I am ready to change my trans fluid in my 91 4Runner? I think ive heard that there is not a filter to change just a screen. Is that correct? Next is should I drian both the automatic transmission fluid & transfer case fluid? Then how many quarts does it take to refill the transmission after a drain and how many to refill the transfer case after a drain? Any tips/tricks or is it as simple as I think it should be? Thankyou, Ben

 

Check your door jam model info sticker to see what type of tranny you have. If it is an A340H, then here is what to do:

1) Drain fluid from tranny pan.
2) Drain fluid from pan right behind tranny pan (not sure what this pan is called).
3) Put the plugs back in and top off.

I think it takes like 4-5 quarts if memory serves me correctly. Also, if you want to change the filter, you have to remove the tranny pan. This isn't too bad a job, but does take some time (basically remove sway bar, drain fluid, remove pan, replace filter, clean pan, new gasket or RTV, etc).

Finally, the T-case has a separate fluid reserve, but you might as well change it while down there. It has a drain plug and fill hole. One of those two requires a sizeable allen wrench (10mm?). To fill the T-case back up, its best to have a siphon pump. The t-case holds about 1 qt. of ATF.

Not sure how similar this procedure is to other trannies. I've only worked on my A340H.

 

Well it all depends on what you want to do on it. If you want to do a drop and fill then you will only need 4 to 5 quarts of fluid. However if you are wanting to do a complete flush (BTW if you haven't done one of these then I highly suggest you do this) then you should take it to a shop or dealership. It requires a special machine to pump the old fluid out fo the transfer case and the new fluid in. In that case, you will be paying for the use of the machine and the 16 to 17 quarts for the whole rig. I suggest doing the latter of the two, you get the best reults and piece of mind IMHO. We charge $99 to do it here at Toyota of Richardson, not too sure what everyone else will charge. If this isn't in your budget then go with the first one, anything will help.


Todd

 

Yup, what everybody else said, although if you want to flush it, you don't absolutely need a machine to do it. You can just disconnect one of the tranny cooler lines and use the engine to pump it out. There's a writeup at amsoil.com and floating around here and 4x4wire.

 

Yeah I dont want to spend money I dont have to. I would say a better way to save money and get a light flush is to change the fluid then drive for a week to let the old fluid circulate then change it again. That should work right. I dont see spending $99 to speed up that process but thanks for the info. The dealer will never see my 4Runner in their shop unless I work there someday. The fluid was changed right before I bought it in 2001 so I think I will just do a simple fluid change. I am concerned with the fluid due to getting some torque converter shudder at times.

 

Are there any indications where it's not a good idea to change the fluid? I have heard, for example, that if it's burned or something (not that mine is or anything) that it's better to just let sleeping 'yotas lie until the tranny finally goes.

I have a '91 that I'm starting to maintain after the previous owner neglected it. I don't know what's been done to it, but I'll wager that a tranny fluid change isn't numbered among them. I just don't want to hurt things if "leaving alone until the tranny goes" is the best option. (It's running fine now, BTW.)

 

rah1420,

I don't know who told you that one but that is not correct. If a Yota is having tranny problems shifting, especially autos then not changing to fluid would only make it worse. If you haven't done a complete flush (all 16 0r 17) quarts then I would highly reccomend it.

Todd

 

You guys might want to read gadget's advice on when to change the tranny fluid.

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

 

That's exactly what I was about to post...really only if you have tranny problems do you not want to change out the fluid (mainly a fluid burnt smell to it).