I’ve been unsuccessful in finding a video or picture how-to on installing a Magnefine inline ATF filter on a 5th Gen 4Runner. Does anyone know of a source I have yet to find? May seem like overkill on a reliable transmission but I’ve had tremendous luck with this brand of transmission filter and like the paper media+magnet filtration these provide. Really all the stock 5th gens have are 4 magnets in the pan and a simple screen in the trans pan, so I am wanting something more substantial. I had a Honda Odyssey with one of the least reliable transmissions (2003) and got the original trans to go 400k with combo of the Magnefine and using Amsoil Signature Series ATF fluid (despite being told van would self destruct if I didn’t use Honda OEM trans fluid).

I have no clue where I would add the Magnefine filter except I am told it should be (transmission fluid flow) after the radiator and heading towards the transmission. Would appreciate it if anyone who has a diy how-to or knows of a video to please share with me. Much appreciated.

I think you are trying to solve a problem that doesnt need to be solved. At the same time you are introducing something that could actually reduce the reliability of your transmission. I just pulled my AT filter out and changed my fluid for the first time after 145,000 miles and it was doing its job just fine

do your first ATF change when your powertrain warranty expires and then every 50k after that.. learn to do it yourself and save lots of monies...

The more and more I think about what you say, I think you are completely correct. Appreciate your candor, I have a tendency sometimes to sometimes go overboard based on prior makes of vehicles I’ve owned. This is my first Toyota so I’m adjusting to the incredible lifespan and reliability of this vehicle. Thanks again.

I think most of us who own toyotas think like you to keep our vehicles as long as possible to reach that magic 1 million mile on our odometer.

Hello, this is my first post in this forum. Been driving Toyotas all my life but joined this awesome forum because 4Runners are special. My first 4Runner and plan to keep her as long as possible.

2023 X-series with 5 miles on the Odo when I drove it off the lot and installed a Derale inline transmission filter as soon as I got it in the driveway. After 700+ miles I replaced the inline filter along with first oil change. Anyone interested in seeing the amount of metal bits after only 700 miles?

You can see there are about 2grams of metal that settled in the bottom of the pan and all the shiny white specks are bits of aluminum. Cut open the filter it's pretty clean because when I lifted the filter media the metal bits were rolling off it along with the fluid.

Attached Images

   

The caveat here is that while that may only be "700 miles", it is literally the first 700 mikes. The first couple thousand miles of any bearing + gear set (transmission, diff, transfer case, etc.) generates the most amount of wear metal. Mostly this wear metal is actually components "breaking in" to best fit each other. So, i expect after the break-in material you will no longer see metal.

Some things to consider beyond simply "adding filtration = good".

By-pass valve for the filter to compensate for filter clogging and maintain needed flow.

Backpressure/flow reduction caused by additional filter.

Messing with the flow rate of the transmission fluid could cause more damage than some metal specs that will be captured by the magnets.

@Bmnorm2

Thanks for the pointer. Yes, I designed the hose path for minimum restriction possible using wide 90 degree bend into the adapter and straight shot back to the original path. I used original Toyota A5 filter for the adapter (my old Tacoma's) and test the flow. The reason for changing the filter so early is to capture all the bits from break-in and reduce the flow restriction. I also added a 1"x.5" neodymium magnet to the bottom of the filter to capture ferrous metal in the future. Pump back the same amount of fluid that's used during the install and test process. Now I only have to do tranny flush at 50k instead of 30k.

I'm shooting for the 2 mil mile club.