My dad never changed transmission fluid 1st gen 160k miles

Very nice, clean ride Kevin! Great to see an original that’s not been molested.

 

I think a lot of not changing fluids was from back in my Youth if you got 80,000 to 100,000 miles on a vehicle you were lucky.

Now 200,000 miles plus is common

I know for sure it was never done at home.

Till I started hanging around people that raced then Lots of fluids got changed because things exploded

When you think a vehicle just gets you from one place to another.

Changing Fluids was something I always did when ever I worked on a new vehicle.

 

It needs the clutch replaced so I am definitely gonna get a new rear main seal and such when that gets done.

 

it's never too late.

 

EP 90 doesn't ware out.

 

@EzraC, @jbrandt is one of our sharper knives, but some folks apparently don't read well late at night.

Change the trans fluid. As @Black DOG Lila says, pull the fill plug first, just in case. That way you don't wind up with an empty trans and no way to refill if you need help.

Tip. It won't be red, and it won't smell good. Even new.

 

I would recommend adding the steering fluid to your replacement list, It's super simple/fast for a new DIY'er using the turkey baster method (just don't use your Mom's). Siphon as much of the old steering fluid as you can, then add new fluid, drive it around a bit, repeating this a few more times.

I would check your drive belts too, the 2nd Generation uses a serpentine belt that is very easy to replace for a new DIY'er.

 

I have already replaced the power steering fluid, that was one of the first things I did

I think the belt has been replaced before but how do I tell if it needs to be replaced because it was likely a long time ago.

 

With drive belts look for cuts, cracks, missing chunks, and other signs of wear.

 

If you want some oil that works really well, use Amsoil. I have had very good results with Amsoil.

 

True, but it won't help it either.

Don't bother changing it. If the transmission is even remotely compromised changing the fluid will cause it to fail soon. If compromised and you leave the old fluid in there it is still going to eventually fail, but it will buy you some time. If the transmission is good then changing the fluid won't hurt, or help a thing. The thing is that you don't know if the transmission is compromised or not. Changing now gains you nothing, but may cost you sooner rather than later.

It isn't unusual to get 400,000+ miles on a transmission without changing the fluid. I have 220,000 on my Tacoma, close to 1/2 million combined miles sitting in the driveway and I've never changed the fluid in any of them. In fact I've been driving since 1974 and put 200,000 on several vehicles and I have never changed transmission fluid on any vehicle I've ever owned. The only issues I've ever had with a transmission were electrical.

My local transmission shop says drive it till it dies then rebuild or replace it. The guys who change the fluid regularly can end up spending more money on transmission service than they would spend just replacing it. And they end up dying at about the same miles either way.

 

Touche

 

Honestly prior to joining this forum changing the diffs, transfer case, transmission, brake, and coolant fluids; greasing the driveline; or rotating tires wasn’t even on my radar. I was younger and had the mindset of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Got my 03 Tacoma with 150k on it and added another 100k with regular oil changes and other minimal maintenance and it still ran good when I sold it. I’m now a believer in preventative maintenance. Take these good folks advise and change any fluid/hose/belt that can be changed. Grease what can be greased. Stuff will still need to replaced here and there, but take care of that truck and it’ll take care of you. Fluid film the piss out of it if you live anywhere there is snow or road salt

 

Sounds like overkill on a Toyota

 

I changed my automatic trans fluid every year for fifteen years, and it still wore out at 220,000. I was very surprised, because it was always clean. Still got 22k. Not bad, and with my rebuild who knows how many miles I can go. 40k. on rebuilt trans.

 

Hi, I called the dealer and was told the 2002 prerunner takes dexron III ATF fluid. would need 4 quarts. But manual I found online says 2.0/quarts. How would I be certain?

Also, is it better to use the conventional ATF fluid or synthetic ATF fluid? Truck has 268k miles.

I attached the online manual.

Thank you for your help

 

Welcome, I started working on cars at your age. LOL Jesus where did the time go? Yes change fluids.

If you can learn to do it yourself then great. I was broke AF and too proud to ask dad for cash, so I learned how out of necessity. But my dad also taught me some things and had a ton of tools. I learned the rest w/ friends. Youtube is your friend. We're here to help man...

 

I'd use Toyota ATF if possible. Good stuff, kinda pricy, but either way just get the right spec. Ok, so do what the manual says for a drain and refill. So warm up the fluid if you can just a bit. It will flow a bit better. Drain. (I start the car when the fluid stops for just a few seconds and shift thru the gears for just a second in each position then kill the motor. This gets a bit more fluid out. (If you don't feel comfortable w/ that then skip and you'll be fine.)

Refill per the manual. You check the fluid w/ the engine running. Start it, cycle the shifter thru P R N D 2 L a few times, leaving it in each position for a few seconds. Leave it running and check the dipstick. If it's cold, fill it to the cold line. Or add as needed, but don't overfill and you are good. check it a few times after driving it a bit to be sure you got it.