Hello!
Recently bought a new ( to me) 96 4runner sr5 limited 2wd.

Im doing a LOT to it, in preparation for a very long drive, and recently ran into a major pickle.

I recently did a flush using the transmissions own pump, because I noticed that the fluid had turned VERY brown. Almost the color of motor oil, when it was on the darker side of red when I bought it.

Flushed out 11 qts, and thought that I was good to go.

Not 400 (mostly testing the various parts I'm upgrading) later, it's dark brown again!


I dropped the pan to go for the filter, and also noticed a crushed 1st/reverse hose (1 of 2 hoses that goes from valve body to mystery hole in the back of the trans).

I'm sure this doesn't help, but the fluid burning SEEMS unrelated to it .


I have some theories:
Whatever's in the torque converter has worked it's way out twice now. Unlikely, especially since I'm doing a flush using the transmissions own pump, and I'm pretty sure that goes through the TQ. But I am doing it one quart in, one quart out, so it could just be mixing a bunch of dirty fluid.


The filter gets clogged sometimes when I go over bumps, and this clogging burns up the trans in no time.

This makes the most sense, since it seems to happen out of nowhere, not gradually, and it happens VERY fast.
Suddenly, ALL of the fluid is completely burnt.
It lived in a not-so-bumpy area before.


Did this ruin my trans? I have no idea. It still drives fine, it just acts a little more funny when I know it's burnt. I can do another flush and hope for the best.


Anyone have any thoughts?
After loads of searching, this seems like something that doesn't happen much if at all

These 3rd gevs hold about 3 gallons [12 quart] . So you exchanged the fluid.


How old is the radiator? If it's original I replace it as you don't want the pink milkshake going on.

If your atf filter is plugging up.. That's not a good sign at all of a healthy transmission.



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