Trans drain and fill

Guys i have a question about just doing a pan drain and fill on my 99 auto. When i replaced the rad on it the stuff coming out of the cooler line looked very brown. i kinda doubt its ever been drained, ive only had it since about dec of last year.. It shifts perfect and smooth now but im afraid to do any kind of flush. Would you say to just pull the drain plug and replace the same amount or should i drop the pan and install a new filter and refill? I know either way i wont get all the fluid out but i figure anything should be better than what's in it now... Im just leary of messing with trans when they are shifting fine lol..

I just want the thing to last so i fig some fresh fluid should'nt hurt it. Also what trans fluid would you say is good? I was thinking maybe valvoline max life, It calls for dexron 2 i do believe.

Thanks fellas

 

I think when I changed my trans fluid last year...my truck had around 195k on it...probably the 1st trans fluid change too.....I took the pan off, replaced the filter and refilled the trans. All has been well since then.

 

Mine has almost 210k. Do you remember how many quarts it took roughly.

 

When i bought my truck i changed all the fluids and i had very dark trans fluid also, like it had never been changed. I decided to drain refill the trans fluid every other oil change. Ive drain and refilled it about 4 times. Last time i drained it, it all came out bright red.

 

That is what I may do for now also. I've heard you get maybe 3 quarts or so just from pulling the plug on the pan? That sound right

 

Most things i read online said around 4 quarts. I got right at 6 when i drained mine.

 

Good to know. What fluid did you go with.

 

I just put plain ole dextron 2 back in it.

 

Any tips to get the new fluid in the tiny level-check tube? Looks like a big mess waiting to happen. I've done all the fluids but this...

 

Long skinny funnel with small tip pushed it into the fill tube as far in as i could. Maybe went in 1/4" and poured slowly so it wouldnt overflow and run out.

 

Yes just drain and replace what comes out. As suggested to me by a pro.
That's what I did

 

Def will do this prob Tomm. Thanks

 

When u drain the pan, you usually get 4.5 - 5 quarts out. Use an ATF that is compatible with Dextron 3 because that was the spec when the 1st Gens were made. As long as it meets or exceeds Dextron 3, you're good to go. Some go with conventional while others choose synthetic. It's your choice.

 

I got some valvoline maxlife synthetic, it is compatible with dex 2 and 3 as well.. will see how much i get out soon as she cools down a bit.

 

Some info on your transmission at the bottom of this thread .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sions-write-up-your-4-speed-automatic.325531/

 

At 114k the trans fluid in my 02 looked like used motor oil. I doubt the PO ever changed it. I did 3 or 4 drain and fills (a little over 4 qts out of the drain plug). I went a few days before each d/f to ensure the old fluid mixed with the new stuff. Once the fluid on the dipstick looked fresh, I dropped the pan and changed the filter. Cleaned the magnets off too. Buttoned it back up and I'm good to go.

Dropping the pan gave me close to 6 qts. At 188k now and transmission feels strong and solid still.

I used Valvoline Max Life Full Synthetic. I was told all ATF was synthetic so that part might go without saying.

 

I used Mobil1 3309 Synth ATF. But my 04 calls for Type IV compatible.

I got right at 6.5 quarts with pan drop and filter change. (I filled an old 5 quart oil jug and 1.5 quart bottles)

still need to install my external cooler though.

 

I pulled the plug and only about 2 quarts have came out. I checked my manual and it says drain and refill is 1.7 quarts? The fluid level was full before I drained it. However the trans was still warm not sure if that matters. It was indeed dirty.

 

Here is a pic of the fluid on a white towel