As of 2019, what is the recomended Transmission Fluid?

[jross20]

I've spent hours for the past two days reading all over the forums and other sites and I am STILL totally un-confident on which ATF to get....
:hurt::smash::rain:

What I have learned is...
-MaxLife is thin

-Mobile 1 Full Synth changed their formula and apparently it isn't good now?

-Pennzoil Dex/Merc... found one guy who liked it, no other info

-Valvoline Dex/Merx (NOT maxlife) has a higher Viscosity index, so that is good. Can't find much else on it.


Super thin ATF doesn't sound good to me... but... what are you all using as of 2019?

 

[RotaryDreamz]

Is this the 1st time you're changing your ATF fluid? If not, just keep using what you were using before. Im using Toyota T4 ATF fluid. My transmission has only seen Toyota ATF from the start. I have over 300k mi on it, and it's still running.

 

[T4R2014]

Is this the 1st time you're changing your ATF fluid? If not, just keep using what you were using before. Im using Toyota T4 ATF fluid. My transmission has only seen Toyota ATF from the start. I have over 300k mi on it, and it's still running.

This ^

If not that then I am using Redline D4. Also dumped the Maxlife in my other A340F for Castrol High Mileage. Hard shifts in this high mile, towing history transmission are gone!

 

[jross20]

Is this the 1st time you're changing your ATF fluid? If not, just keep using what you were using before. Im using Toyota T4 ATF fluid. My transmission has only seen Toyota ATF from the start. I have over 300k mi on it, and it's still running.

No this will be the first time to me knowledge. I looked at the Toyota fluid but read several things talking about how it was not a replacement for dexron III. Apparently there's a TSB for it.

This ^

If not that then I am using Redline D4. Also dumped the Maxlife in my other A340F for Castrol High Mileage. Hard shifts in this high mile, towing history transmission are gone!

Castrol , I'll try to read more about that one.

Leaning towards the Valvoline sex/Merc I think.

 

[pokeyman]

I use Valvoline Max life with no problem at all for over 100000 miles

 

[BoomerBob]

I used the Walmart brand 'Super Tech' Dexron III ATF to completely change the fluid in mine just yesterday it seems to like it just fine. Smoother shifts and I think I was getting a vibration I no longer get. Yes, it's really too early to tell much at this point, but so far the T4R and I like it. Took 3.5 gallons. I think I pumped out some of the new stuff too. I did the electric pump trick and the return line off the trans radiator to change the fluid. Since I didn't drop the pan, replace the filter, and clean the magnet I also installed a Magnafine in line trans filter.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Gallon/20573820

https://amazon.com/dp/B0787KWZPS/ref=psdc_15727081_t1_B07MBF4X26

Alternate filter: https://amazon.com/dp/B07MBF4X26/re...&pd_rd_r=37117442-943c-11e9-8535-97e82f798254

 

[jross20]

I use Valvoline Max life with no problem at all for over 100000 miles

I read a lot where people say it's good, but I've also read some things where people had issues and also explained said issues. And the problem mainly was because the fluid was too thin compared to true dexron III. That's why I'm leaning towards Valvoline dex/Merc since its' thicker.

I used the Walmart brand 'Super Tech' Dexron III ATF to completely change the fluid in mine just yesterday it seems to like it just fine. Smoother shifts and I think I was getting a vibration I no longer get. Yes, it's really too early to tell much at this point, but so far the T4R and I like it. Took 3.5 gallons. I think I pumped out some of the new stuff too. I did the electric pump trick and the return line off the trans radiator to change the fluid. Since I didn't drop the pan, replace the filter, and clean the magnet I also installed a Magnafine in line trans filter.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-1-Gallon/20573820

https://amazon.com/dp/B0787KWZPS/ref=psdc_15727081_t1_B07MBF4X26

Alternate filter: https://amazon.com/dp/B07MBF4X26/re...&pd_rd_r=37117442-943c-11e9-8535-97e82f798254

Any idea what the viscosity is? I did get a Tru cool, an oem filter and a magnefine. My goal is to do it all at the same time so she is totally refreshed.

 

[RS Dude]

If you don't use AMSOIL your trans will blow up immediately! Hee, Hee, Hee.:rockon:

 

[Mighty Buffalo]

I used the Walmart Valvoline synthetic, and it's been running well.

 

[MaineRunna]

The correct fluid is Dexron III. Dexron is the trade name for the formula of ATF licensed by GM no matter who manufactures it. You can buy Toyota brand Dexron ATF if you can find it. Dexron VI synthetic ATF supersedes Dexron III, is compatible with it and can be used to top off transmissions with Dexron III already in them. I think brand is a matter of personal preference, but you should use fluid that is labeled Dexron III or Dexron VI, not "compatible with".

 

[T4R2014]

No this will be the first time to me knowledge. I looked at the Toyota fluid but read several things talking about how it was not a replacement for dexron III. Apparently there's a TSB for it.



Castrol , I'll try to read more about that one.

Leaning towards the Valvoline sex/Merc I think.

