4th Gen V8 Transmission Durability
- Thread starter TheOrteganator
- Start date
Found this on another site -
Both yours and this one explain mine as long as it is from early '03. I will start a new thread on this if needed...sorry to high jack!
JB.
New member
KB084RUNNER
New member
I do trans cooler line flushes on all transmissions in all of my Toyotas with WS fluid at 50,000 miles. Easy to do. I use an IR thermometer to adjust the fluid level. Transmissions will last a long time with this $85 service.
bondebond
New member
After 12 years of continuous Ford Explorer ownership, I was forced into buying a replacement vehicle while on vacation towing a camper, two days before hauling it and the family into the Colorado Rockies: the Ford Explorer's transmission was dying at 120k miles - go figure.
Without much of any planning, we bought a V8 4Runner, threw everything from the Explorer in it, and haven't looked back.
I would do the same again. The torque and towing capability of the V8 Runner are right where I wanted to be (plenty left over), after feeling for many years like the Explorers were just always underpowered.
I have towed about 10k miles plus daily driver miles. I haven't yet experienced any transmission issues, but will be performing all of the recommended maintenance.
Differences you will notice: the Explorer has creature comforts all over vs. the 4Runner. That's one thing the Explorer excels at - from heating/cooling handling, seat comfort, ammenities, etc. The purpose of the 4Runner's design is bent other ways.
Offroading - possible in a 4Runner, not possible in an Explorer. Yes, I could drive over small logs and a few other puny features in the Explorer, but I have far surpassed what was possible using the 4Runner.
The Explorer has much more interior space. I really had to think hard about giving up the built-in third row fold down seating, and other storage possibilities, but am finding work-arounds for some of that.
For towing, the rear of the 4Runner will sag like crazy. When hitching up approximately 325lbs of tongue weight, the Explorers held pretty well. The 4Runner drops several inches with stock suspension (Sport Edition, Xreas). That's one area I'm looking to do a major upgrade in anyway. I do like the larger brakes of the Sport Edition, for stopping power. I'm even able to crawl under the 4Runner without jacking it up or putting it on ramps - nice!
There are a lot of other fine differences you will encounter, especially since you've had as long or longer history with Explorers. Some of these are good, some can be overcome with modifications. Some are just going to be that way, period.
I am looking forward to many, many years with the 4Runner and actually having fun, more than just running to the grocery store and a camper-hauler-only vehicle. Check my sig.
Without much of any planning, we bought a V8 4Runner, threw everything from the Explorer in it, and haven't looked back.
I would do the same again. The torque and towing capability of the V8 Runner are right where I wanted to be (plenty left over), after feeling for many years like the Explorers were just always underpowered.
I have towed about 10k miles plus daily driver miles. I haven't yet experienced any transmission issues, but will be performing all of the recommended maintenance.
Differences you will notice: the Explorer has creature comforts all over vs. the 4Runner. That's one thing the Explorer excels at - from heating/cooling handling, seat comfort, ammenities, etc. The purpose of the 4Runner's design is bent other ways.
Offroading - possible in a 4Runner, not possible in an Explorer. Yes, I could drive over small logs and a few other puny features in the Explorer, but I have far surpassed what was possible using the 4Runner.
The Explorer has much more interior space. I really had to think hard about giving up the built-in third row fold down seating, and other storage possibilities, but am finding work-arounds for some of that.
For towing, the rear of the 4Runner will sag like crazy. When hitching up approximately 325lbs of tongue weight, the Explorers held pretty well. The 4Runner drops several inches with stock suspension (Sport Edition, Xreas). That's one area I'm looking to do a major upgrade in anyway. I do like the larger brakes of the Sport Edition, for stopping power. I'm even able to crawl under the 4Runner without jacking it up or putting it on ramps - nice!
There are a lot of other fine differences you will encounter, especially since you've had as long or longer history with Explorers. Some of these are good, some can be overcome with modifications. Some are just going to be that way, period.
I am looking forward to many, many years with the 4Runner and actually having fun, more than just running to the grocery store and a camper-hauler-only vehicle. Check my sig.
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I'll chime in. I have a 2004 V8 limited. I have towed with it since it was new. I regularly tow a Supra SSV 22' ski boat (dry weight 3250 lbs) to / from local lakes.
I pulled the boat from Ohio to DC when I bought in (in a blizzard through WV) and have twice towed the boat plus fully loaded vehicle cross county for moves. Once from DC to San Antonio in 2006 and once more from San Antonio back to DC in 2009.
I usually tow all summer between 40-100 miles round trip depending on the lake. The boat fully loaded with gas and supplies probably weighs in north of 4000 lbs. The truck now has 105,000 on the odo and I have done the dealer WS flush and fill once at 60k (expensive). I plan on another flush at 120,000.
To date I have had 0 issues with the transmission. It has pulled at 80 mph through TX hill county in 105 degree heat with no issues and never a hint of overheating. It still shifts as smoothly as new and never hunts for gears as long as I keep it out of OD. I personally think the transmission is as bullet proof as the engine on these trucks. My $.02.
I pulled the boat from Ohio to DC when I bought in (in a blizzard through WV) and have twice towed the boat plus fully loaded vehicle cross county for moves. Once from DC to San Antonio in 2006 and once more from San Antonio back to DC in 2009.
I usually tow all summer between 40-100 miles round trip depending on the lake. The boat fully loaded with gas and supplies probably weighs in north of 4000 lbs. The truck now has 105,000 on the odo and I have done the dealer WS flush and fill once at 60k (expensive). I plan on another flush at 120,000.
