I own a 2001 RX300 with a bad trans... I was wondering if I can find a used 2004/05 etc... will it fit into the 2001 and swap out without problems ? Do I rebuild a badly designed Trans ($3000 bucks) try a swap with a low milage 2001 trans (unlikely to find one with low miles) or find a newer model RX330 trans that will swap out the old one without major technical issues. Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Jerry

 

Welcome to the Club.

This may sound odd to other longtime members here, but Lexus/Toyota indeed did mate a 3.0 1MZFE engine (one in our RX300s) to a U151 transmission, http://toyotaharrier-lexusrx-differe...g-variant.html

The U151E would be for FWD models, while the U151F for AWD models.

The transmission found in our RX300s was a U140E or U140F.

There was a 3.0 Toyota Harrier/RX300 that had the body shape of the 2004-2006 RX330, but continued to have the 3.0 1MZFE engine found in our RX300s, and this was available overseas from 2004-2006.

I'm not sure all of the specifics on this, but would imagine there would have been some changes with the ECU (Engine Control Unit) to allow for the different transmission in there.

 

NOT RECOMMENDED! Unless you want all kinds of headache`s and problems. have your current trans rebuilt with the updated carrier etc, and it will be fine.

 

Welcome to Club Lexus!

The U140F/U140E isn't a badly designed transmission, not sure who told you that.

You can easily find a transmission at a salvage yard that has already been rebuilt for a decent price, or you can go ahead and have it rebuilt.

How many miles on your RX? Was the fluid ever changed?

 

^^^^ correct as always.....

 

Rebuilt with updates... I would go that route. Maybe add more cooling in the fenderwell if needed for your climate, and just don't ignore any transmission's need for frequent service despite what the owner's manual or dealer says. Best luck whatever you decide.

PS. If you do mate the U151 5 speed, please do write about your experience! Many others will be interested in reading all about it.

 

The trans fluid was changed at 120K the car has 180K on it now. In regard to the bad design comment it's just from reading all of the complaints in this and other forums about the 99-2001 transmissions going bad at 90 to 120K sometimes even less milage. How will I know if the used trans has had the updates/rebuilt if I get it through a junkyard ?
Thanks in advance...

 

Remember, the complaints posted on forums aren't a statistically valid sample. You aren't hearing from each owner including all the owners who had transmissions that endure longer than 120,000 miles.
Also, consider that in 2001 it seems other competitive makes faltered to produce mid-size SUV's and "luxury" crossovers that a majority of owners would experience transmission life of 180,000 miles or more with little or no recommended maintenence.
I'm not defending Lexus or the design of the transmission either. Just sayin'.

 

It all depends on your level of expectation.
Present:
Lexus warranty 60k miles or so.
Your transmission failed at 180K miles, leading you to believe it is a bad design.
Expecting low milage from an 12-14 yr salvage model is going to be very hard.

Future:
So if you dont have faith in RX transmission, I would say get rid of it.
If you want some reassurance then get some warranty and that leads to reman or getting it rebuilt.

Other than those, I am out of ideas.

Salim

 

There are many members with over 200k, & 300k miles on their original transmission, don't be fooled by internet amplification making you think you have an inferior transmission. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

Use www.car-part.com , it will locate salvage yards with a transmission for your particular RX. If the transmission is a reman or has been rebuilt it will list it there.