Yeah, and when the trans fails, you're out $2-3K.
Right after the factory warranty runs out.

Also, you'll never have any problems with frame rust.

And I have some ocean front property for sale in Arizona.

Show us ONE failure due to damaged fluid (WS)! There are many 4th gen 4Runners on this site with well over 100K miles. Again, there is an idiot light that will come on if the fluid is damaged. I do understand that some people want to change the fluid just to feel better. Here's the answer, at 100K miles take a sample of the trans fluid and send it for an analysis. This will save you hundreds of dollars.

Koz

Idiot lights..... The name says it all.

Relax, there is no need to be rude... Read on:
If it floats your boat (or tows it) by all means change it. The idea of the forum is opinion asked and given. It is up to you to make your choice. Don't get all bent out of shape if you didn't get what you wanted to hear. I'd say if you can sleep at night because your ATF is changed, then get it done. Good Luck.

Back to the original post. " My 2008 T4R has 65k miles on it and I'd like to have the AT fluid replaced". With that reasoning why would you tell him not to change it ...he wanted to know drain and fill or flush. Not dont change your wasting your money ....... I was just giving my opinion. Then was told im wasting my money.......Yes it kind of irked me.Not everyone's situation is the same.over and out,
Scott

The whole purpose of this forum is to learn and share. I find it amazing that some people that are looking for advice would get offensive when factual information is given to them from someone who is trying to help them.

Toyota designed and engineered this trans to be maintenance free for the life of the vehicle. Do you believe they would put this out there if they thought there was a chance it could cause a failure. If this was a new design I could see the skepticism, but this design has been proven to be what Toyota has designed it to be! Toyota has also designed and engineered their new engines to be able to run 10K miles oil change intervals. Just like the 100K mile spark plugs. There is no harm in replacing fluids or parts sooner than when it’s needed but the FACT is you are wasting your time and money.

Koz

Some forum sections (like Maintenance) should be divided into 4runner generations, or at least divided into synthetic and non-synthetic generations. You can't really blame old school thought for being skeptical of lifetime fluid. It took me some time to wrap my mind around the possibility that fluid chemistry is at the point where lifetime can be achieved in a sealed system. We all know it will be someday. Perhaps that day is now. When it arrives it will only be evident in the hindsight of millions of miles of proof. It's possible we are there.

The jury is still out but they are seriously considering exonerating the defendant making the claims of lifetime. It's hard to ignore all the high mileage 4runners with synthetic trans fluid that is either original or wasn't changed until well after 100k miles. It's also hard to ignore the conspicuous absence of failure reports.

Each is on his own in making the call, but I disagree that the downside is only wasted time and money. Messing with factory fill always introduces the possibility of contamination or error.

Personally, I'm nearing 100k miles and will sometime, relatively soon, start doing some drains and fills, but I'm in no hurry.

I'd like to thank everyone for their info and opinions on changing out the ATF in my 2008 T4R. If there's a question as to why I'm changing out the ATF fluid, check the Toyota maintenance schedule at 60k miles here:

http://photos.xigroupauto.com/AutoSi..._084runner.pdf

As I mentioned in my original post in the thread, I use my 4Runner to tow our 23' 4000 pound Airstream, so I change out fluids pretty often.

Yes, if you tow, it is recommended to change the ATF at 60K miles. I also tow and I will be using the Amsoil fluid (ATF). I also change (changed when new) the diffs with this;

AMSOIL - Severe Gear® Synthetic Extreme Pressure (EP) Gear Lube 75W-90 (SVG)

Koz

Definitely a good thing to change out fluids on a regular basis as noted by the manufacturer. If anyone is interested in purchasing AMSOIL send me a PM or visit my website.

Is there a DIY here somewhere to do a drain/fill procedure on the 4Gen?

I just worry that with the sealed trans and no dip stick to check the levels if I do have a mechanic change the fluid there isn't a reasonable way to see if the fluid level is correct.

I would have to trust that either the machine or drain and fill replacement is at the proper level. I'm not THAT trusting ;)

Doing a drain and fill on your transmission is not hard at all, do a search plenty of threads on it. I did it, no problem.

There is nothing magical about the Toyota 'lifetime' fluid either. I strongly recommend doing a few drain and fills.

The fluid should be changed just like your diff fluid, transfer case fluid, etc.

I'm with Koz. If I didn't pull a 5000lb trailer all over the southwest deserts, I would just leave my tranny alone. But, I DO tow, and also really believe in Amsoil products. So, just like Koz, I went with the Amsoil ATF. . .No issues so far going through 100K miles.