Automatic in my 1979 4x4?
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Automatic in my 1979 4x4?
Hi Guys,
I have a 1979 4x4 1st Gen project I've been collecting parts for. This holiday season I was planning on swapping out the 20R with either the 22R or 22RE. I was wondering what would be involved in also fitting an automatic transmission? I figured while doing the overhaul I might as well try to do the conversion. Has anyone done this? Will I have to change my transfer case and driveshafts as well? Thanks
I have a 1979 4x4 1st Gen project I've been collecting parts for. This holiday season I was planning on swapping out the 20R with either the 22R or 22RE. I was wondering what would be involved in also fitting an automatic transmission? I figured while doing the overhaul I might as well try to do the conversion. Has anyone done this? Will I have to change my transfer case and driveshafts as well? Thanks
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x2
I've killed 2 Toy autos behind 4cyls.
I bought my 87 4Runner with an auto, got 16mpg with 235s and 4.30s. It slipped once, ripped it out and put a W56 in. 22mpgs with 32s and 4.56s, and I could pull a hill in 4th/5th at speed.
Toyota's were meant to be manuals.
I've killed 2 Toy autos behind 4cyls.
I bought my 87 4Runner with an auto, got 16mpg with 235s and 4.30s. It slipped once, ripped it out and put a W56 in. 22mpgs with 32s and 4.56s, and I could pull a hill in 4th/5th at speed.
Toyota's were meant to be manuals.
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#8
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i understand where you guys are coming from with "it will be hard to swap" but toyota autos really arent that bad. my 2wd has 254,000 on it with the original trans. never been into just the fluid changed and it still works great. getting 24mpg. sure a 4wd would have more rolling mass and resistance with larger tires, but wouldnt you compensate that with proper axle gears? just saying. if the guy wants an auto, why not try to help him build it as well as it can be with an auto rather than bash it and tell him that autos suck and manual is better. in all actuality yes the manual is stronger and tougher and will last longer. but if the auto isnt neglected it should do just fine am i mistaken?
#9
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i understand where you guys are coming from with "it will be hard to swap" but toyota autos really arent that bad. my 2wd has 254,000 on it with the original trans. never been into just the fluid changed and it still works great. getting 24mpg. sure a 4wd would have more rolling mass and resistance with larger tires, but wouldnt you compensate that with proper axle gears? just saying. if the guy wants an auto, why not try to help him build it as well as it can be with an auto rather than bash it and tell him that autos suck and manual is better. in all actuality yes the manual is stronger and tougher and will last longer. but if the auto isnt neglected it should do just fine am i mistaken?
As I stated before...Toy autos suck what very little power is made ahead of it.
#11
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best bet is to find a 22re with an auto already mated to it.
not really much is involved.
if you can buy a 4 cyl parts truck (most likely going to be a 4runner)
not really much is involved.
if you can buy a 4 cyl parts truck (most likely going to be a 4runner)
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Autos Rock
I've done the "upgrade" to an auto behind my 22r in my '82, it's sweet for wheelin' and well worth it. Unless you are just building a lifted DD to drive around then you will want more power probably. So do the swap change diff gears to 5.29's not 4.88's, change drive lines, build a new trans cross member, add dual cases while you are at it, don't forget the 63" chev rear springs.
For the auto you will need either all of the donor vehicles wiring or an aftermarket shift controller. The A340's are an electronic shift trans but very durable too so don't let that scare you. I run a fully manual shift controller in mine. The build link in my sig line has some good pics of the swap and all the above mentioned mods. So don't let the naysayers I want a 300hp Toyota DD with 36's scare you off. Do it and make a wheeler out of it.
For the auto you will need either all of the donor vehicles wiring or an aftermarket shift controller. The A340's are an electronic shift trans but very durable too so don't let that scare you. I run a fully manual shift controller in mine. The build link in my sig line has some good pics of the swap and all the above mentioned mods. So don't let the naysayers I want a 300hp Toyota DD with 36's scare you off. Do it and make a wheeler out of it.
#15
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what size tires do you plan on turning with the auto? I wouldn't be using it for anything over a 31" tires. The bigger the tire and the taller the gear set, the more stress it's gonna put on that thing, especially the clutches. Possibly the converter.
And for those who say auto's are "better" for off-road, well, there is alot of reasons to use a manual trans on an offroad truck. There is a lot more you can do with a 5sp off-road than you can safely do with an auto. Yes they don't stall as much but you have much more control with the 5sp than you do with an auto.
And yes, I have wheeled both autos and manuals.
If the truck is only gonna see mall parking lots, then go with the auto, but if you are gonna actually wheel your truck on 33's or bigger, stay with the manual.
