housing up? Are there any other ways to get her bound up that tight that we are missing? We backed off and tried to re-stab it several times to ensure we were lined up but got the same thing every time. Only thing we can think to do is pull it all down again and do a dimensional comparison of the old one.

Thanks in advance!

CenTexFlyer

Just in case anyone is wondering. No... there is not much difference between the tranny's indicated in the original post. But we did learn something.

As we all know, when you slide a torque converter in place there are two slots that mate to keys in the transmission, and you must carefully rotate the (heavy) torque converter until you feel it slip into those slots. AHA! you think... there it goes.

But wait. There is also a floating bushing inside just below those keyed slots in the transmission. You must rotate, wiggle, and push the torque converter until the TC tube finally centers the bushing and you feel it drop another 1/2" into place. If you do not do this, the pilot sticks out just that far from the bell housing and will end up putting a bind on the crank and transmission as try to tighten bolts down to make up that last quarter inch.

The manuals don't tell you this and it is easy to miss when going back in with a new/rebuilt tranny. I am happy to report that our "recycled" A340H is working fine now and we expect plenty of driving to be done with it.

Gene