Just wondering if anyone still uses the factory auto trans in their offroad buggies? Or are they too weak to use with suspention mods, taller tires and lower gears?

I am running and auto! No problems here. 5.12 gears. 4.24 t case and 33's.

I am running and auto! No problems here. 5.12 gears. 4.24 t case and 33's.

Same here, I've been pounding on mine offroad for about 3 years now

Ive got the OD auto dual transfercases 462s &35" boggers  & has held up for 2 years

I'm running the stock 3 speed w 5.12 diffs, 4:24 tcase, & 31"MTs for 5 years in the trail rig.  I think I've had to replace the vacuum modulator valve.

Just had the 3 speed auto in my (seldom wheeled) daily driver rebuilt at +150K miles.

4-speed pushing a 4-door & 35" tires. That's about as much "load" as you can put on a trans & mine works like a charm. Don't need crawler gears 'cause the torque multiplication is the goods. If you run an auto, there's a few things to keep in mind: No bump-start = run a dual battery system (or have one of those "charge packs") & carry a spare starter (ask me how I know). And, RUN A LARGER TRANSMISSION COOLER, or a second trans cooler in-line. It doesn't need to be a monster, but the stock cooler will be inaddiquate for rock crawling, or larger tires. Torque convert's going to be working harder - which is totally fine as long as it's supplied with cooler oil (I believe around 170*). You can re-use the old trans cooler as a power steering fluid cooler (also needed with larger tires), or an engine oil cooler.

Ditto, and a turbo too.

 Thanks for all the input! I figured it would work ok, after I read that it was an auto trans made from a Toyota, cant remember right now where I read that though.

It's probably either a Chevrolet or an Aisin. I know Aisin's can be adapted to work with Suzukis:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=716069&highlight=71
http://www.nuceng.ca/bill/volvo/database/tranny.htm