Transmission fluid
- Thread starter BadHabit
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kdx2000
New member
No, you don't have to use what the dealership sells. It's more or less a personal preference. I use transmission fliud from my local Advance Auto parts store. It's usaully around $1.29 a quart or so depending on what brand you buy. You could buy from the stealership, but why pay more? The choice is up to you!
A lot of subjects are black and white...this trans fluid thing seems to be very grey. Reg. trans fluid needs to be toyo fluid because of a special additive? But you can use synthetic fluid from a quality company, special additive or not. My owner's manual says Dextron III and makes no mention of toyo fluid being a must.
One of the best things about this forum is the maturity of our members. By this I mean we can expect to get good, solid info from the majority of members and not a lot of "mine is bigger than your's" stuff like I see on some other sights.
Let's dig up some good technical info on this subject so I can rest well at night.
One of the best things about this forum is the maturity of our members. By this I mean we can expect to get good, solid info from the majority of members and not a lot of "mine is bigger than your's" stuff like I see on some other sights.
Let's dig up some good technical info on this subject so I can rest well at night.
BadHabit said:
Trade your 4runner in on a new one. They come with WS/ATF which Toyota claims is a "life time" flluid and does not require changing unless you tow
Since I will be trading for a new ride at 80K miles and don't tow I won't have to deal with the transmission fluid or the timing belt/water pump or the coolant change. Just Oil/filter, airfilter, diff's and transfer case. Plus my Michelin Cross Terrains should be good for 80K miles per other posts. Like I said just trade. Other wise I would use the Toyota ATF that is recommended for your year.Bobbydigital
New member
I have an '04 SR5, and I've read this too. I'm not sure I buy it though.
I'm at the 30k mark, which is where i generally have my tranny fluid flushed and replaced. Has anyone had this done on a '04+?
Bobbydigital said:
If your 4runner is a 2004 V8 then it has the 5 speed transmission that has WS-ATF (lifetime fill), if your 2004 is a V6 then you have Type IV and change it at 30K miles. I have a 2004 V8 (I don't tow) and plan on having mine serviced at around 50K miles (normal filter and fluid change no flush). I will decide based on when I plan on trading. If I end up at 50K miles and decide I will be trading at around 80K miles I will not change the fluid, if I end up deciding I will keep the T4R over 90K miles then I will change the fluid. I think these new T4R are real low maintance if you plan on trading at the 80K mile range. Lifetime transfluid, 100K mile antifreeze, 90K mile timing belt and water pump change. Once you do all of the above changes at the 90K mile mark you might as well keep it for another 90K+ miles. Also T4R's have great resale at this 60-80K mile range, once you get to the 90K+ mark the resale value starts to really drop, and you might as well drive it for 180K miles. JMHO
My 30K service cost me a paycheck, but, I think its worth it.
My dealer changed the: front dif, torque converter, rear diff, tranny and radiator fluides.
I also had to donate a kidney and eye.
My only problem is, since I tend to drive agressive around corners, the Dunlops have been wearing away on the shoulders.
The dealer recommended a balance and alignment, but for that money, I rather invest in some Yokohama Geolanders.
Yeah, the 4rnr does drift alittle off center, but for 150 bucks, i think i can hold on to the steering wheel until 45K. (When I plan to buy new tires)
I've had nice bridgeston tires before, but i think there alittle too overated for my needs.
dkrazydingo
New member
I have a 99 4Runner SR5 2wd and it requires Dextron III (according to the manual). I was wondering since my mileage is at 226K miles, can I use Dextron VI?
