mt_goat

We are talking about an OEM Toyota filter right? You can clearly see the screen through the holes. It is a large flat fine screen that runs the whole length of the filter. You probably see it but don't realize what it is or something.

mt_goat

What you are missing is the return line dumps into the pan. The tranny pick up tube draws in from the pan reserve. The pan reserve holds around 4 quarts. So if you only drain out 1 or 2 quarts at a time the tranny internals never go without ATF.

If this was a no-sump system then yes, your reasoning would be valid.

J2F42C

You can find the transmission # inside the driver's side door jamb, but it is the A340 E for 2wd, 340F for 4wd.

Any good fluid will work. Personally I like Castrol Import ATF if you don't want to use a full synthetic.

I would drain some of the old fluid into a pan. Take a magnet and see if you pick any metal material in it. If some is found, then drop the pan. If not, just change the fluid whether through a couple of drain and refills or flushing it with the DIY method as outlined earlier. I have done the latter on all my cars for 15 years and never had a transmission failure yet.

rustytoys

I looked at the Castrol Import ATF and its apparently an equivalent to Toyota T-IV - not Dexron, so I would be careful using that as *most* Toyota models from 2000-2003 do not use T-IV according to a service bulletin I found, my 2001 uses Dexron III.

rustytoys

Your right, its such a fine screen I couldn't see it through the plastic (new strainer), so I took it out of the plastic and now I see the screen. I guess I should probably inspect the old one now... unfortunately just did the timing belt and water pump and feeling pretty burnt out, was trying to get out of this! thanks

mt_goat

I found an old pic of mine, 1000 words

psonefeld

Have a 2001 2WD 4Runner that has over 296,000 miles on it. I am pretty sure the transmission fluid has never been drained or flushed. The mechanics I've been taking it to keep recommending a transmission flush. But everything I've been reading/hearing is definitely suggesting not to have a flush done. Just wondering if I should do repeated drain/fills and replace the filter or just leave it alone. Suggestions?

BMcEL

Good read:

http://www.gadgetonline.com/TransFlush.htm

JKYOTA

Had Code P0753 and P0758 which are my shift Solenoids. So i'd figure might as well change my filter while im at it. Now the new filter i got is the same filter i see in pics and other forums but it's different then the filter that's already on there and also it doesnt seem to fit because of a tube towards the back. The old filter is attached to a housing which you can take of with the filter still attached, and it seems like the new filter goes on with out the housing if it was not for the tube towards the back.
Anyone one know why the filters are different? This is a 19 bolt pan, A340f tran.
Thankyou.

rustytoys

Did you buy a factory Toyota filter? If so what is the part number on the package?

JKYOTA

No, I didn't get the filter from Toyota. I got a filter kit from Napa since no where else in town had it along with my shift solenoids which im still waiting for, but in the meantime i decided to clean the solenoids and the old filter and put it back together. The old filter has the screen fully exposed on one side but since the new one is not a perfect fit due to a horseshoe shaped tube next to the lock up solenoid I have put the original filter back on.
I am going to have to drop the pan again when i receive the solenoids so I am trying to figure out what to do about the filter.

Thankyou very much. 95' tacoma, 340F trans

rustytoys

Read this; http://home.centurytel.net/stevenjac...sh/tranny.html

If you read that the guy talks about cleaning your old filter with brake cleaner I think, just do that if you have to. Next time buy factory toyota, I have had terrible luck with aftermarket parts fitting myself.

BMcEL

I usually install parts on my truck. Even stock parts don't seem to fit me well.

x2 on cleaning your existing screen...I believe Toyota considers it a lifetime part.

Leviticus6432

If napa had it in stock it might be a kit for a jeep AW4 (A340) I'm not sure if the filters are different, but the valvebody is different, so one would assume the filter would be as well.

JKYOTA

So I'll just use the old filter when I drop my pan. I'm glad I decided to drop the pan before i got my solenoids since I know what to expect now. It seemed like breaking the original seal on the pan was the most difficult part.

Thankyou everyone for your input and expertise.