I am considering buying an '89 4runner with a 3.0 V6 with a A340H automatic transmission.
What kind of reputation does this transmission have.

• Is it durable?
  Have good shifting action?
  Does the torque converter lock up at cruising speeds for good gas mileage?
  Is the gas mileage comparable with a similar vehicle with a manual trans?
  Is it good for pulling a 3000 lb trailer?

It appears that the gear ratios are 1st-2.80, 2nd-1.53, 3rd-1.00, 4th-0.71, Rev.-2.39. The first and reverse ratios seem pretty tall, but if I remember correctly the torque converter makes up for some of that.

Drive it first. The 3.0 in front of the A340 sucks, but that's just me. You may like it. I hated it.

FWIW, the 2.7 in front of the A340 sucks likewise. Tired of it. Again, YMMV.

I'd heard it before, that with the lackluster output of the 3vze, and the auto transmission soaking up what little power there is, that the results are disappointing. It will just push me all-the-more towards a 5vze and 5 spd swap. -- Matt

Matt,

I have an '89 Runner, 3.0, auto, 4.10 gears, stock tires, Downey Exhaust system, rebuilt motor last spring (dropped valve seat).

To answer some of your questions:

Mine has 130k miles on it, works fine, that is the only data point I have on durability. The A340 trans has been put into many Toyota and Jeep/Chrysler rigs. Mostly without the hydraulic actuated/integrated transfer case that the Toyota rigs come with. (link to history below)

The torque converter locks up at freeway speeds. Good gas mileage? I get 20, maybe 21 on the freeway at 65 mph. In town it drops way off to 15/16 mpg.

Gas mileage is worse, from what I hear, as compared to a manual trans.

I have pulled a boat with mine several times. You pretty much keep the O/D off the whole time and have to shift into second often. Not a towing machine by any stretch. The 3.0 doesn't hit it's power band until 3k or so. You end up using second a lot to keep it in the sweet spot.

As for shifting action, it hunts around to much for my taste on hills. I think this is mostly due to the low output of the 3.0. It will go in/out of O/D frequently, lock unlock the converter, lots of RPM jumps, drops, jump, drop. Gets a little annoying.

There is that cool power button that you get. It changes the shift points and when the converter is locked up. When towing I usually have the power button on. Power On!!! Well, not really as impressive as it sounds.

Now, if you ever are thinking of putting a doubler transfer case into your rig, buy the manual transmission. There are a couple of adapters for the A340H to put in a doubler setup, but it really costs a ton more money. The transfer case on the A340H is kinda-sorta integrated into the transmission. It is not some separate bolt on unit like you normally see. They share some fluid flow and removing it can really screw up the trans. Gearslug makes an adapter. Also, Inchworm has one.

In the end, wish I had bought the manual version. But, I am 6'4" and have a hard time with a clutch in these little tonka truck rigs. If I had the stick, my left knee might be telling me I should have bought the auto. As it is I cannot see stop lights when I sit up straight, just the top of the windshield.

Links for you on the A340H:

Short history of the A340 series

Good details on the trans.

I know, not strictly truck related, but still...

My AWD Previa has an A340F and it will tow a loaded U-Haul 6x12 box trailer just fine. The A340 is used in all Previas from 1991-97 and failures are very rare. Those rigs usually run to 300k. The most common transmission problem is with the wiring harness shorting out due to corrosion (an easy fix).

Durable? Yes

Shifting action? Great. Firm shifts.

Torque Converter lockup? Yes, at 50mph.

Gas mileage? OK I guess. My 89 x-cab 22re truck w/5 SP gets about 23 in summer, the Previa with supercharger gets around 20-22 depending on how fast I drive. The Previa weighs 4200lbs and is full time AWD. Truck weighs less and runs with fr hubs unlocked.

Good for pulling a 3000lb trailer? A340 Previas can tow 3500lbs but I''ve never towed that much weight, so can't comment on how the tranny performs.

Overall, the 340 series trannies are reputedly very good. I wouldn't hesitate to own another vehicle equipped with one.

Regarding gas mileage on the A340H...... driving experience with the 3.4L V6 in front of the A340H.

My local driving is primarily the same rural back roads that are rough, winding, and generally not very good for mileage.. My 2000 V6 4Runner has been averaging around 18.5, sometimes 19 at the most on these roads.. My 4Runner weighs in around 4600lbs, or about 600lbs heavier than stock, due to various mods.

A trick I learned recently is when taking off, keep the rpm around 2000, but no higher than 2200 rpm (ECT in economy mode), and let the A340 work it way up to lock-up 4th gear and when there, keep the speed above 50 to keep the torque converter in lock up mode, but no higher than 55-60. It's easy for me to do this since there not much traffic on these back roads..

Doing the above, the mileage has increased to slightly above 21mpg.. So fairly good mileage is possible with the A340H.

The 3.4L makes all the difference in the world.. all the power I'm willing to pay for (especially with gas prices these days). <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Yep i do about the same, in my 3.4 auto, best i've gotten was 20.5 mpg (usually around 19.5)
My auto 3.4 is about the same 0-60 as my 3.0 89' 5spd. (when on stock tires). the 3.4 will kill it over 60mph however.
My bud has a 3.0/auto in his pickup... it's SLOW.... (compared to my 3.4 auto or 3.0 5spd) but it gets him from A to B....

dont worry, the 340f blows also when mated to a 3vz-e too.

Well I couldn't resist the chance to have a first generation 4runner. I now own that auto trans 3.0 4runner. The little bit that I have driven it so far, I think it's not too bad. And certainly quicker than my manual 22RE powered pickup.