so i have 168k mileson my 97 2wd 4runner and i think i want to do the home method of flushing the trans. i bought my 4runner at roughly 120k miles on it and so far have done 2 drain/fills in that time. i used valvoline maxlife when i did the drain/fills. i want to know if i should stick to the valvoline maxlife or should i use a different fluid? i know i can't afford amsoil or anything similar and my runner does shift smoothly as of now. im 2wd and don't go offroad so im not hard on my tranny. any advice would be great. also, would it be beneficialto drop the pan cause i don't think its ever been done but that seems like a lot of work but if its best too i will. thanks for any help
trans advice
- Thread starter hdoggie24
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LittleCaesar
New member
For the home flush:
Dropping Pan And Flushing Transmission
I'd personally just keep doing the drain and fill a couple of more times. Maxlife is good stuff but is getting up there in price. Valvoline is supposed to be coming out with a new Import Vehicle ATF so you may want to wait for pricing. Stick to what works for ya.
I have used Castrol Import Vehicle ATF with no problems for 30,000 miles before replacing it with Redline D4. Its cheap (<$5 a quart).
Dropping Pan And Flushing Transmission
I'd personally just keep doing the drain and fill a couple of more times. Maxlife is good stuff but is getting up there in price. Valvoline is supposed to be coming out with a new Import Vehicle ATF so you may want to wait for pricing. Stick to what works for ya.
I have used Castrol Import Vehicle ATF with no problems for 30,000 miles before replacing it with Redline D4. Its cheap (<$5 a quart).
kball
New member
Yeah I agree with LittleC. You bought your truck with fairly low miles and you've done drain and fills since then so your fluid is in better shape than most of us got to start with.
When I bought mine the trans fluid was brownish in color. I've never dropped the pan but I've done about 6 drain and fills all together and it shifts fine. I'm running a magnefine filter as well and when I changed the first one out and opened it up it was clean as could be. I was really surprised considering how the trans seemed to have been neglected before I took ownership.
It's all going to be personal opinions so you'll have to decide for yourself but my opinion is you're fine with drain and fills.
When I bought mine the trans fluid was brownish in color. I've never dropped the pan but I've done about 6 drain and fills all together and it shifts fine. I'm running a magnefine filter as well and when I changed the first one out and opened it up it was clean as could be. I was really surprised considering how the trans seemed to have been neglected before I took ownership.
It's all going to be personal opinions so you'll have to decide for yourself but my opinion is you're fine with drain and fills.
96743runner
New member
If the Valvoline ATF has been working well for you, I would just stick with that stuff. I've heard good things about it and it seems like a quality ATF.
I think that it would be beneficial to drop your pan, since you don't know how the PO drove that runner before you. When I had this done on mine, I dropped the pan, changed the filter screen, and cleaned the magnets.
I think that it would be beneficial to drop your pan, since you don't know how the PO drove that runner before you. When I had this done on mine, I dropped the pan, changed the filter screen, and cleaned the magnets.
RunninOnBlue
New member
I'd drop the pan a clean the filter and magnets. Also, I'd consider getting a trans pan gasket. They are like $6 and then you won't have to mess with the RTV gasket crap. For me it took about 35 minutes to break the RTV gasket seal and clean up the dried up gasket material. Plus you can fill the trans instantly after installing the rubber gasket. (No time waiting for the RTV to cure)
Nelsonmd
New member
The gasket sounds like a nice option. Anyone heard any problems with it?
pdx650
Member
Gasket
I had to make sure and count for the 19 holes on the gasket when I bought my new filter and gasket at the auto parts store. I used pennzoil atf. They came in 1 gallon jugs. I did remove the trans pan, gasket, and filter, but I only added as much fluid that was in the pan. I need to flush my trans the poor mans' style.
I had to make sure and count for the 19 holes on the gasket when I bought my new filter and gasket at the auto parts store. I used pennzoil atf. They came in 1 gallon jugs. I did remove the trans pan, gasket, and filter, but I only added as much fluid that was in the pan. I need to flush my trans the poor mans' style.
