Preparing for next Project Tranny Fluid Change.....some Q's....

1996 212k miles
2.4L 2rz
auto 2.4 liters needed per manual of dextron II or III needed

truck up shifts/down shifts fine
lil klunky when placing in gear with column shifter(whatever old truck)

suprisingly, when going thru truck fluids, the tranny fluid looks decent. not black(like P/W steering fluid i found) but not red. appears tht someone has changed sometime in the past
half life im thinking/guessing

i got filter and gasket in preparation for job
Q-should i add some high mileage Lucas/Lubegard additive?

Q-if additive warranted, any recommendations on product?

Q-im i correct in thinking if fluid is not jet black to go ahead and change T fluid/filter?


thanks/cheers all
steven

 

Just put Dex-III in it.
I wouldn’t add anything else.

Why try to fix a nonexistent issue with an “additive”?

Keep it simple. Change it and drive it

 

A firm^^

 

Super Tech Automatic Transmission Fluid, 1 Gallon Bottle - Walmart.com


You'll only get 2 qts out thru the pan.....

rest is in the torque convert and rest of tranny...

2rz should have 8.5 qts in whole system...


(117) DIY: Toyota Tacoma transmission fluid change flush for $70 - YouTube

 

A firm O’Silver

torque is like 8ft lbs on pan bolts?
I.E. ‘don’t Hulk-It putting bolts back on’

no RTV on gasket?
Or some on corners to help with installation is ok?

 

It’s funny
All parts I’m getting,come in these boxes that are as old as the taco!

decided to make gasket flat by taping and putting weight over it
Was folded up in box for 25years
Still soft, not perished/no cracking

 

Yeah there is a feel to that....those torques they give is for fipg gasket goo....

I like the rubber gasket myself......

so take your time and do it from center of pan out....like your doing head bolts...

you want an even force/pressure over that whole gasket....


And something like that....I dont try to save....I get new one from autozone/napa...ect....


If you get an in-line mag filter....you'll never have to pull that pan again...

trans filter does nothing......unless tranny is completely failing in end days....

I do trans fluid swaps now using a diesel oil transfer pump with a big long straw that goes right down the dipstick tube....
every 6 mo. two qts out....two new in .........about a 20%.......$8......

 

Gasket wasn’t that bad
But didn’t want to have an ‘frustration episode’ trying to install under truck!

 

Well hells bells
I REALLY like that flush vid

But
I’m sure T filter never changed

The T chain cover parts list killing my budget….splitting up in 2 purchases

With tht said, not cost effective to change filter/pour in 2qts T fluid at $11-12 each, then suck it all out and RR an additional 8.5 qts

This is the plan
Change filter/pan gasket and RR the 2qts I got. Then see if leaks/shifts OK.

Then tackle that T chain job
Next scheduled purchase is $144
Oil/water pumps/T chain tensioner
Already have oil pan G/oil change/coolant/t chain gaskets/seal/thermostat & G…just going to RI radiator
(Mainly bc (as you said) clearance for hand held nut impact/driver clearance for those Phillips screws)

then flush the tranny per vid

I will post pix of 3 magnets this weekend when pan comes off/cleaned
Cheers!
And thanks for in sight as always

 

Wow
Never seen/heard of that magnetic inline filter
So bad ass smart

 

FIPG for the pan; it's what Toyota used and it'll work well for another 2-300k miles.

 

All around or just on corners?
Preciate u

I got the 1500 pg PDF manual from member here, but literally a rabbit hole trying to find for me
Need to print tht shit at work…..when nobody there

 

Tranny fluid flush is really like multiple oil changes since you'll never be able to drain all of it (and you shouldn't anyway if it's been a while)
What I recommend is drain and refill however much comes out for the next 4 oil changes. Very easy to do.

I go with Valvoline MaxLife, after a fair bit of research.

 

Second the motion..

 

For anyone in the future.
Here is what Toyota uses.

I haven’t used the any of the actual Toyota or ThreeBond brand. (EXPENSIVE)
I run down to the local auto parts store and buy the Permatex brand that fits my needs.

 

Your taking a chance when you do a complete tranny flush....

if its old as sin,,,and you change it....you may be screw.......it is rare ...but it happens...


A good sign is like what was on mine.....no fipg on mine....it had an aftermarket gasket...

SO that means it had been service before the 140K when I got it....


I wanted toyota shit out....and Valvoline max life in....

so I did as the per that video....and bought 4 gallons of the atf ($120) to slay the draggon...

I added in some of that lucas conditioner as a safety guard.......

.......although now I recommend lube guard instead......


Using the radiator as a trans cooler is wacko to me....
mine came with an add on cooler.......and I just upgraded it, and got a bigger one...

Again it is rare but if that cheap ass crimp top radiator leaks into your tranny.....

YOU HAVE NO FREAKIN WAY OF KNOWING IT........until its too late.....your screwed....


Downfall .....there always is one.....if you bypass the radiator you need to let the truck warm couple minutes before you floor it...........this is not for those w/ ants in the pants....

 

Understood treyus
I was surprised to see Tfluid was not black(as I expected it to be)
If black……would do as my Dad told me long time ago…..don’t mess with it.
106 today
105 expected Friday
Looks like Saturday job!

 

One thing not mentioned, it's best to let FIPG cure before refilling with fluid.

 

Well
As with pretty much all my wrenching tasks……started out like a dream
Dipstick housing out/cleaned
Pan dropped with 2-3 mallet taps
Then things went downhill
1st- ewe(daughter got me saying)
Fluid worse than previous sample off DS.

 

I’m wasn’t expecting anything red
But that gray not good

Marched on….thinking about budgeting for tht 3-4 gallons of T fluid.
Cleaned pan thoroughly
Then test fit gasket……