transmission fluid (change vs dropping pan)

Fell off a bridge and landed flat, dead-center on an I-beam, or pointy rock or something?

 

Naw, It was Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. They went for another storm-chasing joyride.

 

Are you doing the drain when cool and then replace the same amount that came out method OR the do the drain and fills and then do the wire temperature method?

 

Drain cool 2.5 qts approx.
Fill with 4 qts cool.
Do shift sequence
Heat to 105
Keep motor running
Use fill plug to drain 1.5 qts and get to proper level.

this way I get a bit more new fluid in and I don’t have partially filled new fluid containers.

 

I think you might have a typo.

the transmission has 3 plugs.

1. Drain
2. Fill, this plug is up on the passenger side of the transmission
3. Check

Its the check plug that is used to set the fluid at the proper level. This plug has a vertical tube that bleed off overfilled fluid while the truck is at temperature.

 

You’re correct. I use “check” plug to drain down to proper level.

 

Does it have a straw, it looks higher in the pan? The only straws I have seen are to make a combination drain and check.

 

Yes

 

and when you see those wear metals and your transmission is still working fine then what, do you just start saving more money?

 

Me, personally? I make a mental note and just keep driving...maybe splurge on a uoa or two. But, I don't drop the pan or inspect the filter. I suspect I'm wired more like you in that regard.

I suppose someone who is suspecting mechanical failure can get confirmation.

 

i was just interested in the thought process. i would just keep trucking, there is no reason to think that degredation of the clutch packs would be linear.

 

To each their own...I'd use as a diagnostic aid tool.

Say you suspect solenoid issues; drop the pan and see big wear metals. Now you might suspect valve body performance and solenoid performance. Might be time for a valve body teardown; check for any clogged passages, out of spec bores, benchtest solenoids, etc.

 

I just have the documentation that came with the truck, I guess it's not in there right? If it isn't can you link me to the info?

 

t

thanks for the info bro

 

what fluid do you all recommend? only toyota or are after market fluids fine and if so which ones.

 

Stick to toyota WS.

 

Yeah. OEM from the dealer imo. Ordering online make me nervous of knock offs

 

Toyota ATF WS, Aisin ATF0WS or Redline D6 are my preferences.
I have Aisin in the Tacoma and Redline in the 4runner. Tacoma will get Redline D6 next time I service it.

 

Had Valvoline maxlife for 15k now. I wouldn't recommend it unless your going to do a full fluid exchange though.