We have several methods to exchange Transmission Fluids all of which are good. We even have videos detailing how do accomplish this. The only problem with these methods. Is that we have to do it a quart at a time.

So Built a Bucket Transmission Fluid Exchanger

The basics: My system consists of the following:

2 Translucent 5 Gallon buckets that have graduation levels
3 6 foot 3/8 id 1/2 od clear hose
3 3/8 barb nipples
1 Oil pump 3/8 or 5/8 diameter ( I mostly use 12volt ones) can even use one that hooks to a drill
6 small radiator clamps

One Bucket is your new fluid bucket the other is your used fluid bucket.

Hook a 3/8 barb nipple to send line on the radiator line cooler ( pull the rubber line of the passenger side of the bottom of the radiator ) use a small rad clamp on the nipple

Hook the new fluid line unto the nipple you just pulled the rubber line off and lightly snug with small radiator clamp.

The Send line now goes to the use oil bucket

The new fluid line goes back to the outlet of the pump.
The inlet of the pump goes new oil bucket filled with 3 gallons of new fluid (use small clamps if need)


Step 1: If you are going to change the filter and clean your magnets. Use the procedure and videos that instruct us how to do this. Except I don't put 4 quarts back in the clean tranny pan.

Step 2: Hook up the Bucket Transmission Fluid Exchanger and pump a gallon of fresh fluid back in..

Step 3: Once you Verify 100% sure you have it connected properly and your dip stick shows you have fluid. You are ready to exchanged fluid.

Step 4: Start the oil pump as soon as that is going. Start up your engine in your 4 runner and your used fluid will flow into the used oil bucket.

Step5: Once your fluid goes bright red your fluid is exchanged. Its super close to 3 gallons of fluid. The buckets show you how much came out and how much when in. Shut off engine and if need pump more fluid do it. Check fluid levels.

Note: If you want to just put 2 gallons in and hand put the last few quarts in that is fine too.

Step6: disconnect fluid exchange pump. Hook the lines backup and check your fluid levels. Adjust level as needed. If it somehow gets too high. just pull the line off and drain some out. We still have dip sticks so we can verify our fluid levels. Just like the sealed have a fill level plug.

I had an issue with burning cheap oil pumps. So I made a mistake of not paying super close attention and ended up with a 1 inch id Oil pump so I had to retrofit my system to accommodate this way too big pump. So please excuse my photos of the system with the return line into my new fluid bucket and my T feed and ball valve to control the flow and pressure of the fluid going back in.

I will modify this once I have it all hooked up to show pictures of it in action. I just don't need to exchange any 4 runner fluid at this time.

This system works in all systems even sealed transmissions. The only change would be the amount of fluid and type. :-)

This is also the fastest way to exchange all of your fluid and actually gets it all exchanged

I did however attach some photos of the buckets and pump setup.


Edit: I have a smaller oil transfer pump that i will be adding photos of shortly. :-) I need to rewire it and put a toggle switch with clips that conect to the battery. I will display it shortly. :-)

Attached Images