Auto trans fluid change advice needed

Z

z28forlife

New member
Hey guys, I just got my order in from amsoil. I ordered all synthetic fluids for my rig. 5w-30 motor with a Mann filter, 75-90 severe gear for the front and rear diffs as well as the transfer case and synthetic trans fluid for the transmission and power steering. The truck has 140k on it, I bought it with 136k and wanted to change everything the 1st week I had it but work and school got in the way. So needless to sayIm a little over due on this full fluid change. I've read all the write ups and they're great but I have a question, should I flush the trans fluid like in this write up Dropping Pan And Flushing Transmission or just drop the pan, change the filter refill what came out and then drain and refill a few more times over the next week or so? Or a better question is what would you guys do? Thanks.
 
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You'll get a different opinion from everyone. My opinion, if the trans fluid doesn't look bad at all I would just do a drain and fill. Then whenever you change your oil do a drain and fill of the tranny also.

If the fluid is starting to look burned do the cooler line flush method.

If the fluid looks really bad then drop the pan.

I've done the drain and fill method on my runner and the cooler line flush method on my taco. Both are easy but the flush method obviously gets all the fluid changed quickly.

Are you bypassing the radiator and installing a cooler? If so since you'll have the lines off anyway I'd to the flush method.
 
I'm a big supporter of the drain&fill method, but since you are switching to synthetic, I'd do the cooler line flush method. Disconnect one of the lines to the tranny cooler, and direct the fluid into a catchcan, while filling with fresh fluid from the fill tube/dipstick tube. This would be a 2 person job I'd think, as things will happen quickly and the fluid isn't cheap.
 
I already have the b&m trans cooler installed. I don't have a second person today so ill just do the diffs and transfer case.
 
+1 with kball. You can do the tranny flush solo, it takes less than an hour if set up correctly.

Given that the diff calls for 80w-90, I talked to Amsoil and they recommended 75w-110 severe gear for the rear. If one goes offroad frequently, I guess I can see how that recommendation retains merit. The 75w-90 should do just fine for ya.
 
Do the full flush unless you are sure the current fluid is synthetic. Cost me about $90 - $100 in fluid but I felt better/safer about it because I bought mine used w/ similar mileage and didn't have a clue what was done prior to me.
 
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Yeah, cost me about $330 for all the fluids shipped to my door. I bought there membership thingy for $10 and it saved me 25% on the final purchase. Was gonna be around $400. How do I go about flushing it by myself LittleCaesar?
 
Amsoil is good stuff I hear. I have never used it but others swear by it.

Use the DIY link you attached in your initial posting. I drained mine into a clear 5 gallon bucket to shut off the 4runner every time 2 qts came out. Then I would fill it up with 2qts of new fluid. It took 8 times. I also bought a top for my bucket, drilled a hole in the top to put my hose through so that I never had to worry about the hose going haywire.
 
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