When I redid the heads/gaskets I also installed a new Denso radiator and Toyota brand hoses. The Hayden external trans cooler seems to be doing a good job since it's on the front of the AC condensor. I've read the same thing; just change out the radiator every 10 years and there should be no issues. I just figured I'd take chance out of the equation and do it this way. I'm sure either way works just fine.

On my 01 I took the extra step and installed the Ultragauge and Spiker Engineering mount so I could also monitor my trans temp along with a whole lot of other sensors. I don't do a lot of hard service miles so it's probably an overkill but since a blown off radiator hose killed my original engine I figured I'd want an alarm for over temps so I don't blow another. Good cheap insurance since this is my daily driver. I also took that opportunity to replace the contacts in the starter solenoid so I didn't have to do it in another 50k miles or so.

About the only thing I didn't do was change out the trans filter which is what led me to this thread. I will correct that very soon.

Here’s how to get all the fluid out and ensure you are running all clean!

YouTube


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In my opinion, dropping the transmission pan and replacing the filter isn’t necessary unless you’re doing it to do something else like replacing shift solenoids or your trans was really abused by the former owner and you’re thinking the filter (actually a fine mesh strainer) is potentially clogged up. The reason why I dropped my pan was merely due to curiosity regarding the health of my trans. Seeing what has accumulated on the magnets is a window into the health of your trans. I was pleasantly surprised to see very little metal debris on my magnets.

If you would still like to drop the pan for your own peace of mind, this video will help you out: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2920560-post468.html

Those are my intentions also ;) Previous owner doesn't seem to care too much about this car. Thanks to the universe he cared enough to rustproof it couple times and that why I bought it - for the year it is in somewhat acceptable shape. I hope to improve it and enjoy this car for many kms.

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Phattyduck is 100% correct on the fluid. There are 2 or 3 tech bulletins out there as to not use T fluid in the 3rd Gen transmissions. I glad I used a dextron. However, I seen posts of people use it. Majorly big no no and will probably cause the transmission to slip. :[

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Originally Posted by phattyduck

A couple of notes:
- There are two different transmission pans and filters, depending on whether you have a 2WD or a 4WD. The 2WD pan is shallower and holds less fluid (thus the differences in reported drain/fill quantities).

- The filter/pickup in the pan is just a screen. Not much of a filter. If the trans has been neglected, it can get clogged up, but it really isn't a normally serviced part.

- I would suggest doing the simple version of fluid exchanges - just do a drain and fill with each of the next few oil changes (say, one every 5k miles or so, 3 or 4 times) and you'll have mostly nice fresh fluid in the trans.

- The trans isn't that picky about fluid. Get whatever Dexron III or better fluid you want.

-Charlie

PS. Guys, it is DEXRON. No T in there.

Lol!

I believe he was trying to say the word is spelled "Dexron"; not "Dextron". It's a common misspelling and pronunciation mistake. I've done it myself.

I think Dexron II was what was originally called for but since then there have been updates and upgrades to the fluids so anything backwards compatible with Dexron II or III is just fine to use. Some people go with the Toyota brand and others with any Dexron III. A popular brand is the Valvoline Maxlife ATF in synthetic or regular. If someone is going to change it every 30k miles rather than the 60k interval then there's really no point in using the more expensive synthetics.

I personally will change it at 30k using the full replace method like I did before and decide if changing the Magnafine filter is warranted at the time depending on how the fluid looks. I won't drop the pan and change the screen until 60k miles though because I will be doing it soon. Maybe not until 90k if it looks really good at 60k but will change the Magnafine at that point.

We've all made that mistake. The other one that bothers me is tire tread vs. thread. Tires have tread, there are no threads on tires (unless you count the inner cords?).

I guess it worked out that there is a little double entendre there though. The Toyota T-IV fluid is likely very close to a Dexron fluid, but there are just as good and cheaper options in the aftermarket.

-Charlie

I’m still saying Dextron. It just sounds right.

I can't spell so you got me .. They made a mess out of the fluids as they say all transmissions after a certain date. Then you see these Technical bulletins excluding certain transmissions etc. Valid points you have.. :-)

I found my profile pic.. What do you guys think....LOL
Sorry I couldn't resist.. However, in the Forum from now on. I will spell it properly...

On Serious note: The late model Gens says Dexron II or III while the earlier gens say Dexron II

I included the TC003-99 Technical bulletin That is very Clear that we need to stick with Dexron Fluid

Attached Images

 

Attached Images

T-TC003-99.pdf (30.1 KB, 42 views)

I just dropped my pan to check on the health of the trans. PO did not have many service records so I was curious. Scraping the RTV from the pan and trans body was a headache. I used a rubberized cork gasket from Felpro when I put the pan back on. No leaks. Torque for pan bolts is 65 in lb.