Automatic transmission an 4 cyl.

How does the Auto transmission an the 4 cyl. do? My question is will the auto hold as will as a 5 speed manual? I'm going look at a 2011 reg. cab 4x4. With auto transmission an the 4 cyl. It will be used for light off roading, pulling a trailer an 4-wheeler. Thank you

 

I have had both the automatic and manual transmission in a 4-cyl Tacoma. Nothing beats the ease of an automatic but I absolutely hated how it would handle itself on the highway when climbing hills.

Cruising along at 2,800 rpm then a sudden downshift and screaming at 3,900 rpm - a little obnoxious and I no longer have that happen in the standard. If you aren't climbing hills very often, I would go with the auto.

 

Either way you're getting a quality product. Automatic is incredibly easy, I drove an auto for probably two/three years before getting in my Taco with the 5sped. (also 2.7) and I really enjoy the manual transmission. It's really all down to personal choice. When I drive a manual tranny, it feels like every trip is an event. Makes the daily grind a little more special.

Plus nobody will be able to steal your truck.

 

It's pretty much bulletproof as long as you change the fluid every 50-60K miles. It's pretty much the same 4spd Auto Toyota has been using for 25 or so years. The 2nd gen 2.7L uses the A343E. The A343E is an electronically controlled version of the A340 which has been in service since 1987 and has been used in a number of different vehicles. So rest assured that Aisin Warner had every last bug ironed out of this trans 15 years ago.

Just read it's a 4x4. 4x4s use the A343F which is exactly the same except for the output shaft length and tail housing. Basically this is done so a transfer case can be bolted to it.

 

The A340 is electronically controlled. The 2005+ Tacoma uses the A340F in the 4x4.

Nothing wrong with the automatic transmission. I tried both, and I went with the 5spd manual. I just felt that the auto soaked up too much power, and manual is always better for driving on ice/snow. I also found the bucket seats in the auto equipped model to be uncomfortable.

 

If any other auto guys find them uncomfortable let me know and I could swap you a bench

 

A750 is the 5 speed auto that bolts behind the 4 liter

The 2.7L still uses a 4 spd auto

The question I asked was rhetorical:
The way to tell the difference between the A340 and the A343 is the A340 uses a Transmission control module. The A343 is controlled by the ECM. To my knowledge the 2TR trucks do not have a TCM. So they have the A343. The two transmissions are almost identical aside from this.

 

I liked the bucket seats in the 2003 Tundra I had, but I found those in the 2011 Tacoma that I test drove, to be not be as comfortable for me, as the bench seat. That's just me, I know everybody is different. I have had much difficulty with seat comfort on many different vehicles. I actually found the suspension seat on the Mack I drove while employed as a commercial driver, to be about as comfortable as any. I can actually sit in bench seat on my Tacoma for long drives without discomfort. I can't say that for Dodge Ram that I had some years back.

 

Well, then I suggest you look here and see if you see any mention of an A343:http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old/files/05FSM/repair.html

You can also look here:http://www.vibratesoftware.com/

I don't always like to argue, but I don't like incorrect info. Some may take bad info as fact, and act on it accordingly...

Click on vehicle support, then click on transmission gear ratios, then Toyota, then the year, then Tacoma...

 

I suggest you look here
http://www.moranbahweather.com/toyota/hilux/index2.html

 

If he wouldn't, I would

Although, to be honest, I've had a bench in both my Tacos and have never once felt uncomfortable. Even driving 6 hours to trade in the old and pick up new, bench both ways and no more than would be expected soreness from sitting that long.

That all said, I wouldn't take an auto if you put a gun to my head with the 2.7.

 

What does the Hilux have to do with the Tacoma??? I thought we were discussing the Tacoma, not the Hilux. Hilux isn't even sold in the U.S. I knew the Hilux had the A343, it's a higher torque rated transmission than the A340, and is probably necessary for the Hilux diesel models.

 

Guess we were both wrong...
After a little bit of research it appears this variation of A340 series was used in the 2JZ Twin turbo equipped cars. ie the Supras/Aristos
As usual of Toyota, it appears that this trans is more than beefy enough for the 2TR-FE.

 

I've had the same complaint as guiterjamman with the 4 cyl auto. Seems like anytime I traveled up a grade it would downshift to the point the engine was screaming along at 3900 rpm. This was with an older 4Runner but I've never been happy with 4 cyl auto in a truck.

That's the reason my latest 4 cyl has the 5 speed.

 

I always opt for a manual whenever possible. That's is becoming harder and harder these days to find cars or trucks still in manual so that one of the features that drew me to a tacoma.

 

When I test-drove my first Taco, they had two nearly identical '06 2.7s that were part of a fleet purchase. Side be side auto and 5-speed. I drove them both.

Honestly I couldn't believe they were the same truck. The auto was *such* a dog, comparatively. Night and day difference.

I think some stats I came across recently have manual transmissions down to under 10% nationally. Sad, that.

 

I agree. As far as I know, there are no longer any manual transmissions available in a full size pickup.