Likely life of 3.4 petrol 4 speed auto transmission?

[robbo4451 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close robbo4451]

I purchased my 2002 Prado nearly 2 years ago . It had just over 130,000 on the clock and now has about 175,000. THe previous owner didn't take it off road. I have had it up in the Simpson and Strzelecki about a year ago - no issues even with some tough bush bashing through the desert. I decided to have an aftermarket AT cooler fitted after the desert trip and have had a couple of AT services with fluid changes. Having invested a far bit in upgrades I would like to keep this vehicle for some years. Does anyone have information on when I am likely to be facing transmission rebuild issues? Most of our current driving is on-road but we are about to go on a gulf trip with the Lightning Ridge police bush bash - about 6000 km over 2 weeks.

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

As long as you use the correct oil, have it serviced each year, you will see it last alot longer than the engine, and the engine is good for over 500000k's if serviced correctly. The auto is actually the same as the 80/100 series cruiser, only the transfer case is different.

[robbo4451 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close robbo4451]

thanks croozza it is really encouraging to know that with care the mighty toyota can deliver that sort of life . What would be the early warning signs of a failing auto transmission?

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

An early sign would be noise from the box.

[robbo4451 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close robbo4451]

I have a rear Elocker - Harrop Eaton. Wouild there be any potential problems fitting a front locker? - Does it potentially threaten the integrity of CV's ?

[rptdprado Member Find all posts View Profile Close rptdprado]

Hi robbo4451,

FYI - I did heaps of off road trips in my 90 series petrol auto, I traded it in for a 150. The 90 had over 300,000km on the clock and no issues with the Auto at all.

cheers

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

I have a rear Elocker - Harrop Eaton. Wouild there be any potential problems fitting a front locker? - Does it potentially threaten the integrity of CV's ?

A front locker will put more load/stress on the CV's, but it is how you manage the load on them that makes them last, the CV is at its weakest when the suspension is fully compressed or extended with the steering full lock, the key to making the CV last is to avoid the full lock position when the suspension is fully compressed or extended. Also do not jump on the power or pop the clutch (if manual), ease the power on (much easier in an auto). The distance the CV has travelled can be the cause of breakage too.

[robbo4451 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close robbo4451]

the opposite lock guy who installed the rear Elocker implied that a front locker would be bad for the CV's and was suggesting a Detroit Truetrac LSD. Would a quality LSD like that be more sparing on the CV's?

[williade Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close williade]

You shouldn't put an LSD in the front diff. You need a switchable traction aid like an air locker as an LSD will affect road handling.

I'd say he advises against fully locking diffs in the front because he has none to sell you.

[Davros Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Davros]

If it is the case that the transmission is the same as in the 80 series, I can say that my freind has had an 80 auto since new. The vehicle has been used for really serious off road stuff since new, but serviced religously.

425000kms on the clock, with no transmission issues to date.

[robbo4451 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close robbo4451]

that is serious mileage!

[glen_ep Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close glen_ep]

We shouldn't be discussing front lockers in an auto transmission thread... but... err.. I have one, and would rather break a CV than any other drive line component. Cheap to replace. Hardcore IFS Hilux owners do it regularly BTW, I have broken a front CV but not due to the locker, it was due to aggressive up/down articulation (well that's my theory anyway).