99 4runner transmission flush - any concerns?

[MrBobDobalina]

I bought this truck in the last year, it has 130k miles. I am going through and completing some needed maintenance...I have pretty much everything covered so far, but I am wondering if there is any concerns when flushing the transmission (automatic btw.) I prefer to complete all work to the truck myself, but I understand you need to take it somewhere special for a trans flush....I do not notice any issue currently and my fluid is not completely roasted....I am not 100% sure whether or not its been completed in the last 130k miles...So any down sides at all? Has anyone experienced any trans issues after a flush on our trucks? I am looking to drive this truck truck another 100k+ with proper care and maintenance. Thanks again everyone!!

 

[YotaZach85]

Depends how burnt it is, if it's still red and doesn't smell too bad I'd go for it. If you have a trusted trans shop they can tell you weather or not it could be done safely.

 

[RHeld24]

At 130K I wouldn't worry about any negative effects on the trans if it's in good condition, but is there a specific reason you want to do the flush in the first place?

I was thinking the same thing for my '96 auto w/ 225K but decided against it because of the negative stories about transmissions going bad afterwords. Instead, I replaced the pan filter ($20), put in an inline trans filter (Magnefine - $25), capped off the in-radiator trans cooler and replaced with a external cooler (B&M - $60), and upped my fluid replacement schedule.

That was a year ago and I've put 15K pretty hard miles on the truck since. Still runs great at 240K.

 

[brian2sun]

If an auto tranny already has shifting issues, then flushing it can speed up it's death. But in your case, at 130K and I assume no issues, it would be a very good idea. And you definitely do not need to take it to a shop and pay them a bunch of money. Just buy about 16-20 qts of Dexron III or higher ATF, a new filter (or you can clean and reuse yours), and follow this very good writeup:
Dropping Pan And Flushing Transmission

 

[MrBobDobalina]

Depends how burnt it is, if it's still red and doesn't smell too bad I'd go for it. If you have a trusted trans shop they can tell you weather or not it could be done safely.

It doesn't seem burnt to me, it looks red still....I know a great manual transmission shop, I'll call him for a referral if I go that route...

At 130K I wouldn't worry about any negative effects on the trans if it's in good condition, but is there a specific reason you want to do the flush in the first place?

I was thinking the same thing for my '96 auto w/ 225K but decided against it because of the negative stories about transmissions going bad afterwords. Instead, I replaced the pan filter ($20), put in an inline trans filter (Magnefine - $25), capped off the in-radiator trans cooler and replaced with a external cooler (B&M - $60), and upped my fluid replacement schedule.

That was a year ago and I've put 15K pretty hard miles on the truck since. Still runs great at 240K.

This sounds like it could be a good option!! I wanted to flush only for PM. I was just in the mood to get some things done on the truck before all the good weather is here!!

If an auto tranny already has shifting issues, then flushing it can speed up it's death. But in your case, at 130K and I assume no issues, it would be a very good idea. And you definitely do not need to take it to a shop and pay them a bunch of money. Just buy about 16-20 qts of Dexron III or higher ATF, a new filter (or you can clean and reuse yours), and follow this very good writeup:
Dropping Pan And Flushing Transmission

Hey this is a great tutorial, thank you!!! I think this combined with some of the options above could take care of my concerns.

Thanks again everyone, this forum is great!!