2002 Tundra Transmission Problem and Options: Advice sought

Hi folks -- I recently picked up a high mile 2002 Tundra 3.4 V6 with a replacement frame that runs well but has a problem with the automatic transmission. I was told the previous owner's son drove it in winter on the highway in 4WD about 125 miles and at some point the transmission went bad -- the shifter works but no engagement in any gear. I don't have a problem doing the labor to change it. My question pertains to reasonable options at a reasonable price. Are V6 transmissions different from V8 transmissions -- that is, do I need to search for a V6 transmission -- and if so, are the 2003-2004 V6 transmissions better and compatible? The other alternative is to swap in manual transmission though I understand that requires the complete package, maybe even ECU? Seeking advice from members who have knowledge and experience about these matters. Many thanks -- Roadwarrior1

 

First things first I'm gonna ask you a stupid question: Have you checked the fluid level? Because the exact symptoms you describe would happen if it was even a quart low on fluid in many vehicles. You're lucky, your 02 has a dipstick. Note the levels will be different when the trans is hot vs. cold and that's a consideration when checking the levels.

Also, have you confirmed that when you're shifting, the armature for the shifter on the trans is moving? (Obviously, do this carefully!!)

 

I appreciate your response and to me, there are no stupid questions. I did check the fluid level -- it was down a quart but looked good and passed the "smell" test. Topped it up and no change. It is eerie in that having experience with a lot of US cars with automatic transmissions of earlier vintage, shifting between gears, which I have done multiple times while occasionally revving the engine has zero results as I had previously experienced with old US cars -- no grinding, shuddering, movement of any sort or any type of reaction, which causes me to think is this possibly an electronic problem? I have not yet crawled under there to check if the armature for the shifter on the transmission is moving -- one of my "bucket list" goals was to have my own lift when I retired, which I just did but still no lift! Still crawling on my belly like a cave man....

 

Oh get a lift if you do much in the car repair department. My friend put one on the side of his house, I used it to replace a RMS seal in a Chevy 350 motor, and it turned what would have been a miserable job on my back, into a not bad job standing full height under the truck.