A343F Transmission Rebuild Dilemma

[Malleus]

Here are Toyota's (actually KTC's) tools from 09350-30020-01):
The spring compression tools, intended to be used with an arbor press, are, from bottom to top (circled in red)
09350-07030 (the cross–looking part)
09350-07040 (upper two images, no idea why this is pictured twice, there's only one)

The rear spring has to be compressed in situ, in order to remove the pistons. The tool is the one circled in green:
09350-07050 (you can make this one from scraps, I did – I actually used the guard parts from my bench grinder)
You also need to use the two clips (circled in blue) (or something similar) to remove the pistons, after you use the compressor. If your seals are still good, you can use compressed air, but if they aren't you'll have to lift them out. You can't pry them without damaging them.

 

[Malleus]

Here are the snap ring pliers I recommend:

This is what makes them special:

You can also get a locking version, those are very handy.

These aren't the ones I have, mine are SnapOn, but I inherited them. These are just as good, and far less expensive.

 

[Gerrha]

Here are the snap ring pliers I recommend:
View attachment 4101674
This is what makes them special:
View attachment 4101676
These aren't the ones I have, mine are SnapOn, but I inherited them. These are just as good, and far less expensive.
View attachment 4101677

Those lock ring pliers are what I have, and I needed all of them for various locations. Some of the above SSTs I made on my own like Malleus did. It can be done.

 

[Malleus]

This is a must have, if you don't have a dedicated transmission bench:

For a long time, we had one under our Christmas tree, to save our floors. My wife was unhappy when I realized it could be used in my shop. We now have several.

 

[reklund5]

sounds like you do this more often than any of us!! My tranny is doing great but someday I'd like to refresh it since the turbo is adding more strain on it now. Perhaps a winter project for me?

I have a suitable rebuildable core here for you....

 

[Gerrha]

This is a must have, if you don't have a dedicated transmission bench:
View attachment 4101678

For a long time, we had one under our Christmas tree, to save our floors. My wife was unhappy when I realized it could be used in my shop. We now have several.

Very nice! I preferred to let mine drip all over the place making a huge mess, but I do not have a wife glaring over my shoulder...

 

[Malleus]

FWIW, Hagerty sells a kit to retrofit their first generation Snapress to work like mine. It consists of just the legs, which are really all you need. You could make the other parts, without the locking feature, which you wouldn't need if you had a helper.

Or this chinese copy:

 

[PeterTheBeater]

This all really great info, thank you for taking taking and listing everything out.

 

[Malleus]

NP. I think this is something like the third time I've done this. I keep thinking I need to create an 80 series A343F rebuild thread, with all this stuff in it, for FAQ, but I have yet to get around to it. Maybe when I quit my day job...

If you decide to do this for yourself, whether you dive in the deep end or just grab a used unit and spiff it up while you're saving pennies (that would be a really useful thread), do create a thread and ask any questions that come to mind.