Transmission Fluid change $$$

[ToolmanJohn]

Just sharing this with others. I wanted to do my own transmission fluid change because I will start towing a 3000 LB Starcraft AR-ONE camper I just bought.

My 4runner has 110,800 miles on it, and hasn't ever had problems with the tranny or shifting, but I figured since I was going to start putting a heavier burden on it, I would get an auxilliary transmission cooler and change the fluid.

Well, tranny fluid is expensive. Over $6.00 a quart everywhere. BUT I ended up ordering 13 quarts online from AutoZone. The Castrol Transmax Import Multi Vehicle transmission fluid was $6.29 a quart at the local store. I ended up on Amazon looking for something cheaper, but it was also expensive there.

I also ended up going to the AutoZone online store and amazingly, it was 5.29 a quart at checkout, AND another 20% discount because of a sale online only. So it only cost $58.51 out the door with tax for 13 qts...Not too shabby.

I will use the disconnected return line method for pumping out the fluid about 3-4 qts at a time. I will likely put the fluid back in through the dipstick with a drill pump. I'll measure what comes out and pour the same back in until all 13 quarts are used. I'm also going to install a B&M stacked plate cooler like others here have done.

 

[RS Dude]

I have been using Wally World brand trans fluid for years...only about $11 per gallon. My trans works like new, is all original, and has no leaks.:cheers:

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Would that be T-IV compatible?

I have been using Wally World brand trans fluid for years...only about $11 per gallon. My trans works like new, is all original, and has no leaks.:cheers:

I had to do search for compatible fluids on the newer transmissions. Thye either get the type IV ATF or the toyota WS . My 4 speed A340F (I think) uses the IV ... The only one I could find local was Castrol Transmax.

I definitely would have went to Wal-Mart if I thought they would have carried it. But my expectation is that they would still charge about $6 a quart. They weren't any cheaper for a 5 qt container of Penzoil than the NAPA or AutoZone.

 

[stevec5000]

The T-IV fluid for my '04 V-6 4 speed ATF is just $4 a quart at the dealer and I couldn't find it anywhere else so that seems reasonable.

 

[johnson]

I have a 2000 C5 and do autoxs and a couple of track day events/year. Last summer flushed out my PS system w/NAPA PS fluid and replaced a PS pump and plastic pulley w/metal Z06 pulley. There were still some tight spots in the steering in the turns at Summit Point main track. I flushed the PS system and added about a half squeeze bottle ( maybe 4-6oz) of Lucas Oil PS conditioner/stop leak. The tightness went away. I would like to run some high temp PS fluid. Any suggestions?
Regarding PS rack rebuild: Am I living on borrowed time with the Lucas Oil product? Just bite the bullet and send rack to Turn-One for a rebuild?
Would also like to change transmission fluid. Any suggestions from anyone who runs an non-factory or non-GM fluid? Is there a high temp trans fluid too?
Also,
I replaced the factory front rubber bushings with Pfadt poly two years ago. Should these be pulled out a relubed every now and then?

 

[ToolmanJohn]

The T-IV fluid for my '04 V-6 4 speed ATF is just $4 a quart at the dealer and I couldn't find it anywhere else so that seems reasonable.

I would buy it from my dealer if they were even CLOSE to that. Sounds like your dealership has a reasonable parts department without huge markups on standard consumables.