My tranny is finally on its way out after 301k. How do I find out which trans I have and how do I find 1 like it at a junk yard? It's a 2000 4runner 3.4l 4X4 e-locker. When I change the filter it uses the filter from a Tacoma trans not a 4runner. The stealership says that with my VIN it can b1 of 2 possible trannys. So without using the vin I don't know what to ask junk yards over the phone. I really don't wanna have to drive all over the state just so I can look 2 c if they look the same. Please help

 

Well, the junkyard would be able to tell you based on asking you a few simple questions about the vehicle. Namely what year, model, engine, manual or automatic, 2WD or 4WD, and whether it's Federal or California emissions standards. They most likely wouldn't ask you what specific transmission is in it. And they may or may not be able to tell you specifically what transmission it is, and/or what transmissions will also fit. But they will know which one is an exact fit for your vehicle(and/or which vehicles which use the exact same transmission), and whether they have one of those or not. Which you can find out for yourself by searching for junkyards near you that have the part you're looking for on Car-Part.com(before calling them to confirm that they still have the part, and of course prior to driving to go get it).

However...

Based on what you've already told me, I can tell you with 100% certainty that it's an A340F. And the only other transmission it could be is an A340E, if it was a 2WD 4Runner with a 5VZ-FE. Which yours is not.

But you can also find the information listed as the transmission code. Which is posted somewhere on the vehicle(not sure where on a 2000).