Opinions on automatic transmission additives

R

rahjah

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I will be intsalling a transmission oil cooler this weekend. I will be draining the fluid just from the pan and the cooler lines while I work and refilling it with new fluid. My 2002 SR5 has almost 170,000 and I would like some opinions from anyone who has used Lucas automatic transmission treatment (or something that they like more than Lucas) in their 4runners. I have used the Lucas product another vehicle that I had and it helped with the slipping in the transmission. The transmission in my 4runner doesn't exhibit any problems now but I am just thinking about the future. Any and all input is appreciated.
 
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No problems with the transmission = no need for the Lucas.

Lucas has merit in all its fluid applications (basically to keep a DD going as well as in gear oils) but not here.

Keep your ATF clean and your tranny will be happy.
 
Most additives do more harm than good. Trans fluid full of detergents. Like he said above. Keep it clean.
 
Magnefine

right no additives, but you might consider a magnefine instead (works on trans too). :banana:
 

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The Lucas is good stuff, it worked great on the slipping trans in my old Explorer, it really helped. What would have helped more would have been not overheating the transmission in the first place. :)
 
Just keep your ATF clean and no additives will be needed. The Lucas stuff is for trying to squeeze out a few thousand miles out of a near-dead transmission.
 
The way I look at it, I have 280,xxx on my 4runner (original owner in terms of family) since 99', and all we've ever done is change the fluid every 30k so there's no need but for clean fluid and frequent filter changes.

Re: the Magline thing, I'd just not put it in. Our transmissions have filters and magnets already.
 
Ask10 said:
Re: the Magline thing, I'd just not put it in. Our transmissions have filters and magnets already.
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The built-in filter is more of a metal screen than a filter from what I understand. It does not catch very fine particles. I have heard that the Magnefine filters restrict flow though.
 
MoveWeight said:
is a cooler really needed for a daily driver 1997 sr5 v6 with 170k miles? My tranny slips a little.
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Yes and no... search 'pink milkshake' on here and you will see why most guys run external cooler.

As for your trans slipping, you should probably address that.
 
T4R2014 said:
The built-in filter is more of a metal screen than a filter from what I understand. It does not catch very fine particles. I have heard that the Magnefine filters restrict flow though.
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Looks like a media filter to me in the pics above.

It does catch fine particles, with the magnet.

On the alleged flow restriction, as proof they do not do so significantly watch how quickly your cooler can dissipate heat just after a good hill climb. Mine can drop 20-25 degress in under 30 seconds. It could not be doing that if there was signification restriction. Now if you want to be technical, of course, it will restrict, otherwise it would have no filtering abilities, question is it within acceptable parameters. I suspect it is since we don't hear of anyone's tranny's failing due to their use - i could be wrong on this but a quick search here yielded nothing. I've used one now for about 75k, open them up afterward and yes they contain gunk, tiny shavings, that would otherwise hasten the wear, i think anyway. Not saying they're essential but they can help extend the useable tranny life, they're inexpensive and easy to install. Oh yeah, no additives here either. :banana:
 
MoveWeight said:
is a cooler really needed for a daily driver 1997 sr5 v6 with 170k miles? My tranny slips a little.
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Many of these guys in here talk about pink milkshake. But from experience, I can tell you that it's a rare thing. You just have to service your cooling system per. Toyotas recommended intervals and use their coolant. However, If plan to tow then I would install one. But DON'T fall into the hype!
 
runner823 said:
Many of these guys in here talk about pink milkshake. But from experience, I can tell you that it's a rare thing. You just have to service your cooling system per. Toyotas recommended intervals and use their coolant. However, If plan to tow then I would install one. But DON'T fall into the hype!
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All that is fine but at 200k miles you should either get a trans cooler or replace the radiator. Radiators don't last forever, its not rocket science. I still remember when the radiator on our 79 Ford burst while on a roadtrip. That van had over 150k miles on it, probably over 200k.

Toyotas are not super trucks. At 200k do something about the radiator. Its basic preventative maintence.
 
BrianSD_42 said:
All that is fine but at 200k miles you should either get a trans cooler or replace the radiator. Radiators don't last forever, its not rocket science. I still remember when the radiator on our 79 Ford burst while on a roadtrip. That van had over 150k miles on it, probably over 200k.

Toyotas are not super trucks. At 200k do something about the radiator. Its basic preventative maintence.
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I'll second this. I bought my 4runner at 210,500 and the radiator had corroded through at the top.
On another note, I had an '05 Acura MDX in the shop last week with a bad radiator, the trans line fitting corroded right out of the radiator. Silly design to have the trans flowing next to the coolant but I'm sure it saves money and most seem to last a good while.
 
If one can remove all risk of having the milkshake occur for $100 or less, one is a fool not to undertake such an endeavor IMHO.
 
BrianSD_42 said:
All that is fine but at 200k miles you should either get a trans cooler or replace the radiator. Radiators don't last forever, its not rocket science. I still remember when the radiator on our 79 Ford burst while on a roadtrip. That van had over 150k miles on it, probably over 200k.

Toyotas are not super trucks. At 200k do something about the radiator. Its basic preventative maintence.
Click to expand...

Yes, I agree that radiators don't last forever. But, a coolant leak is more likely to happen vs. to transmission cooler side of it. We replace radiator a lot on
GX470's, RX400H, and Camry's for coolant leak on the lower tanks and sometimes upper tank failures.
 
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