To date I have had 0 issues with the transmission. It has pulled at 80 mph through TX hill county in 105 degree heat with no issues and never a hint of overheating. It still shifts as smoothly as new and never hunts for gears as long as I keep it out of OD. I personally think the transmission is as bullet proof as the engine on these trucks. My $.02.
progress4m
Member
I have very similar experience of towing with 4Runner in 100 F (summer time in Texas) and 100% agree with this post. V8 and trany performs flawlessly.
As far as for rear end sagging issue, that can be very easily fixed with Airlift 1000 airbags for about $80.00. I have a hunting travel trailer that I tow couple of times a year. Hitch weight is about 400 Lbs and I can make rear end of my 4Runner do not drop at all with about 25 PSI in each bag.
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12guns
New member
I also love my V8 4runner for towing as well as the overall smoothness.
My wife has an 08' Accord EX-L 3.5V6. It is rough as crap compared to my
05' 4runner. 4runner has typical "Toyota" quality but the trans/eng combo on the V8 is an amazing combo. Even my wife says it's smooth as silk. Now that I've upgraded to FJ springs w/ Bilstein shocks, I don't get the sagging in the rear that I had w/ the stock springs/shocks. I couldn't be happier!
As for towing, I've pulled a buddies 24' 5000 lb ski boat with no issues at all. I wonder if I've already replied to this thread? Oh well. That's my .02...again maybe!
My wife has an 08' Accord EX-L 3.5V6. It is rough as crap compared to my
05' 4runner. 4runner has typical "Toyota" quality but the trans/eng combo on the V8 is an amazing combo. Even my wife says it's smooth as silk. Now that I've upgraded to FJ springs w/ Bilstein shocks, I don't get the sagging in the rear that I had w/ the stock springs/shocks. I couldn't be happier!
As for towing, I've pulled a buddies 24' 5000 lb ski boat with no issues at all. I wonder if I've already replied to this thread? Oh well. That's my .02...again maybe!
KB084RUNNER
New member
Is that a drain fill or a full fluid exchange? Big difference as a drain fill is about 4 quarts and a fluid exchange is 12. Don't let them use any BG chemicals if they are using a BG machine.
klennop
New member
Well it is what they are supposed to do at 60K or the 100K service, should be "replace automatic transmission fluid". I would expect "replace automatic transmission fluid" means they would replace all the fluid, right? The guy kept saying you don't have to do this until 100K and I said I know but in my maintenance guide if you do towing, it says to change it at 60K. I then said to him I got a price quote from you guys online for $159. He seemed a little surprised by that.
I am not sure about the BG machine, it is a Toyota dealership so I would hope they know what they are doing.
I am not sure about the BG machine, it is a Toyota dealership so I would hope they know what they are doing.
According to this site, it's only about $6/quart. Let's say you need 5 quarts, that's $30 for drain and pour at home. The only issue doing it yourself is that I think it requires removing the skid plate to access the plug.
Genuine Toyota Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF Type IV 1 Quart Bottle
For that price of $160, I'm sure it's a drain and pour, not flush.
klennop
New member
I just got off the phone with the service advisor. Yup that is a drain and fill....Grrrr.... He was smart enough to say that Toyota HIGHLY recommends that they do not flush the transmission. We talked about how much fluid they change out and he said it was anywhere from 4-8 quarts. He also mentioned that they are not supposed to do this until 100K then I told him, that is correct but if you do heavy towing it says to do this at 60K. I forgot to ask if at 100K they just do a drain and fill also?
I am a do it yourself guy but from what I can tell from reading everything, you need that scan tool to check the level of the fluid which I don't have. I have read when people do their oil changes how they keep swapping out fluid which will eventually replace most of the fluid.
Is there a different way to do this without that tool. I have no problem giving it a shot but I just want to do it right.
klennop
New member
Yup I saw that and thought the same thing, thanks for the heads up though!
JB.
New member
Yep, just replace the same amount you drain out.
klennop
New member
That would save me some cash doing it that way.....Hmmm...
It will only let you drain out so much at one time though(approx 4 quarts), correct? Where are you refilling it then? Even though it is a sealed transmission doesn't it still use a little fluid over time? Sorry for the questions but I got kinda lost when I was reading what you all had to do in the how-to articles so I just gave up and had called the dealership.
Maybe I will have to look into it a little more...because if it is easy as that well even a caveman can do it. I really thought I needed to have that scan tool, and then I have never dealt with a sealed transmission before so it was kinda scary to me.
Sorry for jacking this thread a bit here, but I really appreciate the help and advise.
JB.
New member
Pics of the fill plug and more discussion here.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/maint...ission-fluid-servicing-sealed-non-sealed.html
You can check the level anytime you want but if it's a factory fill and shift behavior is normal, it doesn't seem crucial to me. If the fluid is in fact too old, the important thing is to get some new fluid in there.
As I recall, the service pdf say not to insert the fill hose more than 1/2 inch into fill hole.
KB084RUNNER
New member
Do a trans cooler line flush. With trans oil cold, I pull one of the lines that go to the radiator and then have a helper start the engine. It will pump out about 2-3 quarts then you have to shut it off quick. Fill trans with same amount that pumped out and repeat until fluid comes out clean. (usually 11-12 qts.). Then over fill 1 quart and start vehicle with trans cold and using a IR thermometer wait until trans oil pan hits 112-114F and then pull fluid level plug.
Allow fluid to drain out overage until it runs to a trickle and replace level plug.
you have now replaced all of the fluid and set the flid level to factory spec.
I do it to all of my Toyotas every 50k and have never had an issue. My wifes Lexus has had 2 of my cooler line flushes and now has 110k and shifts like new.
Allow fluid to drain out overage until it runs to a trickle and replace level plug.
you have now replaced all of the fluid and set the flid level to factory spec.
I do it to all of my Toyotas every 50k and have never had an issue. My wifes Lexus has had 2 of my cooler line flushes and now has 110k and shifts like new.
