This is my first Toyota vehicle and first post here. We are picking up our '99 4Runner limited next week. It has 88,000 miles on it. I live in NY and buying the runner in Florida. I will be doing all maintenace when I get home. New plugs, diff oils, transfer case oil, fuel and air filter, and antifreeze.

The main question I have is about the automatic transmission. I do not know if the trans. has been serviced before. What does everyone recommend for it. I've heard bad things about a power flush with this many miles and not knowing if it has been serviced? Either remove a trans cooler line and pump out and replace fluid that way? Drop pan and clean filter then replace oil? I know some people will drop pan and clean filter, then drain pan about 4 or 5 times during the course of a week to get mostly all new fluid in there. Or just leave it alone and do nothing?

Thanks. This is a great forum for Toyotas.

 

You should not have a problem with a tranny flush. I did one on my '99 when I got it with 55K miles and again 3 years later when it was close to 100K. You will want to do the pump inlet flush to insure you get out all the old fluid (just do a good examination of your fluid via the dipstick before you get started. The link below will tell you why). I would also recommend having the pan dropped. You can only tell the true condition of a tranny by dropping the pan and giving it a complete inspection. Here is a link to Gadget's tranny page that will tell you everything you will want to know about your Runners tranny and how to properly maintain it... Linky

Good luck, and we'll look forward to your pics!

 

I've read the same thing but bit the bullet and did the auto tranny flush at about 100k. The fluid was black but didn't smell burnt.

I put in Amsoil synthetic tranny fluid (don't remember the weight) and the truck shifts great. I run the truck on ECT power all the time (supposed to shift later than stock) and shifting is super smooth.

As far as a power flush, I think this is what I got. My buddy hooked up the truck to one of the BG machines to do the flush.