Not much to read. One person just grows a pair and tries something new, posts about it, then the rest follow and preach it. Hasn't been done with Castrol High Mileage yet. I just bought it out of the blue. Read the back and noticed it meets Dexron and Type IV, but not WS. Sold!

 

[NissanTechJake]

Toyota ATF Type T-IV

Toyota ATF Type T-IV

This is backwards compatible with DEX II and III

4Runner compatible years. 1984-2005

You must be referring to WS that’s NOT compatible.

You will notice this is what most Toyota specialty shops sell and recommend.

 

[jross20]

The correct fluid is Dexron III. Dexron is the trade name for the formula of ATF licensed by GM no matter who manufactures it. You can buy Toyota brand Dexron ATF if you can find it. Dexron VI synthetic ATF supersedes Dexron III, is compatible with it and can be used to top off transmissions with Dexron III already in them. I think brand is a matter of personal preference, but you should use fluid that is labeled Dexron III or Dexron VI, not "compatible with".

I actually was looking at Dex VI but when I learned about the who viscosity thing with newer fluids I decided against it.

I will say though I do not think you can find actual Dexron III anymore since they don't license it anymore.

Not much to read. One person just grows a pair and tries something new, posts about it, then the rest follow and preach it. Hasn't been done with Castrol High Mileage yet. I just bought it out of the blue. Read the back and noticed it meets Dexron and Type IV, but not WS. Sold!

Yeah I try to keep in mind about people preaching. But when you see a ton of it followed up with logical sounding explanations it still sticks in my mind.

Toyota ATF Type T-IV

This is backwards compatible with DEX II and III

4Runner compatible years. 1984-2005

You must be referring to WS that’s NOT compatible.

You will notice this is what most Toyota specialty shops sell and recommend.

Really? That's what I was going to do when i first started researching but I found a ton of threads (across here and other sites) that were like "PSA, DO NOT USE T-IV!!!" with explanations and pictures of the bottles. So I was like well shit...

Alright, for everyone! I ended up using Valvoline Dex/Merc and so far she has basically been butter smooth today. My fingers are crossed that things will stay this way, at least until the next flush. :zoom:

 

[T4R2014]

I actually was looking at Dex VI but when I learned about the who viscosity thing with newer fluids I decided against it.

I will say though I do not think you can find actual Dexron III anymore since they don't license it anymore.



Yeah I try to keep in mind about people preaching. But when you see a ton of it followed up with logical sounding explanations it still sticks in my mind.



Really? That's what I was going to do when i first started researching but I found a ton of threads (across here and other sites) that were like "PSA, DO NOT USE T-IV!!!" with explanations and pictures of the bottles. So I was like well shit...

Alright, for everyone! I ended up using Valvoline Dex/Merc and so far she has basically been butter smooth today. My fingers are crossed that things will stay this way, at least until the next flush. :zoom:

You made a good choice. I think changing the fluid matters more than worrying about spec. That said most businesses tend to stick to OEM ATFs. Toyota Dexron is out there but hard to find, so most local dealers supply them with Type IV. Similar to OEM coolants most shops use them for liability reasons. Much safer to use that than an unlicensed Dexron. Can't blame the mechanic's choice in fluid if the transmission fails after a drain and fill or flush.

 

[thezentree]

....I just put 6 qts of T-IV in mine. Am I going to die?

 

[NissanTechJake]

Haha

....I just put 6 qts of T-IV in mine. Am I going to die?

Nope, your good to go

 

[jross20]

You made a good choice. I think changing the fluid matters more than worrying about spec. That said most businesses tend to stick to OEM ATFs. Toyota Dexron is out there but hard to find, so most local dealers supply them with Type IV. Similar to OEM coolants most shops use them for liability reasons. Much safer to use that than an unlicensed Dexron. Can't blame the mechanic's choice in fluid if the transmission fails after a drain and fill or flush.

Well I do need to take some kind of print out or something to the shop because originally they were just going to use WS. They are some really cool dudes but I think maybe they were misinformed by Toyota or something. I think I need to bring them something that shows WS is a no no on older Toyotas.

....I just put 6 qts of T-IV in mine. Am I going to die?

I hope not!!!

 

[BoomerBob]

Toyota ATF Type T-IV

This is backwards compatible with DEX II and III

4Runner compatible years. 1984-2005

You must be referring to WS that’s NOT compatible.

You will notice this is what most Toyota specialty shops sell and recommend.

What is WS?

 

[BoomerBob]

I read a lot where people say it's good, but I've also read some things where people had issues and also explained said issues. And the problem mainly was because the fluid was too thin compared to true dexron III. That's why I'm leaning towards Valvoline dex/Merc since its' thicker.



Any idea what the viscosity is? I did get a Tru cool, an oem filter and a magnefine. My goal is to do it all at the same time so she is totally refreshed.

I don't think I've ever seen trans fluid listed in viscosity. It's basically Dextron III.

 

[jross20]

What is WS?

Toyota WS stands for World Standard I believe.

I don't think I've ever seen trans fluid listed in viscosity. It's basically Dextron III.

You can look up the viscosity index and other levels at specific temperatures. Real Dex III is like 207 I think, and the one I went with is 176. MaxLife and other new ones are like sub 150.