Synthetic transmission fluid vs OEM

There's compatible...and then there's licensed. I thought DEXRON and MERCON both license their product; making it a known specification. But, I get what you're saying.

On the Lubegard chart, there are several different ways you can use their product on our trucks:
-OEM WS ATF w/ Lubegard additive
-DEXRON VI/MERCON LV w/ choice of two different Lubegard additives
-Lubegard Synthetic ATF

 

I just don't get why? Why play an engineer or try to make something work when there is a specific fluid made by Aisin with all the proper additives that is widely available. Do you guys think that your trannies will somehow perform or last longer by using some fancy ATF?

 

Yes

 

My interest in Lubegaurd is academic.

 

Did the engineers choose or have a say regarding the OEM tires? The tires do affect ride, handling, safety and suspension performance.
Or was that decision left to the front office administrative assistant?
Many Taco owners remove new tires and install aftermarket. ;-)


Perhaps sometimes, the Finance Department has a say in what’s used in the design and construction.

 

Apples to oranges. Transmissions need specific components in fluids to operate and lubricate properly (which OEM provides). Tires, not so much. Next idea.

 

Just my opinion from what lesson i learned in the past using an aftermarket atf in my tundra...stick with the manufactures atf. If you develop an issue at least you know its likely not the fluid.

 

I contacted Amsoil (I bought their gear oil for the rear diff because I love those squeeze pouches...they make diff oil changes so much easier) and I asked about transmission oil, was told to stay with Toyota's own...so that would be something I would do.

 

Has anyone bought Toyota’s ws atf off Amazon if so is it legit Toyota atf

 

I feel like my dealer was right at or less than Amazon. So I went with what I trusted.

 

Aisin WS on Rockauto for $6/qt. Used it on second gen with no problem. I've read online that it's identical to Toyota WS.

 

I found Idemitsu TLS-LV for about $6 bucks a quart at Autozone. Idemitsu TLS-LV is meant for only Toyota WS applications, and its fully synthetic. Not widely known here in the US, Idemitsu is readily known and available throughout Japan. Isn’t Toyota Japanese??

 

japanese name, built in mexico

 

From what i gather those ws atf's are probably formulated closer to work with their japanese vehicles than the popular aftermarket brands sold here in the u.s....The question becomes if truly the same or not. All i can say and have heard toyota aisin transmissions are finicky compared to others.

 

I've heard the way Flex lock operates is unique to Toyota; differing from other partial lock systems. One could suppose this makes the torque converter clutch particular about the fluid it uses. Then again, non-Toyota OEMs spec ATF WS as well.

 

Definitely going with a Full Synthetic for the ATF. Do you recommend Lubegard or Valvoline MaxLife?

Btw any recommendations for the Motor Oil 5w-30 for full synthetic from your personal experience?

Thank you so much for any help.

 

It's when you do these 3-4 qt drain, and refills mixing some of these supposedly compatible aftermarket atf's with the rest of the toyota stuff thats still in there is where problems can happen. May not show up right away....might take a few thousand miles.

 

Just bought my first Tacoma a 2023 TRD OR after putting 210k on a 2003 Tahoe Z71. I ran synthetic ATF in my Tahoe for about 195k of those miles. Other than routine maintenance that transmission never had an issue. I have a 2014 Lexus ES that we picked up last year and currently researching the best synthetic for it.

 

Another great thread, old but really good info. Especially about the quality of WS fluid. I’m definitely doing a drain and refill on mine when I get back home. Don’t care that she only has 389 miles. I’m going with Amsoil Signature Series.