Does this look like a lot of metal in the ATF?

Hello all. I posted this thread not too long ago in the 1st gen forum: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/leaking-transmission-pump-seal-replace-transmission.837901/

This is a follow up to that. I've since taken my truck to a transmission specific shop. They sent me these pictures of the ATF stating that they see

"Lots of what appears to be brass colored metal particles in pan. Fluid swirling metals and magnets stacked up pretty good. "​

Can you tell from the pictures? The transmission has been dropped. Before I approved the work they said it may only need a torque converter and not a full rebuild.

Despite the first shop telling me the transmission slipped, the transmission shop tells me they didn't notice any driveability issues whatsoever, which is in line with my experience driving the truck.

Any thoughts oh wise ones?

 

It looks like...nope, my eyes aren't finely calibrated enough to spectroanalyze fluids. It's got some schmutz in there but doesn't mean impending doom necessarily. Send a sample in to Blackstone or another analysis company and you'll know for sure.

 

Black sludge in the transmission pan indicates very worn clutch packs an the metal debris can be worn out or damaged internal parts such as the bands or torque converter and or pump

This sludge and metal debris is normal indicators of a worn out high mileage transmission or a parts failure from abuse

 

Any whining that you can hear coming from the trans? Trans oil pump can sound similar to power steering whine. I agree with checking the normal operating temps your seeing with the trans.
I just went through this, ended up finding the torque converter had seriously worn over the years and friction material was starting to circulate in the pan. Upon further investigation, found that this had been such a shock to the system one of the 2 oil pump tabs had broken off in the trans oil pump. Ended up taking advantage and rebuilding the whole thing plus some aftermarket upgrades.

 

No whining. What aftermarket upgrades did you go for?

 

IPT performance rebuild - https://www.importperformancetrans.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1785
IPT factory stall torque converter rebuild
Billet Accumulator pistons - https://www.atfspeed.com/a340e-a341e-billet-accumulator-pistons.html
TransGo Shift kit - https://transgo.com/product-details/a340-reprogramming-gear-command/ Mixed with below
Sonnan Zip kit - https://transgo.com/product-details/a340-reprogramming-gear-command/ Mixed with above