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Tips for Removing 2001 Tacoma 3.4 Transmission

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by steelfarm, Sep 29, 2013.

  1. Sep 29, 2013 at 1:33 PM
    #1
    steelfarm

    steelfarm [OP] Member

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    Well, I don't ever want to have to do this again. But for those of you wanting (needing) to remove your transmission, here is what I learned.

    I have a 2001 Tacoma, 3.4 V6, with a four speed automatic. The transmission crapped out and I have to change it. I can barely afford the replacement transmission, let alone the cost of paying someone else to change it. So here we go.

    I always lay down a tarp under the vehicle to catch any falling screws, nuts or clips.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    This time I added some plywood since I planned on using a transmission jack.
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2013
  2. Sep 29, 2013 at 1:38 PM
    #2
    buzzard1992

    buzzard1992 Yep

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    Summerville, SC
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    5100's with eibachs. And 255/85/16 km2s
    What made the tranny go?
     
  3. Sep 29, 2013 at 1:59 PM
    #3
    steelfarm

    steelfarm [OP] Member

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    Step by Step

    1. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY!
    2. Drain the transmission and remove the dipstick and upper half of the dipstick tube.
    3. Remove the front drive shaft at both ends.
    4. Remove the rear drive shaft at the transfer case.
    5. Remove the sway bar.
    6. Remove the torque converter cover and torque converter bolts.
    7. Disconnect all of the electrical wiring and the brackets that holds them on the transmission and transfer case. Also disconnect the transmission cooling lines.
    8. Since my replacement did not come with a transfer case, I removed the transfer case.
    9. Remove the starter bolts.
    10. Position the transmission jack under the transmission.
    11. Remove the transmission to engine bolts and the bolts holding the cross member at the rear of the transmission. I heard a lot about the top two bolts in the transmission. I used a short 17mm socket with a 1 1/2" extension. I took a deep well socket that fit over the end of my ratchet, and put a 6" extension in that. I went at the bolt through the fender well on each side.

    [​IMG]
    12. Pull the transmission straight back and lower it down.
    I did not have enough clearance for my transmission to roll out from under the truck. I slung two ratchet straps over the top of the frame and created a cradle to hold the transmission while I removed the jack. I then let down the straps to lower the transmission to the ground.

    I used the ratchet straps to lift my replacement high enough to get the transmission jack under it when I was installing the new unit.

    Here is why I needed a new transmission.

    [​IMG]
    I don't think these magnets could hold any more metal.

    I am just a back yard mechanic. I know that a lot of guys have a lot fancier tools that will allow this job to be done a lot faster and more efficiently. I just wanted to post what I did because I did not see much info on this procedure. That being said, I do not ever want to do this again. :)

    Please feel free to add anything that I forgot, or your tips for doing the things that are not listed.
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2013
  4. Sep 29, 2013 at 2:06 PM
    #4
    steelfarm

    steelfarm [OP] Member

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    I suspect it was the O/D planetary gear the stripped out. It had been acting up in O/D for a few months. I was able to drive fine with the overdive turned off. But my wife drove it the other day and she "forgot". I got the most friendly, courteous call that afternoon at work.

    Never mind that she backed into a highway sign and caved in the bed from the tail light to the rear tire when she was coasting out of the road.:mad:
     
  5. Sep 29, 2013 at 2:10 PM
    #5
    specialized7

    specialized7 Well-Known Member

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    I hope i never have to do this!!! Good job thou
     
  6. Sep 29, 2013 at 2:13 PM
    #6
    steelfarm

    steelfarm [OP] Member

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    It also helps to have a son with small hands. He whipped the torque converter bolts out in the time it would have taken me to find the first one.
     
  7. Sep 29, 2013 at 3:53 PM
    #7
    meatman

    meatman I deal with dead animals

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    LOL!!!!! I would love to know the answer to that also:mad: I will visit my truck at the shop tomm. and find out if I need a new trans as well
     
  8. Sep 29, 2013 at 3:57 PM
    #8
    meatman

    meatman I deal with dead animals

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    Thanks for the extra info! I am going to find out tomm. if I need to replace mine.
     
  9. Sep 30, 2013 at 3:08 PM
    #9
    steelfarm

    steelfarm [OP] Member

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    I am going to take my old on apart just for fun. I still think it was the Over drive gears that are now located in the transmission pan.
     
  10. Oct 1, 2013 at 3:32 AM
    #10
    steelfarm

    steelfarm [OP] Member

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    One thing I forgot to mention is that if you feel like you are going to remove your transmission, be sure to start a few days early with the DW40 on the cooling lines at the transmission. Mine were rusted so bad I had to Sawzall them off. Fortunately, I was able to borrow a tubing bender from AutoZone to make new ones.
     

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