Topic: Need input about 4 cyl automatic transmission as a daily driver, not 4 offroad

[Tallchevy]

I have a chance to buy a stock 87 4Runner SR5 4cyl with an automatic. How good are the automatics? Are they expensive to replace? I searched & found some old threads but nothing that answered my question. I have a sas'd 4Runner already & I don't need to build another one. It will remain stock & be a daily driver.

[79coyotefrg]

i have a buddy with a 4runner  with the auto,  its got  like 250K  and still runs like a top,  he says  he has never had  problems with the auto at all,  and  besides  super steep climbs  it does fine offroad

[Toymin8r]

The transmissions are fine they just rob too much power from an already weak on power 4cyl.

[Tallchevy [OP]]

Has anyone had to have one replaced? How much was it?

[Gittinit]

Has anyone had to have one replaced? How much was it?

My buddie had his rebuilt at a local shop. $1200.00 and had to pull it and take it back 3 times because it wasn't right. The spaz at the shop was great, and very friendly about it, but my friend got sick of him never getting it right.
He finally took it to Memphis TN, by the advice of a pirate 4x4 member, and was able to remedy his woes to the tune of $800. If he had only known that in the first place all would have been good, and he wouldn't have missed out on one of the biggest wheeling trips of the year.

I personally wouldn't have had it rebuilt. I would have picked one up used somewhere, put in some new solenoids, and had some fun, but I'm like that. I know they can be found for free to $300 if ya do a lil shoping. I live in Arkansas by the way, so prices will varry some.

[Rocksurfer]

I had an auto in my 86 turbo 4Runner never had any problems with it, but it does rob you of about 15% of your hp. In a 4cyl. that is already a little weak in power that's a lot, I had the advantage of the turbo to help but had to get the rev's up to even get anything out of it. It was awsome on the road though I could do 70 mph anytime. You don't have the turbo so you will have a little more hp out of the gate since they lower the compression on the turbos. I loved the auto offroad didn't need a crawler box at all, up hill I had no issues except for one time on a very steep hill with a rocky ledge at the top I ran out of power on the ledge, but without the turbo I feel I would have been ok with the extra power I would have had since for the most part the turbo is worthless offroad. The only other issue would be downhill offroad, you have to be very good with the e-brake for long steep grades.

[Plekto]

IMO, just learn stick.  Plus, automatic rigs are hard hard HARD to sell when the time comes.  And they sell for a lot less as well, since most people deduct the price of a whole transmission from its value when shopping.

[kneedownnate]

I had a 2wd with the automatic and 22r and it pulled like a sumbitch, surprised the crap outa me.  You do feel more of a loss in the 4by though.

[Tallchevy [OP]]

This one will remain stock. Thanks for the input everyone 

IMO, just learn stick. 

My sas'd 87 4Runner is a stick & I know how to drive it 

[46&2]

About 4 years ago when I was looking for a 4runner I test drove a couple of automatic 4runners in the shopping process. Compared to all the 5 speeds i test drove I could really notice the power difference. For a DD it seems like it would be fine. the places it really didnt shine were long steep hills, and steep grades on the highway. if the loss in power isnt a problem i would say go for it.

[jimbo74]

i prefer auto for a dd... its jsut easier with city driving and on the freeway, can jsut toss on cruise control


just make sure to add aftermarket tranny coolers and make sure to get the filter and fluid changed regularly. also i like to add a shift kit if possible