Trans fluid types??

[blu76bronco]

I know this has been covered in detail several times but I thought I would ask anyway just for a piece of mind. I got a coupon from Amazon for a trans flush at a local shop here in my town. So, I call them up just to see how they did the flush b/c I don't won't my 4runner hooked up to one of those pressurized machines where it forces fluid in etc... They said they do a drain and refill 3x and us type iv trans fluid. I asked why type iv everything I have read says dexron III, they said that's what Toyota calls for in my 02' 4runner.
So I called my dealership just to see what type of fluid they would put in and they also said type iv.
My question to you guys is, is there a difference between dexron III and type iv trans fluid? I read somewhere that type iv is just a better quality than a dexron III. Any help would be great, thanks.

 

[cashmoney]

I've run dexron in transmissions that need plus 4, plus 3 in plus 4, plus 4 in plus 3, plus 4 in dexron. No issues even after hundreds of thousands of combined miles.

 

[jgue467]

That's my understanding, ok to use type 4 in a 3 perhaps not the otherway around? I would suggest full synthetic. I've used wallymart's 'super tech' full synthetic for about 85k now with no issues. Luck! :cowboy:

 

[blu76bronco]

Thanks for the replies!!

 

[ridefast]

I originally bought the Toyota type iv and noticed that the bottle doesn't say a word about being compatible with dex. So I then returned it, I figured Toyota would have put it on the bottle if it were compatible.

The guy tried to sell me valvoline max ATF but I refused and went to autozone for some castrol imv because ive had good luck with this in my 1st gen Tacoma and others here use Castrol imv with no issues.

The drain plug is stamped D ii or iii (i forget) and the dipstick is marked dex ii or iii so id stick with your favorite dex ATF.

 

[blu76bronco]

Yeah that's what I was leaning towards. Really never heard of type IV mentioned before for use in our 4runners. Thanks again

 

[ridefast]

If I remember correctly type iv is what is required in the 03 and some 04 4runners (the 4th gens with dip sticks) then Toyota changed to the WS in mid 04ish for the tranny without the dipstick. For us its just plain ole dex iii.
I personally don't care if someone says its compatible, I'm using what the manual recommends! Just my .02. That might be why I'm still on the road with 167,000 miles with zero tranny issues.
alot of great results with:
amsoil
napa atf
castrol imv

 

[stir_fry_boy]

Valvoline Max Life DEX/MERC full synthetic is type IV. Says so on the bottle. Totally compatible with DEX III. I've used it in Toyota/Lexus requiring DEX III and type IV. (2001 ES300 that requires type IV). You are safe to use either in the 02' 4Runner. In fact, just had my tranny fluid tested by blackstone labs with Valvoline Max Life, it was perfect. No issues, no sign of any trouble at almost 200k.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

MAX Life

 

[ridefast]

Yes true for the max life but the toyota type iv ATF dosn't mention dex on it.
All of these bottles of ATF have a long list of compatible applications. If it says it's compatible on the bottle it should be fine.

 

[sjwelna]

I'm currently running Amsoil. No issues.

 

[BamaDrewski]

I'm currently running Amsoil. No issues.

I run (and have run) Mobil1 Synthetic ATF for the past 100K+ miles. It is pricey but every time I do a drain and fill, the transmission fluid is bright red and clear. No sign of wear or tear in the fluid. I shopped this stuff around and last time found it cheaper at AutoZone. I also run Mobil1 5W30 full synthetic in the engine. I highly recommend their products if it is your budget.

NOTE: AdvanceAuto and AutoZone usually price match each other. Check around and see. Some even offer an additional -10% on top of the price match. As Mobil1 ATF is the same in both stores, they can't claim there is a difference in the product.

 

[blu76bronco]

Thanks for all the replies, makes things a lot easier!!

 

[BamaDrewski]

This is the closest thread I can find related to my question...

Will any Dex version past III work for our 3rd gens? Seems a little hard to find III, IV, V, and now everything relatively inexpensive is saying VI. I mean, the older stuff is out there, it just seems a lot more expensive because it probably isn't being produced as much or something.

I would highly recommend Mobil1 Full Synthetic ATF. it is FULLY compatible in our rigs and I have run it for years (https://mobiloil.com/en/automatic-transmission-fluid/synthetic-atf)

Until 31 MAY 16, the are offering some major rebates on their products. Go to: www.mobil1.com

I did a full flush before using Mobil1 and I do a drop and drain every 8-12 months. The fluid always comes out clean and bright red. I have 279K+ on the original A340F transmission and ZERO issues. I have been running Mobil1 Fully Synthetic ATF fluid since 114K miles. I purchase mine at Advance. It is not cheap but it has a long, long history of being one of the best brands/products around. Combined with a large auxiliary transmission cooler, my transmission runs at about 140-180 degrees in the summer. The lower the temp, the longer the life.

 

[thegipper]

I'm currently running Amsoil. No issues.

I have used Amsoil in many vehicles now and their signature series transmission fluid is nothing short of amazing!

 

[GHARP57]

T-IV was specifically designed by Toyota for use in the transmissions. Its not some off the wall stuff. Toyota Spent R&D money (mind you they spend $1 million an hour in R&D to this day) to formulate it for toyota transmissions. Not saying you cant use other stuff but Toyota made it for a reason.