KZJ78 A340 Auto upgrade kit install / mod

[kbushnz]

After doing all sorts of mods to the Prado engine wise it was time to play with the auto...
I find the auto changes a little slow at times when you don't want it too and also reading up on the net tweaking the valve body's can help with better changes, less friction as it slips less and less heat.... Got to be good.....
There are some quick fixes where by you pack up the springs in the accumulators but that's really only half the story.....
A few re builders is the states use these kits or similar with the Supra's and AW4 auto's in the Jeeps with good results and still use the std friction linings....
So I ordered one! And it arrived last week....

And.....Well I got bored and started putting in the valve body upgrade kit...
So it was off with the pan and let it drip dry...

Here is the valve body, will let it drip dry and pull it apart during the week...
It gets new balls !, gets some removed... Some holes in the plate get drilled out to allow better flow...And also some new rated springs.

The accumulators below get new springs and rods....

The kit comes with great instructions with photo's....So with paitence any one could do this...
It also helps the truck has a lift and sitting on 35's... Easy to work under.
So far its only take me about an hour......

Will add more as I progress...

[kbushnz]

Took the valve body into work today and split it open...
Pretty straight forward...
Followed instructions and changed a few springs and valves.
And also opened up some of the feed holes for the various gears.
Also put in a mod that supposedly holds it in 2nd rather than going first then second when you manually select 2nd.
Doesn't really effect me as I use the solenoids to trigger it but now its mechanical....So I am thinking if I loose solenoids it will shift how I want it...
Might play with this one...
Got home and changed the springs in the accumulators and put the valve body back on the truck....
Only about a 3 hour job in total....
Next is to clean up the pan and refit / seal and then top up with fluid...

[kbushnz]

Well put in more fluid and went for a drive....
Driving gently its feels a little sharper in the gear changes..
However when pushing it hard it changes nice and sharp...
And certainly feels stronger...
However only done a few k's in it...
Time will tell....
At least it still goes ! and I didnt stuff it up Phew....

[wjw]

[kbushnz]

Bit of an update....
Took her out for a spin in Woodhill....
In low the auto feels good.... Nice and firm but not too clunky when selecting gears.
The gear changes are quick and sharp.... Not squishy and slow like before....You don't get that pause.....
So all in all a good mod.....The kit had two settings to mod to... I chose the truck one... the other was Hot Rod... I think that would be too aggressive...
I now can do 2nd gear starts.....Soooo much better....
This mod would also help the std ecu controlled auto's......

[wjw]

Where did you get it from?

[kbushnz]

Where did you get it from?

I got it from the States via Ebay...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330699641228?ss ... 1584wt_954

Not available in NZ but I only tried one of the bigger auto supply shops in Auckland... They had the same manufacturer kits for other auto's but not for the A340.....
They could get it in....But was easier, quicker and cheaper for me to do it...