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The Winters Toyota A340 & Jeep AW4 SideWinder Gated Shifter provides positive, repeatable gear selection for Jeeps, Toyota 4x4s, rock crawlers, off-road buggies, and custom builds using A340 or AW4 automatic transmissions. Instead of relying on spring-loaded lockout levers, the SideWinder uses a stepped steel gate and mechanical guard system to physically guide the shift handle through each transmission position.
The Toyota A340 and Jeep AW4 are related four-speed automatic transmissions commonly used in trail and crawler builds because of their compact packaging and proven drivetrain applications. The SideWinder provides the mechanical gear-selection side of the system, giving the driver defined shifter positions while an offset section of the gate requires deliberate movement before the shifter can enter Reverse. Each shifter arrives fully assembled in its own console and includes a 5-foot cable and A340 / AW4 shift linkage hardware for installation.
Includes:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Winters Performance Products |
| Product Type | Automatic Transmission Gated Shifter |
| Shifter Series | SideWinder |
| Transmission Compatibility | Toyota A340 & Jeep AW4 |
| Transmission Type | 4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive |
| Shift Mechanism | Mechanical Stepped-Gate Design |
| Reverse Protection | Offset Mechanical Safety Gate |
| Console | Included |
| Cable Length | 5 Feet |
| Transmission Linkage | Included |
| Assembly | Ships Fully Assembled |
Fits:
Common Applications:
Installation Notes:
For custom installations, the Wide Open Design Winters Shifter Mounting Brackets provide a rigid, pre-drilled mounting foundation for the SideWinder housing.
The A340 and AW4 are popular automatic transmission platforms for Jeep, Toyota, and custom off-road builds. The SideWinder gives the driver a simple cable-operated mechanical shifter with clearly defined positions, making it well suited for fabricated consoles and tube chassis interiors where the factory shifter may no longer work with the vehicle layout.
The A340 and AW4 belong to the same general Aisin automatic transmission family and share many design characteristics. The AW4 is best known for its use in Jeep applications, while A340 variants were used across a range of Toyota applications. Builders should still confirm their exact transmission before ordering components.
No. The SideWinder mechanically moves the transmission's shift selector through the cable and linkage. Any electronic controls required to operate the transmission must still be retained or properly addressed as part of the build.
The stepped steel gate physically guides the shift handle through each transmission position. Defined positions help the driver make deliberate, repeatable gear selections without relying on a spring-loaded lockout lever.
Reverse is located behind an offset section of the gate. The driver must intentionally move the shift handle through that offset before entering Reverse, helping prevent an accidental direct shift from a forward range into Reverse.
The included 5-foot cable works for many Jeep, Toyota, and front-engine custom builds. Longer cables may be required when the shifter is relocated or when the cable needs to take a longer route around exhaust, drivetrain, or chassis components.
Yes. This is one of the advantages of a cable-operated shifter in an off-road build. The SideWinder can be positioned around the driver's seating position and cockpit layout rather than requiring a rigid mechanical connection directly below the shifter. The housing should be mounted securely so it cannot flex or move during gear changes.
Place both the transmission selector and SideWinder shifter in Neutral before making the final cable adjustment. Once adjusted, move the shifter through its entire range and verify that every position fully engages the corresponding transmission detent without binding or placing unnecessary tension on the cable.
