Recently picked up a supposedly low mile 1994 4runner 4x4 3vze auto A340H

The bell housing seems to be missing the bolts and judging by the wear/dirt they used to exist.

Why would they be missing? My assumption is transmission work was done and they stripped the threads.

Is this something I should be concerned about? I’m surprised it’s not leaking.

roast me

3 missing bolts visible from this angle…

 

Are the stiffners still there on either side?

 

Hey @Jimkola Thanks for responding! Nice to meet ya.

The stiffeners are there! Learned something new... They are exactly what is NOT bolted down. Looks like the other bolts are in place.

The missing bolts are for the stiffener. Why would someone remove the stiffener bolts? Will the bell housing crack if I don't put some in?

 

Are the bolts necessary? While Toyota didn’t “cheap out” their production like some, they still didn’t install too much that could be regarded as useless. Best to figure if Toyota installed something it was for a very good reason. Replace any and all missing bolts.
Probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to check everything associated with this. If they didn't bother with these bolts I’m sure there’s more. I’d throw a torque wrench on everything I could see.

 

Thanks for the help and motivation. Replaced all the bolts and cover plate from the pick and pull. Torqued to spec and checked the surrounding toques. Lots of missing fasteners and bolts… wtf