Lots of threads on here about atm fluid.
Search the forum if interested.
My theory and what I seen in 30 years of hobby mechanic on Toyota.
I exchanged mine at 215k from the PO. Pulled pan cleaned magnets put pan gasket on it with a new screen. My rig now has 270k on it. I exchange it again at 300k.
People are scared to change atm fluid. It's their rigs and their choice.
No longer red.
No longer lubricating and your magnets will be covered along with your screen filter clogging.
Filter clogs enough the fluid cant flow and the transmission starved for fluid and melts down.
All your doing is sand blasting your transmission with dirty fluid though as the fluid holds the particles with it.
The damage is already done and will slip etc if its damaged. [ not changing it wont prevent this]
Clean fluid filter and magnets and properly working solenoids make for a happy well functioning transmission.
Sent from my SM-J337V using Tapatalk
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7 3rd gens listed in the build thread (2 are parts mobiles)
Build Thread:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...os-builds.html
Brillo's Bucket Fluid Ex changer:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...ml#post3358086
Sparks Plugs Wire and Coil Information:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-5vz-fe.html