Has anyone done a trans dipstick conversion from an '03 to newer?
- Thread starter inscarguy
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AuSeeker
Elite Member
There have been a few others on here that have considered doing this but to my knowledge no one has done it.
My concern would be two fold, first how to insure that you end up with the proper fluid level...yes one would think it would be the same with either pan but you really don't know that for sure, second would be if the pans are the same size/depth, etc. so the screen/pickup is at the proper level in the pan
The only way I know to get it right would be to make sure the fluid level is correct before draining and removing the pan, make sure you catch and accurately measure how much fluid came out and add that amount back after installing the 03 pan then get it back up to the correct temperature and see what it reads on the dipstick.
Also just an FYI for anybody that's unaware it has to be a pan off of a 2003 V8, the 2003 and 2004 V6 both have a different transmission which is a 4 speed.
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4RunnerAquasport
Senior Member
The operating fluid level could be a little different between the two types.
Dipstick trans uses "Type IV". The non-dipstick or so called sealed trans uses "World Standard" fluid.
It's basically the same A750 transmission so,
You would think the difference would be negligible, but you never know with Toyota.
It would be a lot of work comparing the 2 types of pans and filter screens in 2 operational vehicles.
The ideal way would be to have a dipstick installed on one of the newer pans, then you could use the level inspection port to make sure you initially have the right level, with the convenience of using the dipstick tube for filling.
Then you could mark the full level on your newly installed dipstick.
Dipstick trans uses "Type IV". The non-dipstick or so called sealed trans uses "World Standard" fluid.
It's basically the same A750 transmission so,
You would think the difference would be negligible, but you never know with Toyota.
It would be a lot of work comparing the 2 types of pans and filter screens in 2 operational vehicles.
The ideal way would be to have a dipstick installed on one of the newer pans, then you could use the level inspection port to make sure you initially have the right level, with the convenience of using the dipstick tube for filling.
Then you could mark the full level on your newly installed dipstick.
AuSeeker
Elite Member
I could very well be mistaken, but I think the older pan has the dipstick tube attachment/mounting point on it and the newer pan doesn't, but this would have to be confirmed by someone with a 2003 V8.
inscarguy
Member
It does. I've already looked into it. The whole changeover is 3 pieces.
4RunnerAquasport
Senior Member
Yea, my 03' pan has one. The only way to put a dipstick in a newer pan would be to have a professional welder install one from an 03'. Too much work and you still would have the question of full level differences between the two pans. But you could use the level check plug and then take note of where it lands on the dipstick. Then you would have an easier way to fill obviously.
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Last weekend, me and a buddy pulled the transmission and the Tcase out of a '08 V8 just for S&G. The lack of dipstick never even crossed my mind at that time but when I go home, I'll take a gander at this whole shenanigan. Toyota done stupid on this one by eliminating the dipstick.
Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Might be easier to install a 'universal' dipstick, like one ARB includes in their rear differential covers. Have someone drill a hole and weld a fitting at an appropriate location and thread in the dipstick. Unthread it and notch the dipstick where the current fluid level is at. No need to drain the factory fluid at all.
