[Bumbo]

I have a 2004 V6 4x4 SR5 4Runner...

Is it better or necessary to use OEM Toyota branded fluids?

I just did my coolant and after much reading it seemed like the right choice to go OEM and I got it in my head that its the safe choice but there is a pretty big premium attached to that decision.

Can anyone confirm what type of fluids and oil needs to be used? I really dont want to buy the wrong stuff.

Thanks.

[Morphyne]

I use mobil 1 in both of my rigs and the run great 75w 90.

If you do this, make sure you loosen the fill port before draining. because if you drain your diffs and cant get the fill port out, you are boned.

Also, the front takes a 10 mm allen head. make sure you use a hammer to tap it all the way in so that you do not strip it out.

[Bumbo]

Excellent tip, thanks for the reminder.

So 75w 90 gear oil should be good to go... do I need any friction modifiers?

And whats teh verdect on Auto Trans Fluid... I was just going to do a drain & fill so I can get an idea what the existing fluid looks like.

I do have a dip stick on mine... I think that matters as there are two different types of transmissions?

[Morphyne]

I used valvoline maxlife with good results. it and AMS Oil are the only non-oem WS rates fluids out there. But a lot of guys are addamant on straight Toyota OEM WS fluid. and I don't havea good argument against that except for price.

the dipstick means you have the older, 4 gear tranny while hte sealed versions have a 5th gear.

[jinsoku]

I used Valvoline Maxlife ATF and Valvoline 75/90 diff fluid on mine.
No issues here, feels great and fluid is still nice and clean after 1200miles!

[shahsmerdis]

I dont get why people think OEM Fluid is expensive. at least WS, (At least transmission fluid)

you can find very good rates if you shop around for 15 minutes online.

[Morphyne]

Originally Posted by shahsmerdis

I dont get why people think OEM Fluid is expensive. at least WS, (At least transmission fluid)

you can find very good rates if you shop around for 15 minutes online.

Because it is expensive and ma life is half the cost with the same performance or better.

[Bumbo]

Originally Posted by jinsoku

I used Valvoline Maxlife ATF and Valvoline 75/90 diff fluid on mine.
No issues here, feels great and fluid is still nice and clean after 1200miles!

I like this recommendation... I just found the fluids locally so thanks for that.

Looks like I can also use Maxlife ATF to replace my power steering fluid too? Manual says DEXRON II OR III

[Bumbo]

Originally Posted by Morphyne

I used valvoline maxlife with good results. it and AMS Oil are the only non-oem WS rates fluids out there. But a lot of guys are addamant on straight Toyota OEM WS fluid. and I don't havea good argument against that except for price.

the dipstick means you have the older, 4 gear tranny while hte sealed versions have a 5th gear.

I have a 4 Speed with dipstick and it calls out for Type T-IV... but looks like Valvoline Maxlife ATF is good for that as well.

Seems like Valvoline Maxlife ATF takes care of a lot of different applications from a lot of different manufactures.

[Morphyne]

I did a lot of reading on atf. There is actually a lot of argument out there about it all. In the end there have been zero transmission failures reported on this site from people properly servicing them. So don't be scared like I was. I was terrified I was gonna fry a tranny. But after doing both a v6 and v8 last christmas I fully understand the process and it's not bad.

[jinsoku]

Originally Posted by Bumbo

I like this recommendation... I just found the fluids locally so thanks for that.

Looks like I can also use Maxlife ATF to replace my power steering fluid too? Manual says DEXRON II OR III

I use valvoine maxlife atf for power steering.
The valvoline instant oil change database shows maxlife atf as an acceptable fluid for the power steering.

I've noticed that the power steering fluid is pretty dark, gotta look into a flush and filter replacement.

[smerhej]

This write-up has some recommendations for fluids:
4Runners.org - Changing Your Front, Rear, Tranny & Transfer Case Fluids

[JeratBP]

I used Mobil1 In my former V6 Tacoma, and plan to do the same with my 4Runner

[MarieDJ]

Have a newb question regarding the differential fluid...I took it to a local mechanic and found he had used 80w90 on both differentials and in the transfer case. The weather here never hits 0F, so I'm wondering if this needs to be changed to the 75w90 or does it matter?

[Morphyne]

Originally Posted by MarieDJ

Have a newb question regarding the differential fluid...I took it to a local mechanic and found he had used 80w90 on both differentials and in the transfer case. The weather here never hits 0F, so I'm wondering if this needs to be changed to the 75w90 or does it matter?

It shouldn't matter. You're good.