Thoughts on transmission flushes?

Yes sir
Uses 17 quarts if you are flushing or approx 6 if just a pan drop .

 

Ok. So after the pan in reinstalled and fluid is added, what is the difference between flushing and just a pan drop? Does the full flush involve adding new fluid, driving the truck, and then repeating the drain and fill procedure again?

 

The only difference between a pan drop and a full flush is the amount of new fluid introduced into the transmission .
The pan drop is known as a half service
The full flush is called a complete service
Both services require the pan to be removed , filter is cleaned , pan is cleaned , magnets and sediment inspection performed..
After the pan goes back on and if everything was clean , proceed to flushing

 

And the full flush can be done without any special machine to push the fluid through the transmission? I did a drain and fill at 30K and I'm not at 65k and would like to do the full flush myself if I can.

 

No special machines needed .although a little messy compared to using the machine .
You can do it at home using the write ups that our friendly members here at Tacoma world created

 

Is that the twin bucket method?

 

I believe it is the twin bucket method

 

Thank you for all the info. I will be getting on that this spring before my summer adventures.

 

Glad to help .
Next week , let's talk about transmission conditioners and fluid enhancers / additives
.
Every transmission I service or overhaul gets a 15 ounce bottle .

 

Can we talk about it right now?

 

Let's leave this post the way it is .
There is some good info within this post and dont want to see it ruined by haters of the snake oil / mechanic in a bottle .
I will do a write up on additives and provide a link for you guys

 

I always enjoy your wealth of knowledge and insights. I'll read anything you put out there. Thanks for taking the time to educate us.

 

I've always done "drop a pan, drain and refill" service. I think if it's done frequently (30-40k miles) should be sufficient enough and not too complicated for a regular DIY-er. To make it even easier, now that I know that the fluid in my tranny is properly leveled, I'll be putting back exact amount I remove.

 

Lubegard Platinum

 

"Should I Have My Transmission Flushed" - https://bit.ly/37YWjSa

Ed

 

This link is what I found for a writeup on the twin bucket method. Even though it's for a second gen. is this the basic principle? Couldn't find anything for a third get specifically.

 

Yes , the 2nd gen service is pretty much identical to the 3rd gen .
One of you 3rd gen owners need to pop some pics and do a write up the next time you have the pan off your trans

 

Ok last question. That post doesn’t show dropping the pan. What purpose does dropping the pan serve? Is it to clean out the filter screen?

 

Yes . Always drop the pan before you flush at home
Removing the pan will allow you to clean up the bottom of the pan , clean or replace the filter , clean the magnets .
This is going to give you a good indication of how your transmission is operating .
I would never flush a transmission regardless of mileage without dropping the pan first.
Yes , it takes longer to drop the pan and clean everything but its by far a more thorough job rather than just simply dumping the fluid and adding fresh stuff .

 

Ok so drop and clean pan, reinstall pan, and then follow the procedure for the two bucket method. Got it.