Toyota Type IV or Toyota WS?

Gebo · Jan 31, 2016

Would I be stupid for switching out the WS in my 2005 Lexus and replacing it with Type IV? I am one of those "thicker is better" oil conspirators so logically I am thinking the same thing with my ATF. My thinking (I have a right to be ignorant) is that WS is just a ploy used to help the manufacturers but the Type IV will protect the transmission better long term.

You see, I've been reading on the net.....

simple_gifts · Jan 31, 2016

Not sure any ATF has been designed as a "ploy"; you are overmaintaining IMHO.

Maxlife would be the most cost effective if you intending on keeping your D+F regimen.

Doog · Jan 31, 2016

Originally Posted By: Gebo
Would I be stupid for switching out the WS in my 2005 Lexus and replacing it with Type IV?

Yes. WS is a synthetic. It is more shear stable than T-IV

Oro_O · Jan 31, 2016

You would be smart to dump the WS, it is not a great fluid and appears to wear out quicker than T-IV. It has been tested and shown to be semi-syn, not full syn.

MaxLife is an excellent replacement for the WS. It is nearly the same viscosity IIRC. It can also be used in lieu of T-IV in your other vehicles, no problem (despite being slightly thinner, it is more shear stable over time and holds up longer).

You are correct that WS is a "ploy" - it is for increased mileage, not increased transmission life. There are many cases of WS starting to fail in heavier vehicles used for moderate towing - like 4Runners, etc., in as little as 60,000mi. My neighbors failed at just over 100k in simple moderate use (I am talking of the fluid failing, not the transmission).

OilOfIndia · Jan 31, 2016

I stick with WS on LS but if you must switch then switch to Maxlife like others said. I didn't see compelling reason to make a switch. Savings were insignificant in grand schema of things with LS.

mehullica · Jan 31, 2016

Use the WS. I've worked for Lexus for about 18 years & seen about 6 rear wheel drive transmission failures. Those ATM's are some of the best

slacktide_bitog · Jan 31, 2016

WS isn't that great. Use Maxlife instead

QuietPortage · Jan 31, 2016

Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
WS isn't that great. Use Maxlife instead

WS is overpriced for nothing special. Buy Maxlife in the 5-qt jugs and save some money. I have some old posts from a flush that I did in my Tacoma if you want to find them.

Rolla07 · Jan 31, 2016

Id stick with the WS

AKhan87 · Jan 31, 2016

Originally Posted By: Bandito440

slacktide_bitog said:
Buy Maxlife in the 5-qt jugs
where? its only 4 quarts every where I have seen.

QuietPortage · Feb 1, 2016

My mistake. It's gallon jugs, not 5-qt.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VWRUQC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_svWRwb2B5EZHD

lexus114 · Feb 1, 2016

Originally Posted By: mehullica
Use the WS. I've worked for Lexus for about 18 years & seen about 6 rear wheel drive transmission failures. Those ATM's are some of the best

well, since you have first hand knowledge re this. i will take your advice. ws fluid really gets bashed on here for dome reason.

barkingspider · Feb 1, 2016

I would use OEM or Maxlife or Castrol transmax (only if on sale and its currently in my 05 Camry)

Bgallagher · Feb 1, 2016

Maxlife. Wouldn't look back. Really good stuff.

lexus114 · Feb 1, 2016

Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: mehullica
Use the WS. I've worked for Lexus for about 18 years & seen about 6 rear wheel drive transmission failures. Those ATM's are some of the best

well, since you have first hand knowledge re this. i will take your advice. ws fluid really gets bashed on here for dome reason.

some ^^^^

Oro_O · Feb 3, 2016

Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: mehullica
Use the WS. I've worked for Lexus for about 18 years & seen about 6 rear wheel drive transmission failures. Those ATM's are some of the best

well, since you have first hand knowledge re this. i will take your advice. ws fluid really gets bashed on here for dome reason.

some ^^^^

Jesus God, I hope someone here was trolling. Here's why:

Instead of doing the slightest bit of research at Toyota forums where this is a huge dataset of owners with problems, the unverifivied opinion of someone who has not dog or money in the hunt is taken as gospel.

Maybe there was some subtle attemtp at sarcasrm here, but it was far to subtle IMO for someone who might read an archive thread later and then mis-read it. It's imporant to get facts straight.

And the fact is, WS sucks. Very documented.

Toyota Type IV or Toyota WS?

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