[johnny4ever]

Is there a known record for a FZJ80 stock transmission before needing rebuild or repair? Is there a record for a stock engine?

later

[cruiserdan]

There is at least one example, owned by a family member of one of our board members, that approaches 300,000 miles on the original drivetrain. Transmission issues are very rare and engine issues primarily center around the head gasket. Very few 1FZ engines have had catastrophic failures unless they have been pushed to that point by neglect or stupidity.

[Cruiserhead05]

266,800 miles here.....shifts BEAUTIFULLY...


Then again, its an A442F

[landtank]

200k and getting pitched tomorrow.

[turbocruiser]

Originally Posted by landtank

200k and getting pitched tomorrow.

Pitched? Why?

[cruiserdan]

Delayed reverse engaugement.

[Cruiserdrew]

I used to be a lot more worried about tranny failure until the Dan told me a new one complete was only about $3K. I'm thinking $3k every 200,000 miles is probably alright.

It is interesting, that my tranny at 100,000 miles shifts like new, and that it can likely go much further before replacement. By then, gas will be so expensive, I won't be able to drive it anyway.

Curious Landtank-are you going to rebuild, or buy a new tranny?

[pharmerdan]

Please tell me more about delayed reverse engaugement. This past winter, I found that I had to have the rig running for 10 sec's or so before it did a normal reverse after a cold start. I had the tranny "power flushed" and it seemed to help the matter. Currently, all shifts are great. No problems at 103,000 miles, a 97 40th.

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by pharmerdan

Please tell me more about delayed reverse engaugement.

Many '97 trannies don't have enough balls according to C-Dan. I think it's just his way of goading me about the differences in transmissions between the years the 80 was produced. His tranny has lousy solenoids, so there.

However, there is a published TSB that gives some credence to his claim and many of us have experienced intermittent issues when shifting into reverse. The problem described in the TSB has happened to me on 3 occassions; each about a year apart (15k miles). What will happen is that I abruptly stop when going forward and quickly shift into reverse and quickly apply throttle, the tranny will make a loud grinding noise (quite alarming) and not go anywhere. On each occurance, I have put it back into neutral, waited for the truck to complete stop (2 or 3 seconds) and then shift back into reverse and all is well. YMMMV.

I think mine is a Jan 1997 build so it's probably around mid-production for the 97s. The TSB gives the VIN numbers that got all their balls.

-B-

[cruiserdan]

The statement that they do not have "enough balls" is substantiated by the FACT that the TSB details how to add more balls to the valve body to make the transmission function properly.....

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by cruiserdan

The statement that they do not have "enough balls" is substantiated by the FACT that the TSB details how to add more balls to the valve body to make the transmission function properly.....

Yes, but you could just as easily say the '97 valve body needs some slight tweaking. Yet you choose to snicker and tell me my tranny doesn't have enough balls. You're just being mean and you know it.



-B-

[turbocruiser]

Originally Posted by cruiserdan

The statement that they do not have "enough balls" is substantiated by the FACT that the TSB details how to add more balls to the valve body to make the transmission function properly.....

ROFLMAO

Good one, very very good one!

But this delayed reverse response crap! Sheesh just take a second to sip some sweet coffee! The way I'm working this, you dont drive around much in reverse, and you can make up the time taken during this freakin "delayed reverse response" if'n ya just drive a little faster in forward!

I'll remind you that having too many balls is not an advantage when they slam yer thighs as you run! Ask me how I know!

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by turbocruiser

I'll remind you that having too many balls is not an advantage when they slam yer thighs as you run! Ask me how I know!

You have more than 2?

-B-

[IdahoDoug]

It's my bro in law's 1993 80 that's just turned 300,000 miles. He got it in '93 when I got my 93 and it has been cared for in a fairly typical fashion. Now it's under my care. The thing's never been touched other than batteries, fluids, belts, etc. All heater hoses are original except the PHH which I changed at 220k or so. Shifts as smooth as mine, starts and runs as new. Completely uncanny.

DougM

[TOY350]

Originally Posted by Beowulf

You have more than 2?

-B-

Uh oh, this may be getting ugly.


And for -B-

...jumps over the lazy dog.

[Beowulf]

Originally Posted by TOY350

Uh oh, this may be getting ugly.

