auto's rarely last as long as manuals, but toyota aren't too bad, If you keep up your servicing,
But If your constantly hauling a large amount of weight, or towing, the manual may be a better option

We get them in with 600,000 , still running,
we also get them with 400.000 blown,
You've just got to be lucky,
If you want your auto to last, it needs regular service,
A decent transmission cooler (preferably separate to your radiator)will go along way towards making your box last longer
We have one the size of two v8 radiators under our v6 holden converted mercedes sprinter, 2 x thermo fans cooling it, and have had absolutely no problem with
The gearbox in 2 years of hard daily towing with a tandem and a car on it
Weight around 5 tonne, for van trailer, and payload,
The reason I mention having a tranny cooler that is kept away from the radiator, means If the engine overheats, or is running hot,
It won't transfer the excess heat to the transmission
CHEERS

Some get there, some don't,

ikw777 said...

Thanks for that.

Has anyone run these 'boxes over 300, 000?

highnoon said...


A decent transmission cooler (preferably separate to your radiator)will go along way towards making your box last longer

Damn....Maybe if i had of got a cooler for my ex, she would have lasted longer ;)

But highnoon's right. External transmission coolers are the way to go. Dont cost much and extend the life of an auto. I have ford BA, and the dip**** designers decided to run the tranny cooler in sync with the radiator. Transmission fluid lines run inside and around the radiator and back out again to get the cooling effect. Problem is, these lines eventually corrode, mixing your coolant transmission fluid together when they give way. Automatic transmissions dont like water. They go bang.

Someone actually had a stand alone cooler fitted when i bought mine, but was still running through the radiator. I bought an upgraded one and bypassed the radiator as soon as i heard of this problem. Cars going on 10yrs old and the last time the mechanic gave it back he said it was one of the smoothest transmissions he had felt in a BA.

Money well spent.

If your going to work the vehicle hard, like going up and downhill alot, Stop start often on long trips
Or are going to tow or carry a load, Or even If you are a leadfoot and drive it hard,
The transmission will get hot reguardless of the ambient temperature.
(good luck)

ikw777 said...

Thanks for this info guys especially re longevity.

Don't know if I'll need a trans cooler in the South Island of NZ???