My truck - 2000 4Runner 3.4 V6, 4WD, Automatic

I decided to drain and fill my transmission a few times before I do a flush via the radiator/cooler line method. By the looks of the fluid already in my truck, it's been in there for a while, and I figured, might as well try to dilute the bad fluid before I do the flush. For the dilution, I didn't want to use any expensive ATF so I went to Walmart and saw the SuperTech brand Dex III/Merc ATF for $10 for 5 gallon jug. I figured this would be good for a drain and fill.

Question, is this Walmart brand SuperTech any good? Its definitely better than the burnt fluid already in there. If its as good as the usual non-synthetic stuff, I was thinking of just flushing it with SuperTech and keep doing drain/fills every 15k. I figure, it'll be cheap enough and will keep giving my transmission new ATF.

FYI, I've had no issues with my transmission and didn't see any metal flakes.

Also just to triple check, does this transfer case take 75-90W gear oil rather than ATF? I had a 95 and that took ATF so I just want to make sure. Thanks ahead of time!

 

honestly in my opinion transmission fluid is transmission fluid but i may be wrong and idk hb the transfer case

 

nothing wrong with it. dex III is dex III especially if you are just using it as
a -cleaner- so to speak.

the only thing wrong with it, is someone who sells amsoil or some other stuff will
complain because you are not sending your $$ his or her way =;^)

 

I heard that supertech is actually made by one of the big companys (if I remember right, havoline) and is just rebranded. I don't see anything wrong with it compaired to the other stuff at walmart. But to be honest, I don't think I would get a cheap fluid and change it all the time, but leave a really good fluid in there for a while. I would think, each time you change the fluid, you risk getting contaminates in the transmission (ie moisture, dirt, etc.) and a good fluid would allow protect better anyways and handle higher temps. Probably would be cheaper just to change it will a good fluid every 40,000 miles or whatever.

 

transfer case- GL-4 75-90

 

You'll just have to change the cheap ATF more often. I don't sell Amsoil, I just like synthetics because draining, changing/cleaning the filter, and resealing the pan sucks and the less I have to do it the better. Cheap stuff = 15-30K, Amsoil =60-100K.

 

Red,

Thanks!! I just needed someone to confirm gear oil for the transfer case.

All,

Thanks all! Its great to hear folks input. Really does help me out. I understand the differences between synthetic vs non-synth so thanks for not turning it into the usual debate. I've got to do another drain and refill tonight to get all the old junk out. How do you wash ATF off your hands anyhow? It seems to just stick on there more so than engine oil (scrubbed with pumice but my hands still feel slippery).

 

Just a side note here. I was prepping my mother's 98 Taurus for a trip to Texas. Was reading through the service guide in the glove box and it said not to mix the original tranny fluid with a fluid that is compatible for multiple applications, ie Dex/Merc. Food for thought.