You are correct. If his response is yes, then you gotta know I'm going to find that image that says "This Thread is Useless without Pics!"

-B-

[turbocruiser]

Originally Posted by Beowulf

You have more than 2?

-B-

No, I was referring to those extra valve body balls bouncing all around in my pockets of course!

[landtank]

First, I have delayed engagement and slipping in reverse when under load such as backing a tent trailer up a hill. It started at around 60k and has progressively gotten worse. It's not a total failure yet, but I'm not waiting to get stuck on vacation to finally do something about it either.

TSB breakdown:

Starting with serial number 96JE-06161, the B3 brake return spring assembly and low coast modulator valve compression spring was updated.

Starting with 97AE-07106 the matterial of 3 O-rings where changed to help them seal better.

Then serial numbers 97H*-00001 thru 97K*-99999 need to have the check ball added to the valve body.

Starting with the 97H*-00001 tranny there must have been a design change that happened on the production floor but wasn't or couldn't be applied to the exhisting trannies in the field. Only those trannies need the ball to be added to get rid of a chatter shifting OUT of reverse.

I only looked up the LCs but if someone were to scan the Tacoma, Tindra and 100 series LCs more changes might have been made to this tranny as the core unit is used on all of them.

[The Nak]

landtank,

Please excuse my ignorance, but where would one find the trans serial number? Do you have approximate production dates for the changes/upgrades?

Thanks,

Nak

[landtank]

The tag is located on the PS near the rear I believe. Production dates don't apply other than giving a rough idea as the first 2 digits of the serial are the year of manufacture. There is probably more in that coded serial number but I don't know it.

[Tapage]

and what is the max km life for any 442 .. ? with good maintenance .?

mine at 454k kilometers right now ..

[johnny4ever]

WOW. thats a fairly good thread response.

Thanks for all the info. My 88 FJ62 had its A440F go south at 236k.
The 3FE is still going strong at 245k and counting.

I am thinking of getting an 80 series.
I am near Austin so if anyone hears of a good 80 for sale drop me a note.

Thanks again for all the good feedback.

[Mike S]

Some months ago - in search mode for an 80 - I looked at one that was well used, but which hada speedo reading of 111,000. The owner said it was 'broken' and he didn't know the actual maileage.

I ran a carfax report and found that the actual mileage was close to 375,000 miles. It ran well, but had not received enough love in its life.

M

[IdahoDoug]

How would Carfax "know" that it was anything higher than the odometer reading? They simply accept what is/was on the odometer or a statement from a speedometer replacement incident.

DougM

[Mike S]

They had records of the most recent transfer of ownership. The most recent transfer of ownership (CA) indicated that the truck had about 375K miles about a year and a half previous to the date that I looked at it.

So how would they 'know'? Just looked in the CA state records. My guess is that someone was playing with (reversing) the odometer, and busted it.

[IdahoDoug]

Interesting. Wow, that would be a vehicle worth staying away from, eh?

DougM

[alaskacruiser]

Hey Rick- hope your tranny swap is going smoothly.

So the best trannies to look for are between 97AE-07106 and 97H*-00001?

I just spent 10 mins under my rig trying to locate the serial #, and I couldn't find it. Would you mind posting a pic of yours (preferably on the truck, but anything would be great) so we know where to look? Thanks in adv!

[Cruiser Jimmy]

Originally Posted by johnny4ever

WOW. thats a fairly good thread response.

Thanks for all the info. My 88 FJ62 had its A440F go south at 236k.
The 3FE is still going strong at 245k and counting.

I am thinking of getting an 80 series.
I am near Austin so if anyone hears of a good 80 for sale drop me a note.

Thanks again for all the good feedback.

Johnny,
Read the newbie threads about 80's. The 91's and 92's still used the A440F's. The 93's and 94's used the A442F and the >95's used the A343F's. In many circles the 442 is considered the best tranny.

BTW, I'll soon be going into business to rebuild TLC trannys, starting off with A440Fs. Let me know if you'd want this service if you decide to keep the 62.

[IdahoDoug]

JK,

Sounds exciting - keep us posted on developments, eh?

DougM

[landtank]

I went out today and took a pic of the tag on the tranny to help others find it. It's probably covered with crap bring a rag with some solvent with you when you go searching.