Swapping out ATF pan that has a dipstick from '03
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BlackWorksInc
New member
Sounds like a good way to ruin a transmission.
Changing the pan out means you've now lost all possible hope of setting the fluid level to the correct setting. The older "dipstick" transmissions used Toyota T-IV ATF, the new units use WS ATF. The two have different characteristics and temperature ranges for "correct fluid level" and as such the WS ATF transmissions use a different method of checking fluid level when at the appropriate temperature.
Swapping the pans out would mean you're either under filled or over filled because the dipstick will never be accurate for the WS ATF fluid in that transmission because the transmission with the dipstick was designed for X amount of T-IV ATF and the new units were designed for X amount of WS ATF.
Changing the pan out means you've now lost all possible hope of setting the fluid level to the correct setting. The older "dipstick" transmissions used Toyota T-IV ATF, the new units use WS ATF. The two have different characteristics and temperature ranges for "correct fluid level" and as such the WS ATF transmissions use a different method of checking fluid level when at the appropriate temperature.
Swapping the pans out would mean you're either under filled or over filled because the dipstick will never be accurate for the WS ATF fluid in that transmission because the transmission with the dipstick was designed for X amount of T-IV ATF and the new units were designed for X amount of WS ATF.
That's good info and here's how I'd do it. Again, I have a '03 so not applicable to me so I'm only hypothesizing at this point.
-Drain the WS-ATF and let it drain for few hours into a clean container.
-If you must or you're OCD, clean it through a filter/rag or something.
-swap out the tranny oil pan and install dipstick bracket, assuming the mounting holes are still there on the side of the engine
-pour in the old ATF through the dipstick tube
-pull out dipstick and notice the level of the old ATF on the new dipstick.
-This is your new ATF level and it may (or may not) coincide with the factory markings on the dipstick. Given that it's the same transmission with the same valve body, I theorize the ATF level to be the same as an '03.
- you now have the ability to check level and swap out fluid easily
Have I missed anything?
Is this worth doing - HELL YES. For guys who tow a huge amount (that'd be me), swapping out ATF with the correct ATF is always a good idea to prevent an early death. Even drain/fill the same amount slowly turns over the old ATF into new ATF over time.
Even if you don't tow anything, if you crawl in 4LO frequently (I do), the tranny cooler (in front of the A/C condenser) isn't getting the air flow like it would in 4HI (hwy, in town speeds). So, you're crawling around all day in 4Low, going super slow speeds while making your ATF hotter and hotter. Changing out the ATF can only extend the life of the transmission, no?
For those of you who are running larger tires w/o re-gearing, you're heating your ATF more than what the stock tire sizes would've done. Sorry, that's the reality we live in. :cry2:
That reminds me, do the V6 4Runners have the ATF cooler in front of the A/C condenser like my V8 does?
AuSeeker
Elite Member
I'm not sure, but I have read that some V6 4Runners do have the towing package added as an option and as such they would/should indeed have the trans cooler.
So what say you V6 4Runner owners, do any of you have the optional towing package and if so do you have the cooler as well?
So what say you V6 4Runner owners, do any of you have the optional towing package and if so do you have the cooler as well?
BlackWorksInc
New member
There's some things consider here, first off as [MENTION=107314]Cisco Kid[/MENTION] asked; there's the possibility the pan is slightly different and thus your fluid volume would be different. Your idea also only works assuming your transmission is already set at the correct fluid level from the beginning, that isn't always the case. Also you'd lose some fluid between dropping the pan and putting the new one. Whether or not that's enough to be of importance is difficult to say. Most importantly you'd have to set your "Cold" & "Hot" Marks at the appropriate levels, hot would be maximum check temperature for the vehicle I assume, but Cold... I am not sure what temperature Toyota specifies for that. It could be the lower end of the "Check" temperature or it could be something like 50*F.
There's a "Severe Service" schedule for the ATF in the owner's maintenance guide, I get having a dip stick would be nice, but I don't think it's workable.
The 4sp and 5sp trannies are different so I can't speak to that apple/orange combo. But, the 5sp trannies may have the same ATF volume, just a WAG on my part.
I don't know what's involved in pumping fluid into the non dipstick ATF pan and whether or not if people are doing their own fluid swap or having it done. But, given that this is a DIY crowd, being able to do this process yourself would encourage more folks to do their own ATF swap on their driveways.
I don't know what's involved in pumping fluid into the non dipstick ATF pan and whether or not if people are doing their own fluid swap or having it done. But, given that this is a DIY crowd, being able to do this process yourself would encourage more folks to do their own ATF swap on their driveways.
Deathmammoth
New member
They should have kept the transmission dipstick, it was foolish to remove it IMO.
46runner
Member
I swapped my ATF fluid. Pretty easy. Write up is here.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/195074-atf-exchange-using-cooling-line.html
Along with the Toyota asshat who decided to relocate the front AFR sensors (aka O2 sensors) from a great place to a stupid, f'ed up location between the exhaust manifolds and the firewall. He needs to be slapped with a dead fish, preferably a carp.
Well, ping me if you need any info. My GF and I are well versed on this topic. My '03 V8 is so much cleaner than her '08 V8 VVTI engine. People can have that extra power, along with the associated BS.
Cisco Kid
Member
I'm guessing you have never worked on a 2005 to 2010 Grand Cherokee Hemi. The plugs for the front O2 sensors are on top of the transmission with absolutely no way to get to them. The lower half of the mechanical engineering class most certainly works for Chrysler.
Thanks! I might take you up on that offer
Have you ever changed the spark plugs on the 3.6 L Pennstar motor in a jeep JK wrangler? The same asshat that designed the grand Cherokee hemi motor must've designed the JK motor as well, because in order to change the driver side three spark plugs, you have to fully remove the intake manifold.
It's so stupid it's not even funny...2 1/2 hours of work to do something that should take 15 minutes. F U Chrysler...
Cisco Kid
Member
Typical Chrysler vehicles! Those things are cheaper for a reason.
J - Just
E - Empty
E - Every
P - Pocket
Cisco Kid
Member
Yeah, well....It took me 7 times before I finally learned my lesson. 3 XJ's, 3 WJ's, and 1 WK. Never again!
