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1996 Toyota Tacoma 3.4l Automatic Tranmission Fluid. What brand??

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Steelhead Huntah, Feb 22, 2017.

  1. Feb 22, 2017 at 11:47 AM
    #1
    Steelhead Huntah

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    Steelhead Huntah [OP] Active Member

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    Hi, I am going to drain the transmission fluid in my Tacoma. I noticed it is black and before I assume anything, I am going to drain the fluids slowly from the drain pan. What is the best brand you guys prefer?
     
    Steelhead Huntah, Feb 22, 2017
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  2. Feb 22, 2017 at 11:50 AM
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    Penten

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    Penten Well-Known Member

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    Penten, Feb 22, 2017
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  3. Feb 22, 2017 at 11:57 AM
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    Steelhead Huntah

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    Steelhead Huntah [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks, for the reply. Is there any alternative to the Toyota brand? I noticed that stuff is expensive.
     
    Steelhead Huntah, Feb 22, 2017
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  4. Feb 22, 2017 at 1:16 PM
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    757yotas

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    757yotas Well-Known Member

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    I use Valvoline Max Life ATF. Works great
     
    757yotas, Feb 22, 2017
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    cruxofthebisquit likes this.
  5. Feb 22, 2017 at 1:17 PM
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    cosmicfires

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    cosmicfires Well-Known Member

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    cosmicfires, Feb 22, 2017
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  6. Feb 22, 2017 at 1:55 PM
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    frizzman

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    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    frizzman, Feb 22, 2017
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  7. Feb 22, 2017 at 2:26 PM
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    cruisedon66

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    cruisedon66 Well-Known Member

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    The alternate method to draining it is to disconnect the lines at the radiator.
    Take the "line out' from the radiator and replace it with a longer line routed into a bucket.
    Put a funnel in the dipstick fill. Start the truck and let it pump out some fluid into the bucket.
    Shut it off, Add more fluid. Repeat till the fluid is clean. Can be done solo. Easier if you have help.
     
    cruisedon66, Feb 22, 2017
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  8. Feb 22, 2017 at 2:35 PM
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    ramonortiz55

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    ramonortiz55 Not A Well-Known Member

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    what's the primary way to drain it?
     
    ramonortiz55, Feb 22, 2017
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  9. Feb 22, 2017 at 3:06 PM
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    Steelhead Huntah

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    Steelhead Huntah [OP] Active Member

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    Dexron II is what it calls for so I'm assuming anything with the label dex/merc like the Valvoline max life would be suitable?? A little less than 6 quarts came out of the drain plug, it was all black and smelled burnt. Hoping to get a little more life out of the transmission but we'll see.
     
    Steelhead Huntah, Feb 22, 2017
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  10. Feb 22, 2017 at 3:37 PM
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    frizzman

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    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    make sure to block off the "inlet" hose or it will just run out since the fluid is forced out and through the radiator and back into the trans.

    pull the plug and/or pan to get more out.

    as long as it's compatible it should work fine. being that dark and smelly you will most likely want to do another drain/pan/drop after a week or two in order to get more of the burnt fluid out
     
    frizzman, Feb 22, 2017
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  11. Feb 22, 2017 at 6:26 PM
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    Caligula

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    Caligula Well-Known Member

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    You can use Toyota T4. Its more common.
     
    Caligula, Feb 22, 2017
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Products Discussed in

Mobil 1 55221 3309 Automatic Transmission Fluid - 1 Quart (Pack of 12)
$86.95
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