AC60F Torque Converter replacement

Long story short, took the truck into the dealer today for a transmission stutter/slip when at temp. As expected, was told it was the TC going. And was told it would be a $4500 bill. Of course, I'm just outside the 60,000 mile warranty. However, having turned wrenches for the past 25yrs of my life, I know "I can do it cheaper". That said, I've never pulled a 3rd gen tacoma transmission and looking here for any "expert" advise or recommendations. Before going balls deep. My transmission experience is in older Ford and chevy trannys.. The old days of bench pressing a TH400 into position while your buddy lines it up. Obviously, I've gotten wiser since and understood these newer vics require more detailed attention and tools. So, I come here to pick brains.
Full disclosure, after have read a few post in this forum, I'm not about the key board big dick games. Just a knuckle dragger looking for some info, advice, and/or recommendations. Thanks in advance

 

I'm having the same exact issue with my 2018 SR5 with 138K miles. I haven't had the dealership perform a diagnostic check on the transmission yet, but my gut tells me it's the TC. I may try and do a fluid change myself today. I'm getting a shudder at 20-25 mph between gears 2-3. I'm preparing myself in the case that it definitively is the TC. Hopefully the fluid change works out or maybe it just needs a software update (prayers). I've been considering replacing it myself as well. Are you purchasing an OEM replacement or aftermarket TC? Local transmission shop advised I get an aftermarket and save my money on the OEM. I haven't had much luck yet finding an aftermarket replacement.

 

Brother, I took the advice of a few few guys on here and did a spark plug change. I also drained the fluid, changed the filter, and cleaning the pan. Instantly fixed!!!
You will lose about 3.2 qrts with dropping the pan and filter change. Keep track of that amount. I replaced with 3qrts of WSfluid as well as a bottle of lubegard platinum.

No issues at all so far. I'd try that first as it is definitely the cheapest route. At the end of the day, you'd have to change the fluid with a TC replacement anyway.

 

Yeah, I like the way you think. Not sure I'll change the filter and drop the pan quite yet. But I will change the spark plugs and do a fluid change with lubegard. Did you buy OEM spark plugs?

 

Yeah, I used all OEM stuff out of caution.