snacks

Is there a difference in the transmission in a 4runner that has California vs Federal emissions?

Have a 2000 Limited 4x4 w/100k and am told with the California emission standards. Had the dreaded trans cooler leak in the radiator and got the strawberry milkshake mixture. Thought I had saved it, trans dipstick is clean but when removing trans lines and then trans pan, it is coated inside with milkshake. I drove it for 5 mins with a low whistle before it overheated and I shut it down. Did not have any trans problems at that time.

All signs point to no salvage of the trans, no where have I read or talked to anyone that has seen one saved from this. I can flush the trans for $2-250 with little hope of it working or apply the $200 to another trans.

Main question, is there a difference between a trans for the California emissions and one for the regular Federal emissions? I can't even get a straight answer from Toyota. Both trans are #A340F for I believe but some are showing different part numbers?? Anyone know for sure if there is a difference or any bits of info on the fun road I have ahead, like finding a trans?!?


Thanks in advance for the help!

mt_goat

I've never heard of a CA vs Fed tranny.

Sorry about the strawberry milkshake, that would really suck. There have been some on here that flushed with apparent success though (search "strawberry milkshake"). I know its a lot of work either way. Good luck

snacks

Will read over the stories on here from the dreaded milkshake, but from the 10+ mechanics, techs, Toyota dealers, online forums and even a shaman I spoke to, not one said they would spend the money to try flushing. Everyone said if it was them they would the put the money towards a new trans. Would love to hear if I have any hope of saving, but also worried might be too late. Happened last Wed night and haven't flushed yet, just drained then pulled the pan.

Regarding the trans and emissions, when you do an online parts search it asks for Cal or Fed emissions. When I call salvage yards for a used, they also want to know. When I call Toyota they say same trans, different part number but don't know difference. When I call a reman shop, they don't know the difference or aren't sure either.

At first he only difference I could think of would be arrangement/alignment due to the extra cat converter or possibly different breather lines. But could be possible gearing or electronic control form ECM is different?

Availability and price seem to be very different between the two. Would be great to know if I can get a Fed emission trans and have it work properly!

And oh btw, bought the truck used less than 6 wks ago and already replacing the trans...

mt_goat

Oh man, real bummer.

snacks

yeah, tell me bout it....

Don't see anyway that it cold of been a known or hidden problem. I've put 2k+ on it already so...and everyone seems to say that there is no way to know, no way to prevent, and no way to save it once it happens...

Except for putting a solo trans cooler, which is a little late for me!!

Thanks for the help Goat!

mt_goat

Might want to also look at this thread:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/b...cooler-126953/

lonczakd

Hi did you ever find an answer to this question, I am facing the same problem with a year 2000 Tacoma and cant figure out the difference of California and federal emission transmissions and if other years will work. So far my only option is getting a transmission for the same year and truck which is like finding a needle in a haystack.