It's time to change out the transmission, front/read differential and radiator fluids on the 4runner. Since I don't have a dedicated garage, I'm hoping to purchase fluids and have a local shop do the work.

I searched somewhat thoroughly through threads, but can't seem to pinpoint a consensus for any particular brands for the 3 services.

Can anyone recommend good fluid brands? I'm not really interested in going synthetic or anything really expensive and high performance-like, just fluids are preferred and greater than or equal to what's oem.

Do the fluids need to all be flushed or just replaced. Also, how much do you guesstimate it will cost a local shop to perform the work?

Thanks again for the help, and hope everyone's runner is prepped for the Winter season.

Here ya go, partner!

3rd Gen 4Runner FAQs

As far as fluids, I went with Valvoine for both diffs and the transfer case.

As far as coolant, Toyota Pink (50,000 miles) is said to be very good on the oil forums. Toyota Red 30,000.

For coolant, I recommend this stuff. Half the price, available at NAPA as well as Amazon, and is the same technology, strength, and color as Toyota pink. No silicates, borates or other stuff hated by Toyota engineers and is a phosphated HOAT coolant like the pink.

Amazon.com: Zerex 675130 Asian Vehicle Anitfreeze / Coolant - Gallon: Automotive

Valvoline Gear Oil 75w-90 is fine in the TC and diffs. You don't say if auto or 5-speed, I have some things to say about manual gear oil but I won't bother if you drive an auto. (Hint: GL-4 not GL-5).

I drive one. Anything else to mention?

- GL-4 that is not GL-5 is hard to find.
- Gear oil co's claim GL-5 additives don't corrode yellow metals like our synchronizers (this is true), BUT the higher level of sulfur additives does accelerate syncro wear. Read this: http://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf

So I would go with one of these:

• Amsoil Synthetic manual Transmission and Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90 GL-4
• Citgo Citgear Standard XD 75W-90 GL-4
• Pennzoil Gearplus 80W-90 GL-4
• Pennzoil Synthetic 75W-90 GL-4 (from the spec sheet, the best overall viscosity curve)
• Quaker State Multi-purpose Gear Lubricant 80W-90 GL-4
• Redline MT90

Some claim they shift better without the GL-5 additives, too; I don't know because I have been using synthetic GL-4 all along (once Redline, once Amsoil, both good.)

Here's what I was quoted from a reputable local Chicago shop:

Transfer case flush: $55
Front/Rear diff flush: $130
Coolant flush: $75

Does that sound about right?

Also, should I purchase my own fluids or trust what they have for these?

If you have a 22mm (and I forget what T-size you need) socket and a bucket, you can save a lot of money.

The diffs and TC are very simple: Unscrew the fill plug and then the bottom plug. Drain. Install bottom plug. Refill in the top hole till it starts running out.

Maybe total time involved with each component....20 minutes.

Knowing what I just told you, you can probably decide if its a good price.

Honestly, just do the diffs and transfer case your self. They are SOOOO easy. Take plug off, drain, put plug back, fill. Easier than an oil change. I could do all three in about 30 min (maybe less if I hurried), and they are going to charge you $185 for them? I havn't even needed one of those little hand pumps, there is room to just tip the normal bottle up and squeeze it in.

The coolant flush is a bit more annoying, especially if you want to get all of it out (not to say that they will really get all the old out) but $75 is about what I was quoted by a couple places around here. I will be doing it myself at some point here.