Toyota Trans, 4X4, Auto?

[Lola]

1999 Toyota Tacoma TRD, V6, "AUTO",Ext Cab.

I would like to change to the best trans oil I can get!!
I am getting ready to do a change using Dexron III Mercon to try and clean/purge up any "Mess" with a new Ams Oil trans filter.
I want to run this for 2 to 4,000 miles and before change to a "NEW" synthetic trans oil!No trans problems present! Don't want any either, therefore the post!
What is considered the best Auto fluid to use on a changeover? Plan on using Ams Oil trans filter unless input changes my mind.
Thanks guys.
Lola

 

[michaelc80]

Both of my Jeeps transmissions shift better and firmer with Amsoil ATF in the transmission. I didn't notice much difference in the Cherokee transfer case, but on my Wrangler, when I put the ATF in the transfer case the 4X4 shifted smoother and easier than ever-even when new. For my vehicles, it's Amsoil only.

 

[Grossomotto]

I use Redline only in the driveline now, RL MT-90/MTL in Manual Trans and RL 75W90 Gear Oil in both diffs/tcase.

Redline DF ATF cannot be beat. Neither can Amsoil ATF. Take your pick. I would do a full T-Tech Trans flush with a regular ATF and run that for a while. Then switch to a full synthetic like RL, Amsoil, etc.

Although, just pulling the plug will only get a couple QTs out. Most of the fluid is in the Torque converter/lines. If I recall correctly, the entire Trans/TC/Lines system holds 10.7 QTs.

I don't know of a place that will do a complete T-Tech Trans flush with synthetic. Perhaps you can research it and find something.

 

[Lola]

That is what I said. I am changing the current trans oil with Dexron III Mercon, which is supposed to be very good in itself! After 2 to 4,000 miles I intend to change to the Ams Oil ATF and another new filter.
Doe's this sound like a decent plan? Please don't hesitate to correct me, I am somewhat new to this and really want to get it right.
Lola

 

[Lola]

Whoops! Grossomoto, I see your point, forgot to mention that I am doing a total flush I "Think"!
I am having a local mechanic do the change. I bought a case (12 qt) at SAM's warehouse.
I don't know what/how they do the change!
Did I miss something?
Lola

 

[unDummy]

Toyotas usually have drain plugs.

Start a regular drain/refill interval at the same time with the motor oil changes regardless of fluid chosen.

Also, read the owners manual. Make sure that you can use DexronIII. It'll also give you the recommended fluids for everything else(like the front/rearends and X-case).

And, have your mechanic "define total flush".
It should include: filter change(new pan gasket), fluid topoff, and complete ATF exchange using a displacement type machine(fluid swapping).

 

[Ken2]

No need to remove the pan on a Toyota. They have a fine screen, not a filter, in the sump.

I'd suggest using any Dexron-III ATF with Auto-Rx to clean the transmission. If your present ATF isn't black, just add the Auto-Rx to that.

Amsoil ATF is a good choice. So is Mobil 1 ATF.

Dexron-III is a performance specification, not a quality guide. All Dexron-III ATFs meet that spec, but some are better than others. For a conventional ATF, use the name brand that has good availability. I like Chevron.


Ken

 

[Lola]

It appears I am back to ground "0" in regards to the original question.
Some of you say change the filter, some say no, it's just a screen! I can understand preferences like, some of you like "Red Line" but is there anything better about Red Line over Ams Oil?
Mechanic: He is performing a full flush, how I don't know. I asked how much ATF fluid to get, he said 12 qt for the Toyota auto trans. This definitely includes the torque converter.
The Tacoma manual says to use Dexron III.
1. Should the filter be changed?
2. Is there any problem with Ams Oil Universal ATF?
3. Should I do the full flush, run for 2 to 4,000 miles for a clean up, or just switch to the Ams oil/synthetic fluid?
Thank, Lola

 

[unDummy]

1. Remove the pan. Clean the magnets, and change the filter whether a screen or not. If there is an oring for the filter, make sure you replace it. It should be part of the new filter.
2. Amsoil is an excellent ATF and perfect for your application.
3. Just switch. Remember to start a normal ATF change interval.

 

[JohnBrowning]

Redline,Amsoil,Mobil 1 and Royal Purple all make a quality Dex III or Dex III compatable fluid. I doubt that you will ever see any noticeable difference in your application between any of the above. I preference is for Redline ATF and Gear lubes. I have though used more Mobil 1 ATF in Toyota applications then any othet brand of synthetic ATF!!

 

[olympic]

I have 3 Toyota built cars and they all have Amsoil ATF in the transmission. Everything works perfectly and the Amsoil ATF seems to last longer than T-IV.

The "filter" is just a very course screen. It would stop a small rodent from entering the transmission but that's about it.

It's also very expensive to replace so I just leave mine alone.

Tbe pan should still be dropped and cleaned thoroughly. The pan gasket is reuseable so you don't need a new one.

After the flush is done, you can simply drain the contents of the pan(via the drain plug)and refill at regular intervals to keep the fluid fresh. I've chosen 25000 miles for my cars although I may shorten that if the fluid does not stay looking clean.

 

[Lola]

The filter part still bothers me. Olympic, I don't understand your comment on changing the filter is a very expensive thing! A new Ams Oil filter is about $12.00 bucks, and since you have to drop the pan to clean/magnet, why not just change it?
I know i said i wasn't having a trans problem but there is something that is bothering me!
When i come to a stop (light) after a few seconds the truck kind of go's forward a bit while your foot is still on the brake, kind of like settling down! Is this normal?
Lola

 

[unDummy]

Transmission filters can be expensive. Some pans without gaskets use RTV sealant which requires labor time to remove and reinstall. Don't be surprised if a dealer filter kit costs $50. But, a new transmission could hit $2000. Its your choice.

The transmission should downshift at the stop. Maybe that is what you are feeling, a slow shift to 1st. New fluid might cushion the lurch. Or, it might be time for shocks, brakes, whatever you're feeling.

It would be good to check all mounts--engine/trans/xcase.....

 

[olympic]

The transmission filter on my Toyota built Pontiac Vibe is well over $100 Canadian! And like I said, it really isn't a filter. Just some wire mesh to keep large chunks of whatever out of the transmission. Changing this filter makes about as much sense as changing the screen in your engines oil pump pickup. If your really concerned about it, take it off and rinse it out.

Most other makes of cars have a transmission filter with actual filtering media inside it. These are much cheaper and should be changed.

 

[Lola]

Olympic, that is a very simple statement, that makes more sense than anything I have heard, thank you.
Lola

 

[noodlerooney]

I have a 2004 Toyota Rav4L AWD Automatic Transmission T-IV fluid and was amazed at the transmission fluid temps I was seeing. It was coming in at 240-260F temps measured before the OEM cooler from a 20 min easy drive in 50F weather! Needless to say, I installed a stacked plate 16Kgvw trans oil cooler and now see temps at 165-175F, that's more like it! Why this transmission runs so hot I have no idea, but it seems like an aux trans oil cooler is a necessity. I was also wondering why they did not use the radiator for the trans oil cooler, but instead had this little round cooler that was plumbed into the cooling system.
What's up with that? All those extra hoses, etc?

[ December 30, 2004, 09:53 AM: Message edited by: noodlerooney ]