And for those who say auto's are "better" for off-road, well, there is alot of reasons to use a manual trans on an offroad truck. There is a lot more you can do with a 5sp off-road than you can safely do with an auto. Yes they don't stall as much but you have much more control with the 5sp than you do with an auto.
And yes, I have wheeled both autos and manuals.
If the truck is only gonna see mall parking lots, then go with the auto, but if you are gonna actually wheel your truck on 33's or bigger, stay with the manual.
Last edited by xxxtreme22r; 12-15-2010 at 02:24 PM.
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Autos Still Rock
Choosing between an auto or manual is totally personal preference. I too have had both in wheelin' rigs and I prefer the auto hands down, but remember that is just my opinion. Like I said regear, but you will really need to do that anyway if you are serious about wheelin'. Now where can I find a parking lot to go play in?
#18
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Heh that doesn't mean it's a durable trans. Look at the 47RE trans behind the Dodge diesels and v10's. Another horrible auto that comes to mind is the A4LD but I believe that might have only been used behind the 2.3 4cyl and 2.8/2.9 and maybe the 4.0 v6's in the Fords.
A340H
4 Speed Automatic Transmission (4x4)
Applications:
* 1988-1995 4x4 Trucks w/v-6
* 1990-1995 4Runner (4x4)
* 1998-2005 Toyota Altezza Gita Wagon (GXE15W and JCE15W)
(Gear ratios 1st-2.80, 2nd-1.53, 3rd-1.00, 4th-0.71, Rev.-2.39)
A340E (30-40LE)
Applications:
* 1987-1992 Cressida (30-40LE)
* 1986-1998 Toyota Supra non-turbo
* 1987-1998 Toyota Supra turbo
* 1995-1998 Pickup 2.4L I4, 3.0L V6, 3.4L V6 (Tacoma)
* 1993-1995 T100 3.0L V6
* 1993-1997 Previa 2.4L w/supercharger
* 1991-1997 Aristo 3.0L I6 Turbo
* 1992-2000 Lexus SC 300 3.0L I6
* 1990-1995 Crown Majesta 3.0L I6
* 1994-2000 Toyota Soarer 3.0L I6 (2JZ-GE)
* 1989-2002 4Runner
* 2001-2004 Sequoia (4x2)
* 2000-2004 Tundra (4x2)
* 2005-2007 TOYOTA COMMUTER 2.5L DIESEL
Ratios 1st:2.804 , 2nd:1.531 , 3rd:1 , 4th:0.705, Reverse: 2.393
A340F
Applications:
* 1995-2003 4Runner (4x4)
* 2000-2004 Tundra (4x4)
* 1985-1988 4-Pickup (4x4)
A340H
4 Speed Automatic Transmission (4x4)
Applications:
* 1988-1995 4x4 Trucks w/v-6
* 1990-1995 4Runner (4x4)
* 1998-2005 Toyota Altezza Gita Wagon (GXE15W and JCE15W)
(Gear ratios 1st-2.80, 2nd-1.53, 3rd-1.00, 4th-0.71, Rev.-2.39)
A340E (30-40LE)
Applications:
* 1987-1992 Cressida (30-40LE)
* 1986-1998 Toyota Supra non-turbo
* 1987-1998 Toyota Supra turbo
* 1995-1998 Pickup 2.4L I4, 3.0L V6, 3.4L V6 (Tacoma)
* 1993-1995 T100 3.0L V6
* 1993-1997 Previa 2.4L w/supercharger
* 1991-1997 Aristo 3.0L I6 Turbo
* 1992-2000 Lexus SC 300 3.0L I6
* 1990-1995 Crown Majesta 3.0L I6
* 1994-2000 Toyota Soarer 3.0L I6 (2JZ-GE)
* 1989-2002 4Runner
* 2001-2004 Sequoia (4x2)
* 2000-2004 Tundra (4x2)
* 2005-2007 TOYOTA COMMUTER 2.5L DIESEL
Ratios 1st:2.804 , 2nd:1.531 , 3rd:1 , 4th:0.705, Reverse: 2.393
A340F
Applications:
* 1995-2003 4Runner (4x4)
* 2000-2004 Tundra (4x4)
* 1985-1988 4-Pickup (4x4)
Last edited by xxxtreme22r; 12-15-2010 at 08:06 AM.
#19
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FWIW, 5.71s will prolly be needed to compensate for the 35s and the auto. Offroad will be harder on the trans, think about a larger trans cooler while this whole thing is apart.
The swap shouldn't be hard, just pretty damn time consuming and involved. Especially if you want to keep your dash/body harness for the 1st gen.
#20
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