5spd auto trans filter change or not?

[747ifly]

I have been trying to be very thorough with my maintenance on my used 4runner I have purchased. I have an 03 with the v8 so I have the 5spd auto transmission.
At 136,000 I figure I should have the trans fluid flushed. So, I did. It was flushed and replaced with a additive and type IV fluid at tires plus. It has seemed pretty good. I don't know if I should have had the WS fluid or not? I was just trying to get the maintenance up to par and figured they know what they are doing.
So now, I am looking into the transmission filter. Chilton's says change it at 30,000. I bought a kit from pep boys (filter and gasket). Pep boys mechanic says don't mess with it! One Toyota dealer says don't change it!!!
Am I supposed to change this filter (strainer) or not? Have you or do you plan on changing yours?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I have been trying to be very thorough with my maintenance on my used 4runner I have purchased. I have an 03 with the v8 so I have the 5spd auto transmission.
At 136,000 I figure I should have the trans fluid flushed. So, I did. It was flushed and replaced with a additive and type IV fluid at tires plus. It has seemed pretty good. I don't know if I should have had the WS fluid or not? Easiest way to know is do you have a dipstick? If so Type IV is correct. If it doesn't WS is the correct type.I was just trying to get the maintenance up to par and figured they know what they are doing.
So now, I am looking into the transmission filter. Chilton's says change it at 30,000. I bought a kit from pep boys (filter and gasket). Pep boys mechanic says don't mess with it! One Toyota dealer says don't change it!!!
Am I supposed to change this filter (strainer) or not? Have you or do you plan on changing yours? Unless this was the first change and the vehicle has towed a good bit or been beat to death I wouldn't worry about it. That's just an IMHO statement though... I have taken off a few pans to change the filter at similar mileage to your rig. If the fluid has been changed even once before this most recent change I'd consider it a waste of time & effort.

:cheers:

 

[747ifly]

Yes, my 4runner does have a dipstick.
Thanks for another opinion. I appreciate that. You can't believe, well you probably can, the different stories you can get from different mechanics.
I think I will take the filter combo back and not put it in. The flush should be good enough. I hope.
Seems to be fine since the fluid change anyways. It looks like there is about one quart too much of tranny fluid in it though. It is a bit above the warm mark in neutral and running. I don't know how bad that is. Think I should take a little out?