Topic: Automatic V-6 rockcrawler ??

[Bcarlson]

I bought a 1988 4runner V-6 automatic with the intent of building it into a rockcrawler. My previous truck was an 85 5-sp, dual case set up. I sold it because I wanted to go to an automatic and needed more space.

I have read that the Toyota automatic has a problem with the trans fluid running to the back of the trans on steep inclines, and losing power to the truck??javascript:void(0);
Shocking!! I also heard they are weak trannys.

B4 I go sticking a bunch of money into this rig, I wanted to get some feedback from those of you with auto's. I have an '85 5-sp as a back-up builder, but I really dont want to go back to the stick.

Any feedback is appreciated.

[cocoslow]

I have a 92 V6 Auto w/ rear Elocker.  No problems with trans on or off-road.  After changing the trans fluid for the first time I did notice a significant improvement in power when off-road, especially on very steep inclines. 

How many miles on your V6?  My 92 has 150k and needs it's second head gasket in 25k.  I'm wondering if the bottom end of the engine is going to last much longer and if it's worth another head gasket.

[lucky7]

I've got a 94 with a auto out of a 94 t-100 and the t-case is removable so i put a marlin case with 4-7's in
it also 23 spline.thats the only good way without alot of tech machine work but marlin has done it.

[BLACKDOG]

Don't know much about the transmission itself, but I don't believe you can put duals behind that model of transmission   IIRC, the transmission and t-case are a combined unit, and unable to be modded on at this time.

[kneedownnate]

I also heard they are weak trannys.

I've only heard the opposite.

[bigarms23]

I heard those trannies are good and you can still run dual cases if you want

[Nothingface5384]

yea i thought inchworm sells the adapter plate so you can mount a reglur yota transfercase

[lucky7]

Inchworm does make a adapter but when you start to climb all your tranny fluid runs into an empty cavity in
the back.that trans shares fluid with the t-case.the t-100 trans is the way to go but may be hard to find.

[ZUK]

I bought a 1988 4runner V-6 automatic with the intent of building it into a rockcrawler. My previous truck was an 85 5-sp, dual case set up. I sold it because I wanted to go to an automatic and needed more space.

I have read that the Toyota automatic has a problem with the trans fluid running to the back of the trans on steep inclines, and losing power to the truck??javascript:void(0);
Shocking!! I also heard they are weak trannys.

B4 I go sticking a bunch of money into this rig, I wanted to get some feedback from those of you with auto's. I have an '85 5-sp as a back-up builder, but I really dont want to go back to the stick.

Any feedback is appreciated.

Most autos will starve for fluid if the incline is steep enough and it stays there for a long period of time.

The older Toy autos are plenty strong enough for the application. Almost 20 years old should say something about how robust they are. 571 gears will ease the strain on the auto/transfer case also. They should be cryo and installed correctly. ZUK

ps---the only thing that could probably use replacement on a tranny that old is the entire selenoid pack....there is a kit out there for that for $140......I saw the thread on it on Yotatech....

[Bcarlson [OP]]

Thanks for the replys- So is the T-100 transmission is a bolt in to the 88 V-6? Then a gear driven case could be added to the rear? That sounds like a great solution.

Inchworm does have a dual case adapter to this transmission, but it was this set-up that I read had a problem with the trans fluid running into the empty cavity, deeming the truck motionless. Talked with a guy at Inchworm, who recommended overfilling the trans fluid???

[Nothingface5384]

hmm, maybe i wont go this route then myself.....but what about a custom bigger tranny pan?

[lucky7]

when i've over filled mine it tends to just puk it out don't think thats a good fix.