Toyota Transmission Interchange Chart (Updated in 2023)

Are you thinking about exchanging the Toyota transmission? Well, then following a specific Toyota transmission interchange chart is mandatory! Because all of its transmission varieties aren’t a perfect fit for different types of engines. Rather, they require an ideal-size engine to function after the replacement. 

The interchange chart highlights which engine types and vehicles are compatible with interchangeability. Varieties of transmissions like A44D, 2 To 3 speed ones are in this category. Moreover, they are replaceable without any modification. 

If you try to interchange any of these Toyota transmissions with an engine model, it mightn’t work after the installation. The build quality or design of the transmission impacts the transmission replacement and functions. Feeling confused? No problem, today’s write-up will come in handy!

Toyota Transmission Interchange Chart

Based on my research, it is 100% possible to swap any Toyota transmission with a random transmission! In that case, both transmissions need to share a similar alignment or dimension, engine size, and features for the swap to work. 

And here is the interchange chart that lists down compatible vehicles and engines for the swap:

In order to interchange transmission with other vehicles, I’d prefer taking a look at the given chart:   

Note that if you want to interchange Toyota transmission with other vehicles, it’s better to follow their respective interchange charts. 

For instance, if you’re wondering about exchanging with Nissan, the Nissan transmission interchange chart can help you out with process compatibility. 

Factors Affecting Interchangeability Toyota Transmission

Transmissions need to be functional with Toyota vehicles and engine units for the transmission swap to work. Or else, the effort and money to interchange the transmission can lead to engine issues or fatal damages.

So here, I’ve listed two factors that determine whether two Toyota transmissions are interchangeable or not:  

#1- Engine Size 

The donor car from which you’ll exchange the transmission requires to have the same engine size as your Toyota car’s engine. 

For instance, if Toyota has a 2.0 L engine, the engine that contains the other transmission must be 2.0 L in size too. 

Now, you may wonder, “How to find out the perfect engine size for Toyota transmission with other vehicles like Subaru?” 

I’d say if you plan to interchange with it, consider checking the Subaru transmission interchange chart. This will include the engine sizes that are compatible with the swap.

So if the engine sizes don’t match, the transmission won’t be able to align perfectly and eventually will fail to work! 

#2- No Major Changes in the Units

Manufacturers modify their engines and transmission constantly. As a result, the transmissions and engines that were compatible last year, mightn’t be an ideal match this year. 

To exemplify, a transmission that used to have a place for mounting critical parts last year, may not contain such a design this year. 

Thereby, once you install its new version with its older compatible engine, you won’t be able to mount the necessary parts. And without these units, the transmission will fail to run. 

So, I’d say any major change in the compatible engine and transmission can make them less effective for each other. 

4 Common Issues May Arise When Interchanging Toyota Transmissions

Exchanging transmissions into Toyota cars isn’t child’s play! In fact, it requires skills and technical knowledge to properly carry out the process. In case anything is off the grid, the following issues may arise –

#1- Failed Custom Fabrication 

Changing the automatic transmission to a manual in a Toyota vehicle requires custom fabrication and modification. 

Because the interior is built in accordance with the automatic gearbox or transmission needs. So, without customizing the interior, the transmission swap isn’t possible!

Here comes the tricky part! While detaching and customizing the interior metal frameworks, units, and trim pieces, if anything goes wrong, it can cost you repairing. 

It mostly happens when you aren’t skillful enough with automotive tools. In such a case, you mightn’t be able to modify the central console needed to fit the manual gearbox. 

Generally, you’ll struggle to preserve some interior trim if you have no idea of metal fabrication, keep that in mind.

#2- Less Room for Interior 

After interchanging the transmission, chances are there’ll be less capacity in the interior trim. Because you need to drill holes around the driver-side footwell. And this takes away the legroom. 

So, for tall drivers, it can be a real bummer to fit their legs properly around the driver’s side place! And without comfort, it isn’t easy to drive. 

#3- Reprogramming Costs

Even if you successfully swap the transmission, reprogramming the Toyota system computers can be challenging. And without readjusting it to the new transmission system, the vehicle won’t respond to inputs in an appropriate way!

In order to tune in the transmission to the vehicle’s computer specifications, feel free to contact a professional tune shop. 

Based on my research, their servicing cost can be a tad bit expensive! So, it isn’t possible to save bucks with the DIY swap process. 

#4- Wrong Transmission Fluid

Automatic and manual transmission requires their specific fluid type to be able to function. Let’s say automatic transmission needs ATF or automatic transmission fluid, and it can’t work with manual fluid. 

So, after interchanging the transmission from manual to automatic, you may forget to switch to the ATF, which might damage the transmission panel. 

Tips for Successfully Interchanging the Toyota Transmissions

Yes, exchanging Toyota transmissions is a time-consuming task! So a wrong step can ruin the hour-long efforts and time invested. 

Also, it can put you in danger as well. In order to prevent such a scenario, I’ve listed the following handy tips:

• Wear safety gear to be safe, and it’s a “must!”
• Make sure the transmission is compatible with the engine model.
• Remove the negative battery from the vehicle to prevent its movement or roll.
• Before crawling under the vehicle, loosen the bolts and shift linkages. 
• Label the removed compartments to quickly find and reattach them later.

Following these tips may assist you in going through the process in an organized way. Otherwise, it can take longer to replace the transmission. 

Conclusion 

Following the Toyota transmission interchange chart is not the only key to swapping transmissions between vehicles. Because you need to explore the transmission and engine year and features too to successfully carry out the process. 

If not, you may end up damaging the vehicle after replacing the wrong transmission type. 

In my opinion, always go to the official Toyota website. And contact their support center to find out the interchangeable transmissions. 

Video References

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Rasel

Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering

Education: Mechanical  engineer

Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA

Rasel is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.