Transmission advice

[Vice_II]

I wanted to get some opinions from you guys on a current decision I am struggling with.

I recently purchased a higher mile 2004 V8 4th gen. 240k on it. Maintenance history is pretty good oil changes, tstat, timing belts and all documented over the years.... however, I have zero information on the transmission.

The 4runner shifts really well and doesn't make any noise. My main concern is if I should service it or not. In the past I have serviced transmissions and then had issues shortly after(Dodge, Ford trucks etc.)

It should be known that this is not my daily driver and only my weekend warrior.

Honest opinions... Should I leave it alone since all functions well or service it?

 

[Ripper238]

With that high milage I would just leave it. More times than not with high milage on a transmission its better not to. Like you noted, many times after servicing high milage transmissions they have issues shortly after.

Maybe save up for a replacement transmission for later down the road if/when it goes.

 

[xtremewlr]

I service mine every 30k miles or so. I bought it at 289k miles and have over 337k miles now. I've done 2 fluid changes and replaced the internal strainer once. Works just fine still.

I say service it, fresh fluid, use Toyota WS or Valvoline Maxlife ATF (red bottle) which is what I have been using and replace the strainer. Only use OEM Toyota parts for the strainer and o-ring that seals it and the pan gasket. Yes, the pan uses a gasket without any sealant applied to it.

 

[Humble Leader]

see if you can break the fill bolt loose and get a sample either by sticking your finger in there or some other way. that should give you an idea of the quality of the oil

 

[xtremewlr]

see if you can break the fill bolt loose and get a sample either by sticking your finger in there or some other way. that should give you an idea of the quality of the oil

2004 doesn't have a fill bolt on the transmission housing, just like my 2003 doesn't. 2003 & 2004 have a dipstick still.

 

[Vice_II]

This transmission does not have a dipstick. I apologize I should have stated that. Thank you all for the replies so far. I think I will try to locate and open the fill plug and see what the fluid looks like.

 

[xtremewlr]

This transmission does not have a dipstick. I apologize I should have stated that. Thank you all for the replies so far. I think I will try to locate and open the fill plug and see what the fluid looks like.

Interesting. Maybe it was only 2003 then but I could have sworn 2004 was the same.

 

[Vice_II]

My local Toyota dealer has the filter, gasket and the WS fluid in stock for an reasonable price. So if I decide to do a drain and fill or full service with filter I can get my hands on what I need.

IIRC a 15/16" socket will work for removing the fill plug?

 

[rdruss]

I would do several drain/fills a couple days apart. First one should give you an indication of how long, if ever, been done. Regardless, I would do drain/refills using either Toyota fluid or Valvoline Maxlife.

 

[Humble Leader]

IIRC a 15/16" socket will work for removing the fill plug?

toyota uses metric fasteners, I believe on 5th gens it's a 24mm fill plug, probably the same for 4th gens. 15/16 is slightly smaller than 24mm. it might work, but I wouldn't chance it on a fill plug

 

[Drcoffee]

Get the toyota owners app. Enter your vin in the service page and pull up the service history. If there was never any issues before, I would tell you to do a full fluid replacement. The oil dead atf causes a shutter eventually, its just a matter of time. Get the old fluid out entirely and if it were me, Id use Amsoil synthetic. Its more forgiving to high temps than toyota WS is. This is a diy procedure if you are handy and can find you butt with both hands, you will save a bunch of money.

 

[AuSeeker]

2004 doesn't have a fill bolt on the transmission housing, just like my 2003 doesn't. 2003 & 2004 have a dipstick still.

This transmission does not have a dipstick. I apologize I should have stated that. Thank you all for the replies so far. I think I will try to locate and open the fill plug and see what the fluid looks like.

Interesting. Maybe it was only 2003 then but I could have sworn 2004 was the same.

Just an FYI, 2003 and 2004 V6s have the 4 speed transmission and a dipstick, all V6s after 2004 has the 5 speed transmission and NO dipstick.

2003 V8 has the 5 speed transmission and has a dipstick and uses the same ATF as the old 4 Speed transmission, 2004 V8s and after have the 5 speed transmission and NO dipstick and uses WS fluid.

 

[xtremewlr]

Just an FYI, 2003 and 2004 V6s have the 4 speed transmission and a dipstick, all V6s after 2004 has the 5 speed transmission and NO dipstick.

2003 V8 has the 5 speed transmission and has a dipstick and uses the same ATF as the old 4 Speed transmission, 2004 V8s and after have the 5 speed transmission and NO dipstick and uses WS fluid.

I think I was getting confused with the V6 then. Good info tho, thanks!