Auto Trans from a 4WD super custom into a non-4WD one?

I am buying a 1998 Hiace Super Custom Limited, non-4WD. Just before I picked it up, the owner said the automatic transmission developed problems. A friend of his has a Super Custom 4WD and he is taking the automatic transmission out of that one and putting it into the one I am buying.

Is this workable? Does anyone know if this has any potential issues? Please advise.

It has the 3.0 turbo diesel engine in it, 156,000 k's. Drives very strong.

How hard (and how expensive and time consuming) is it to get a good transmission for this 98 super custom limited if it does develop problems in the future? Are they fairly easy to come by? Please advise.

I live in New South Wales, Australia...about an hour from Sydney.

Thanks,
David

As far as I'm aware the 4wd has a transfer box bolted on the back of the tranmission, I'd guess that it will fit not sure if the gearing would be the same though.
Have a look on www.toyodiy.com for the gearbox part numbers, that will tell you if they are different.

The fellow who is having the transmissions swapped, says that the one from his friends 4 WD has the exact same transmission part number as the one that was in his van that he is replacing. But he says the "output shaft" is slightly different in length so they swap the output shaft. Apart from the output shaft, they say they are the exact same.

Any input or advice? What kind of care is needed to lengthen the life of these Super Custom Automatic Transmissions? Are they prone to problems? Any help would be appreciated!

THanks,
David

Yes the prop shaft would be shorter on the 4WD as the transfer box box takes up some room.

Transmissions are very robust. I'd do a complete fluid change if they had not done that in replacing it.

Thanks for the advice...I will check and make sure that they are doing that. Many Automatic transmissions also have a fliter that is normally changed when the transmission fluid is changed...is this the case with this one?

Thanks so much,
David

There is a filter in the sump, which has to be removed to get to it, then re-sealed with silicon gasket. Lot easier to do if the box is out of the vehicle.