Turbodude

I just sold my V-6 5speed 4runner so I can get a pick up.

I was really looking for another 5 speed because I had such good luck with the 4 runner in general.

I found a good deal on a 96 Tacoma V6 Auto. I am not a real big fan of the auto, but the truck is a really good deal. How is your luck with Toyota Auto's? The truck has 126K on it.

Any advice or experience is appreciated.
Thanks

montypower

Is the fluid burnt or dark? The biggest problem with auto trans is heat... Get a good trans cooler and keep the fluid fresh. 200K + is not unreasonable...

rimpainter.com

I have had both, and both have been reliable. I prefer the 5-speed mated with the 5VZ due to my driving style though. With proper maintenance, you shouldn't have to worry about either. Just make sure the previous owner cared.

02SE

A mechanic friend of mine had a T-100 come into his shop last year, because it stopped running. 3.4 V6, auto tranny, 4x4.

It turned out the timing belt had snapped. So he replaced that, and the truck started and ran great.

Now, bear in mind this truck had obviously been used hard as some sort of work vehicle. Beat up bed, and paint that looked like it had never been washed or waxed.

He thought that it might have been the original T-belt. The coolant looked as though it had been in the truck for a long time, and the tranny fluid was a bit brownish looking, as if it might have been original too.

Nonetheless, the truck ran great.

It had 276,000 miles on it.

Turbodude

Thanks for the responses guys. I really prefer a 5 speed, but this truck is in good shape at a really good price. I don't think its worth spending an extra $3k just to get a manual...

MTL_4runner

I'd go for it as long as it seemed like it was reasonably well maintained.
I like my auto and have had no problems as long as I added a cooler and change the fluid regularly.

Jeffires

I prefer a 5 speed too, but my truck is an auto. I have a transmission cooler installed and I maintain it properly. I have 193K, the truck has worked hard all its life, but the tranny still shifts like new.

Turbodude

I am a total idiot when it comes to auto's. Is there a post somewhere that shows how to install a tranny cooler? Would I need if I don't tow much. I realize the parrts aren't that expensive to install it & it would probably be a good addition for the long haul...

MTL_4runner

You might want to read this:
http://www.drawtite-hitches.com/tran...on_coolers.htm

This chart is especially telling for why you run a tranny cooler (even if you don't tow)

Turbodude

hmm pretty good info.. I found the install guide on this site. Any have a good link for a tranny cooler kit?

Thanks again everyone for all the info...

miket223

That chart is accurate if you have a GM, Ford, or Dodge. But, there should be another value to the far right on the x-scale that says Toyota and goes to infinity.

MTL_4runner

good one!........I think we all get the gist of it anyway.

Beartracker

I'll take an Auto over a standard any day. That's just my opinion after 45 years of 4x4 driving. You will find many more people bitching about gears and clutch problems than you will ever read or hear about auto problems.
The only reason you would need a tranny cooler is if you plan on doing allot of towing or mountain climbing. Mike

AH64ID

A few years back when I was getting ready to do a 3.4 swap, never happened, I wanted to run an auto. I started asking around at tranny shops. In general for toyota auto trannys; they use a construction design unlike any american maker. For their size and application they are one of the toughest longest lasting auto tranny outhere. With a little TLC is it possible to see the auto tranny last much longer than the engine....try that with a american rig....

That being said, add a cooler, temp gauge, and a synthetic ATF...and call it a day