100 series Automatic boxes weak?

[PLAU]

Hi

This is my first four wheel drive vehicle (should be better then my old commodore ute) and I am new here and do not know a lot so please be nice

A good mate of mine told me that the only thing he doesnt like about the 100 series is that the boxes are weak.

He even admits himself, he doesnt know a lot so I dont know if he means the auto or manual versions?

Anyway I bought a nice grey/silver 100 series V8 automatic GXV version.

It is mainly for towing heavy loads onroad.

Are these boxes problematic under heavy loads or just if you abuse them or go OFFroad bigtime?

It will spend 90% of the time on road as I drive far and away for my work and need to carry a heavy trailer.

It will see some offroad if I ever get time off work but it wont be crazy style

Thanks
Phil

[thrashlux]

only the na diesel manual boxes have issues
this is normally after they are turboed and or done towing in 5th
the autos are fine and so are the petty sixes and factory td's

[Shadow]

Apparently the later auto (2003 on) is significantly better than the earlier auto.

that said, If your towing a big load, do not use 5th gear.

[stan]

mate just put banana peels in it she will be fine....

[thrashlux]

Apparently the later auto (2003 on) is significantly better than the earlier auto.

that said, If your towing a big load, do not use 5th gear.

they are better but only cause they are 5 speed auto instead of 4 speed auto
i have not heard of problems with either auto being weak

[Thommo 73]

why would a smaller auto be stronger? the A440f and A442f (4 speed) were fitted in 80's and 100's till 02' and they are used in busses and trucks, the A343f is only better because it is a five speed, not stronger, both are good auto's but like all auto's abuse them and they will reward you with a hugh bill.

i was told but a toyota master tech at work who loves his 80's and has been working for toyota for 25+ years that the A44* series is the strongest box/transfer they made, im currently putting one behind a 1uz so i'll find out

i wouldnt worry too much about it, just service it and dont cook it towing.....
fyi the 98 - 02 100 4.7ltr was fitted with an A442f
and 02- is fitted with the A343 both are electonic.

[badger]

I thought all thelate 5 speed cruisers are a750e or f boxes
i could be wrong tho
isnt the a343 from prados and some american market 80's and early 100's

[Thommo 73]

you are correct, over seas only got the a343 tho from what i understand

[PLAU]

So Does a 02 onwards have a a343 or an a750? I am confused.

And is the 02 onwards 5 speed aust just as strong as the 4 speed auto prior (if not towing in fifth)

Are they on par with each other or is one stronger then the other?

Phil

[badger]

All 5 speed auto cruisers here are a750's
Both the 4 and 5 speed are brilliant boxes. I have a 4 speed in my 80 with an lightly tweeked fte, the box has done over 400k with nothing but filter n oil changes, it still shifts like new. Im putting a 5 speed in my 105 im building up to replace the 80 as it has better gearing (lower 1st higher over drive) I am 100% confident it will live as well as the 80's box.
The only weekness both boxes have is heat, so make sure you have a good cooler and dont let either bog down in Over Drive ie heavy towing up hills

If you are using either box for alot of towing give wholesale automatics a call, they sell lock up converter kits, auto trans temp gauges and high performance valve bodys for both boxes

[Mr DJ]

I thought all thelate 5 speed cruisers are a750e or f boxes
i could be wrong tho
isnt the a343 from prados and some american market 80's and early 100's

Yes, and also in the 90's auto Surf's, soarers, etc.

[CustomTurbos]

All 5 speed auto cruisers here are a750's
Both the 4 and 5 speed are brilliant boxes. I have a 4 speed in my 80 with an lightly tweeked fte, the box has done over 400k with nothing but filter n oil changes, it still shifts like new. Im putting a 5 speed in my 105 im building up to replace the 80 as it has better gearing (lower 1st higher over drive) I am 100% confident it will live as well as the 80's box.
The only weekness both boxes have is heat, so make sure you have a good cooler and dont let either bog down in Over Drive ie heavy towing up hills

If you are using either box for alot of towing give wholesale automatics a call, they sell lock up converter kits, auto trans temp gauges and high performance valve bodys for both boxes

I agree both are tops. Actually the A750F is a much smaller box (at least externally) than an A442F and I think it is basically a modified A343 - even has the same number of planetary gears, they just added a few more clutches to get the extra gears. I have had the early fully hydraulic A442F and the final as used behind the 2UZ (in a LX470, just pulled out both to put in an 06 FTE with A750F). The latter had far better shifts because the ecu was also the auto control unit, but the early box was great. My 1HDT was putting out well over 500nm and could tow my caravan up most mild hills in top. I could even go up Greenmount at 80km/h in top (no van). I had a Wholesale Autos Stage 2 kit in it with 3rd lockup.

I took the car araound Oz 31,000kms and towed all but massive hills in top - no dramas. The key is keep it locked up as much as possible. My 80 was an import too so it lacked an oil cooler other than the radiator!