Pull the trigger on a 2000 Extra Cab TRD Automatic 4wd w bad transmission and leaky diff?

Considering buying a 2000 Extra Cab TRD 4wd Auto. 190k, Clear title, maint. records, pretty clean overall. BUT it's got transmission issues, and a leaky rear diff so I'm looking at it like I have to replace both at the least. Asking $5,000.

I've heard the A340F is not the best tranny. Is it a headache? Found a transmission locally w 60k for $700 but it's not rebuilt. I'm willing to put $2-3k into it, figured that's enough to get it running? lol. Is this tranny so problematic that I'll just be having issues ongoing?

I got decent connections to people who could do the tranny swap and diff repair (and not have to pay a shop). But they work on Toyotas and are cautioning me that this year/transmission isn't as great. They're not saying not to get it, just kinda letting me know. The owner of the truck has had it 18yrs and only now trans issues, and I see a lot of happy automatic owners.

Wtf am I even asking advice on lol. Basically, what would y'all do? Toyotas are hella expensive where I'm at.

Edit: pics

 

lol. Are you just saying that or does it really need a pic. It's stock.

 

I don’t know what is supposed to be different on a 2000?
But my 1999 held up GREAT. Lifted, bigger tires, towed with it.
Never had any issues.

I think the A340 is great Transmission.
You just have to take care of it like any other.

 

I would love to see pics of a minty 1st Gen from Hawaii!

 

Ehhhh get that down to $3500

 

lol. Wish I could but they asking for more than that for parts trucks here

 

edited the post, pics up

 

that’s good to hear! I feel good about the truck/tranny… I means it’s a Toyota after all. Lol. just thought I’d open a can of worms and see what TW had to say.

 

Seems like a pretty good deal to me regardless of location. The A340F trans is usually pretty stout and dependable. It is a bit of a power hog and many of its detractors will point to that as a problem. What is actually wrong with the one in the truck? $700 is a good price for a low mileage replacement.

Where is the (rear?) diff leaking from? Is it the pinion seal? As long as the pinion bearing is good, the seal itself is fairly simple to fix. If a bad pinion bearing has caused the seal to go, there you are looking at a diff rebuild.

 

Appreciate your input. I don't actually know the exact problem with the trans in the truck. The owner noticed something with the trans, took it to a trans repair shop and diagnostics came back ok. Shifted ok, torque converter ok. Then a couple weeks later he was going up a steep hill and it would build pressure but not shift. He called the trans shop they discussed a repair/rebuild for ~$4500+. The trans shop advised it COULD be just the pump, but again this is discussion only he didn't inspect it.

Here's a pic of the diff - I just seen leaks but I didn't inspect it closely. I just assumed needs a new one but yes that maybe it's just a seal.

 

If i was there id buy it out from
Under you.

all of the above is good advice, records and check maintenance items

 

It all comes down to if your getting the truck for the price of the tires and wheels .( $500.00 to $700.00)

The way I figure these things you can do all the repair work except rebuild the transmission.

To me your buying a parts truck

There you have what I would and have done over the years.

 

I'd buy it in a heartbeat. $5k ain't nothing in today's market. $700 tranny swap, then figure out the leaky diff and you'll likely by in a sweet truck for < $8-9k [tops]. If you can get a compression test done on the motor before buying though, that wouldn't be a bad move.

 

Curious to what negatives you have heard. The A340 is a workhorse. Solid transmission used in a variety of vehicles.

only 60k?! CHEAP! If it's legit and has no visible issues, grab it. Look at the residual fluid in it, nice color - no smell?

You're on an island and I totally get the whole cost/availability thing. It's a tough call but if you're willing to invest the time and potentially the cash, I say grab it. It's not difficult to pull swap out the transmission. Access to basic tools (you'll need lots of extensions lol AND a transmission jack) and a place to work, you can get it done.

Hope it works out for you.

 

Fair enough. The overall feeling is it’s a good deal… I mentioned it to 1 friend who immediately told me that if I don’t grab they want it.

Thanks for the heads up, I will try to get the compression test.

 

Edit: thanks for advice on what to look for on the 60k trans (residual fluid color, smell). I will definitely inspect that, and didn’t really know what to look for so these pointers appreciated.

The negative was basically it’s not a R150f, more possibility of it failing vs the R150f. My buddy has like 7 toyotas and he’s just partial to that trans. He can afford to be picky, and also acquired them years ago.

This truck is also an opportunity for my gf to have 4wd and I honestly prefer the auto. Her daily is a 6spd and would be a nice break to have truck be auto. although we’re not opposed to a manual, it would be a nice change in pace.

And agreed- I do have the time and some $ to spend on it. I got my other main vehicles so I can have this one the side getting worked on. I could prob do it but my buddys a wizard with all the tools so prob have it towed to his place and come out and help him work on it, try to learn. I have a 2nd gen but would like to become familiar w 1st gen now.

Thank you for also advising the 60k tranny is a good price. I was hesitant to pick it up, thinking I could just rebuild the exsisting? But then thought we’ll even if I rebuild this trans (maybe it is just the pump) it wouldn’t hurt to have another for a rainy day.

 

The A340 is a great transmission. Looks like a solid truck, to me. If you are down to fix the transmission, go for it. Make sure there isn't anything that the seller isn't disclosing, and 5k seems like a good deal to me.

 

You can certainly rebuild it if that is what you're wanting to do. Need to diag exactly what the problem is to really determine what is involved. Have you driven it? Get the trans up to operating temp and drive it - do the hill thing also. See if you notice anything.

This is something else to look at - probably just a new cap but I'd check it.

 

Nice catch, didn’t notice that, need to see why there’s fluid/residue there.

Haven’t driven it yet but will do when I go this weekend, will recreate hill test.