Couple of generic Gen 2 Questions....

I have had two Gen 1 Tacos and now have an 08 TRD 4 Door Prerunner. I bought it used with 32k miles on it.


My 2004 4Runner had a 5 speed auto and there was a VERY certain way to change the transmission fluid with a VERY specific kind of fluid. Does this truck have the sealed transmission that uses world standard fluid that you rarely if ever change? Mine is a 5 speed auto.

Also, I am curious if I should change the spark plugs and rear dif fluid. I know I just bought it as a "certified" used, but I dont trust that the dealer actually changed the rear diff and such.

Also, what are your opinions on starting with synthetic motor oil at 32,000 miles?

Finally, I am unfamiliar with the shifting patterns of this Gen Tacoma and this one happens to be the only Automatic Tacoma I have owned. Again, my 4 Runner had a feature where the tranny would sense a long downhill descend and would shift into a lower gear automatically. My 08 Taco seems to do this as well, but almost seems to do it too much. I can be slowing down on a straight away about to stop at a redlight and the truck will downshift. Maybe this is the way these are. If so, then cool. I am just not used to this and since I bought it used I had to ask if it was normal.

 

30k recommended service includes replacing the plugs, air filter, changing fluids in fr&rear diffs, and lubing the driveshafts

unless the dealer has shown you an invoice with those items, I'd do them. They're all very easy for a DIYer.

ForTech wrote a great Howto on Toyotanation regarding the transmission and how to change the fluid. You have another 30k before I'd even consider changing it.

edit:

I switched to synthetic at about 25k miles with no ill effects

 

Gotcha... The reason I am trying to make 100% sure about the tranny is because I had my 04 4Runner serviced and they just drained and refilled with regular fluid. I took it in 10,000 miles later due to funny new shift patterns and they said that it was not changed and refilled properly.
I DO NOT want to run into this again. I ended up suing the place that "serviced" it before. That ordeal sucked!

 

So I got 75K miles on my 2006 taco... If I switch to synthetic I will be ok and not develop any leaks? I have heard that multiple times that it could develop leaks and I don't know if that was a myth or what.