AuSeeker
Elite Member
That would be up to you and if you want to known what the results would be.
Original tranny fluid at 205k miles: would you change it?
- Thread starter rwh963
- Start date
That would be up to you and if you want to known what the results would be.
Primetime4370
New member
So, here's my dilemma. Leaving on the 13th for a 1300+ mile road trip. Should I leave my trans alone (no known issues, shifts fine), do a fluid exchange or, drain and fill? AFAIK it is still on og fluid.
*Edit to add.
203k+ miles. Getting oil changed (it's due anyway) and getting radiator replaced (had for a while and just been putting of since it is a minor leak).
*Edit to add.
203k+ miles. Getting oil changed (it's due anyway) and getting radiator replaced (had for a while and just been putting of since it is a minor leak).
Last edited:
TheUltimateBohab
New member
The dealer shafts you for real they charge you $200 to exchange what is in the transmission only so like 3 quarts worst rip-off in the world I would not worry about it if you want to change it do it I changed my car Lexus ES330 with 200,000 miles original transmission oil no issues at all and I did my 3rd gen 4Runner with 450,000 miles (unknown if it had been done before but it was very dark) with no issues at all so I think you'll be fine I would much rather have clean fluid in there then Super all black nasty stuff that's been in there from the factory.....
I'm sorry guy I don't mean to thread hijack but does anyone know the transmission pan gasket part number? I got one from RockAuto part number TOS 18736. It says Toyota truck 4 Speed 98 through 03. I assume it is not the correct one but maybe they didn't change them....
I'm sorry guy I don't mean to thread hijack but does anyone know the transmission pan gasket part number? I got one from RockAuto part number TOS 18736. It says Toyota truck 4 Speed 98 through 03. I assume it is not the correct one but maybe they didn't change them....
Primetime4370
New member
According to a quick search "Exact Fit for your 2005 Toyota 4Runner SR5
20-bolt holes; Aisin 70-50LE; 5 Speed; Aisin 70-50LF" it will fit my '05 v6.
TheUltimateBohab
New member
THANKS FOR RESPONDING SO QUICKLY MAN!! that's what the RockAuto part I ordered was but the one I actually got says 98 to 03 4 speed but it is 20 holes so I'm just going to assume that they didn't change them between the four and five speed.... and thanks for allowing me to thread hijack I figured I didn't want to post a new thread for this one single question and you were talking about transmission anyway so it felt like it fit....
Primetime4370
New member
Does it also list that part number on the box/package?
actually, the exchange replaces at least 10 quarts of fluid. just the pan would be about 3 quarts.
go ahead and do a full exchange. mine went fine, no negatives so far.
TheUltimateBohab
New member
My local dealership quoted me just the pan drain and fill for $178 when I called because I felt lazy and didn't want to do it. I haven't got around to it but I'm just going to do it myself I don't trust anyone else touching my vehicles anyway.
Fel-pro tos 18736 the part number on the package and the part number on the listing are the same but the description are different from RockAuto
one of my local dealers also quoted me something like that for the pan drain/fill. they did not have the equipment for the full exchange (i.e. flush). but another dealer did, so i got it done there.
probably won't need to get it done for another 100k, so worth the extra hundred for the labor.
Primetime4370
New member
Went ahead and had the fluid exchange done. New radiator installed with Toyota coolant. Oil changed with Toyota filter. Also had them rotate tires even though they only have a couple thousand miles on them. Also have a new air filter and cabin flter to throw on. Should be good to go for our trip.
2003-4x4runner
New member
Change out that Transmission Fluid people! Its a Toyota!
WOW! Who knew that by changing the "Old Burnt Out Transmission Fluid" would help get rid of the shudder!
Change out that Transmission Fluid people!
Thanks for the update rwh963 Hopefully this thread will help out other people.
WOW! Who knew that by changing the "Old Burnt Out Transmission Fluid" would help get rid of the shudder!
Change out that Transmission Fluid people!
Thanks for the update rwh963 Hopefully this thread will help out other people.
a quick reply:
i was experiencing the typical "shudder". however, it seemed to disappear after doing an engine oil change in which i switched from a lifetime of conventional oil to synthetic. i didn't expect this change to impact the shudder, but it did not return.
there seems to be different opinions about doing transmission fluid changes on trannys with old fluid. some say "if it ain't broke don't fix it", others worry about dislodging stuff in the transmission, others are torn between doing multiple pan changes vs. full exchange. then there is the whole 'WS vs. alternative fluid" debate.
i decided to roll the dice and do a full exchange, but i let the dealer do it in case anything crept up afterwards. and the original WS fluid lasted a long time, so why not stick to it.
Bluesky 07
Senior Member
This. The fluid is critical to an essential component that is very expensive to repair or replace, often prohibitively so in trucks as old as some 4th Gens. I’ll choose a known Toyota product over an “it’s supposed to work” substitute every time, especially given that Maxlife claims to replace so many other fluids.
SurferUK
Member
If he is going to do it via the cooling lines as described here, I don't see how it could hurt.
I know the stories about transmissions breaking after a flush (Which is why I would do it via the cooling lines, just to be safe) but logic dictates they were more likely to fail having not had their fluid changed in hundreds of thousands of miles.
I've never had a hydraulic system fail from having old, crappy fluid flushed out. No one second guesses changing old, original PAS fluid, and that is ATF.
Fresh fluid good, old worn fluid bad!
Just my 0.015 Pound sterling :biggrin1:
