ATF capacity

I am about to change the transmission fluid on my 3rd gen v6 automatic. I’m not doing a drain and fill but rather a full flush by dropping the pan. I can’t find how much ATF fluid I’ll need to buy. I’ve read anywhere from 5qts to over 10qts. Anyone that’s actually done this chime in and let me know how much I’ll need?

 

Yup

 

Appreciate the help.

 

But I thought it was life time fluid

 

I am confused: a"full flush" and "dropping the pan" are not the same thing.

I will assume that you are dropping the pan to get as much fluid out as possible - a good thing.
Are you changing the Filter too? (Another 1/2 qt comes out when you change the Filter). Changing the Filter is highly recommended.
Filter: https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-transmission-filter-3533004010

You will need 6 qts if you drop the pan and change the filter. Measure what comes out, and put an extra qt back in so that you will have extra to drain out during the 'Level-Check Procedure' (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...n-fluid-level-check-diy.547455/#post-17758357).

Also highly recommended:

$22 Lubegard 63016 Platinum Universal ATF Protectant, 15 oz.

https://www.amazon.com/Lubegard-63010-Platinum-Universal-Protectant/dp/B006NIB6U6?crid=1O2U9LHN7GIXB&keywords=lubegard+platinum+for+transmission&qid=1644291072&sprefix=lubeguard+pla%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1&th=1

More info here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/search/16296375/?q=Lubegard&t=post&o=date&c[node]=186&c[user][0]=90305

Edited to add:
The Pan Gasket is re-usable, but you might want to have one on hand 'just in case'.
Pan Gasket:
https://toyotaparts.mcgeorgetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-pan-gasket-3516804010

 

This is exactly what I needed!!

 

I know there are a lot of varying opinions on this but would you recommend sticking with the Toyota WS ATF? I was looking at the AMSOIL Signature ATF and had read good reviews. The only issue I thought was that there’s still almost half of the ATF fluid you can’t replace so you’d be mixing Toyota with AMSOIL?

 

I would not mix different fluids in the Tranny; so, yes, use the Toyota WS fluid.

A few more tips:
Make certain that you can get the Fill Plug loose before you drain the pan. A 15/16" shallow socket fits perfect. And the rubber O-Ring gasket on the Fill Plug is reusable, so you don't need to replace that.

You will get approximately 2qts when you drain the Pan. You will get approximately 2-1/2qts more when you drop the Pan (be careful or you might slop it all over yourself). And you will get about 1/2qt more when you pull the old filter down/out (again, be careful).

Regarding the Filter change:
Be aware of the rubber O-Ring that fits around the filter neck where it goes up into the valve body. That rubber O-Ring can fall out and be easily lost in the removal process, and the new filter does not come with a replacement. Use a twisting motion as you pull the old filter down/out.
The rubber O-Ring is re-usable, so make sure that it is still there (mine stayed nestled up in the valve body when I removed the filter) and you will be good-to-go.

Be sure to clean the Pan and the Magnets that are in there.
And you will need the 2 crush washers for the Pan Drain Plug, and for the Pan Level-Check Plug. They are the same size, and your local Toyota Parts Dealer will have them.

That's all that I can think of at the moment.
Have fun doing good things for your truck

 

Thanks again. Your reply is very helpful and answered all my questions.

 

It is!

But some folks can't wait for it

 

Do you add Lubegard after you perform the fluid level check procedure or when you fill the transmission up before the fluid level check procedure? The 10 oz bottle shouldn't cause any issues if added after the fluid level check but wanted to verify with someone that has experience with the Lubegard. Thanks!

 

transmission pan bolt torque is 65 inch pounds. Transmission filter is 7 ft lbs. Just an fyi.

Edit: @Godandme2128 - read up a few posts (#8) - maybe this will help you.

 

I drained and refilled 3-4 quarts at a time for a total of 16 quarts of Amsoil. This method will take out almost all of the original fluid.

 

pretty sure someone will have a different opinion on this -- since the level check is volume based and you don't want the system over filled the Lubeguard ATF Platinum Universal additive should be considered to be part of the entire volume and not additional volume beyond the amount necessary for proper level fill check. Some may consider overfill of 10oz of fluid insignificant. Maybe @gearcruncher can chime in? If it were me I would want 100% of the additive in the volume. So would do a level check before draining - then measure the volume drained - then put in the exact volume drained to include all of the additive (short the volume of atf by the amount of additive to be added so the total amount is equal to the volume drained).

 

Lubegard is added with the Tranny fluid, at the same time.
I added 1qt of Lubeguard with 5qts of the Toyota WS fluid, and then performed the Level-Check Procedure.
In other words - one quart of Lubeguard replaces one quart of Tranny fluid.

 

Does that actually flush out all the ATF? My understanding was that there was almost half of the fluid that doesn’t flush out? I would think you would somehow have to somehow cycle that fluid out but I don’t think you can do it by draining and just refilling?

 

Unless you do a full fluid exchange stick with Toyota. I only use Amsoil and when changing over I do the full exchange.

 

Does it really take 10+ quarts to drain and fill a gen 3? I am confused by the answers I have been reading...

 

Amsoil, while perfectly fine, has followers that are zealots to the brand. Sorta like CrossFit zealots, which is a sport requiring no coordination, only strength and stamina.

 

TOYOTA WS ATF is the best compromise as fluids go for this application. Are there better formulas out there? I’m almost sure there are, but most likely for a different task in mind, like extreme temp. pressure, or racing, something you’ll never see, like going 175mph in your truck lol!

Engineers build with a specific duty in mind, like rubber boots for fishing, and fine leather shoes for all night comfort to a night into town. It’s that simple. The world is simple until someone comes along and makes it complicated.

The best oil in the world is not going to make your AT perform outside its design performance envelope, or last past its designed service life.
This will depend on the operator and the expected operating environment that it was design to work on, and not a minute more. Well, maybe a few more.

But if you’re all set on a new adventure, do it right, flush all the OEM ATF and put what you want in it’s place and let us know how it works out for you.