I have found the 4runner that I want to a T......Except it is an automatic. I have owned about 8 different 1st gen 4runners, but never an auto. Any opinions out there? I need feedback. It has 5:29 gears with 33" tires. Would the tranny have to be adjusted to change the shift points? (Don't know if that was done...but I assume) What do you guys think? This is the ONLY thing holding me back from getting it!

 

The ONLY problem with the autos is the ridiculously tall overdrive. If you're not going to run it on the highway, they're great. Obviously, a tranny cooler is essential.

If you ARE gonna run it on the highway, 33's will need 5.71's to hold the overdrive, and 35's are pretty much out of the question.

 

TC, you have a private message! Thanks!

 

You have a reply!

1 other thing to note: you only have ONE option if you want to do double cases: Inchworm.
http://www.inchwormgear.com/store/pr...products_id=86
(not that that is a problem, just limits the availablility and price)

 

Doesn't Mt. Goat have an auto?

 

This truck would be used for light off-road and often a DD.

 

I have 5.71's on 35's in a 2nd gen with an auto. I don;t think it is that bad. but yeah a tranny cooler was essential.. I can driver to moab - not any faster than 80-85 but I can do it.

I don't love this option as a daily driver tho'

 

So does it suck going up I-70 into the mt's?

 

I have the auto in my '91 with 4.88's and 35's. On the hwy going uphill it is going to kick out of OD and a really strong headwind can cause problems but most of time OD and 80mph are no problem.

Another option for a crawler would be to ditch the A340H for an A340F(E?) out of a 3rd gen 4Runner or Taco. Marlin makes adapters for it.

 

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/autocrawler/

Write up for putting A340F into a 2nd gen. They went thru some trouble with the speed sensor but I don't think you need it. I disconnected mine a while back as a test (was dreaming about putting in a crawler) and the truck shifted normal but an error code was created. Tranny speed sensor might be for cruise control but mine was removed so I dunno...

 

There is another option
http://www.gearslug.com/

 

I have a SAS'd 94 4Runner with an auto transmission. Right now I am using the stock 4.56 gears, but plan on changing the rear diff and adding 5.29's front and rear. I dont have any problems getting up to speed. I top out at about 75mph.