How did your auto trans, differential, and transfer case oil look when you changed it for the first time? Also, how many miles were on your vehicle, what year is it, and what kind of driving do you do (towing, off roading, commuting)?

I am trying to get an idea of what the insides of my 2002 4runner with 54K miles might look like (I just purchased the vehicle and have no service records).

I know that my 1993 pickup looked pretty bad all the way around (manual trans, diff, transfer, brake) at 61K miles in 2003 (when I purchased the vehicle).

One more thing - I was reading up on all of your posts in the archives on auto tranny flushing, fluid choices, etc. Here's what I think I will do for my 4runner: Buy 12 quarts of amsoil universal ATF and drain and refill (4 quarts) each time I change out the motor oil (Mobil 1 every 5K miles). I believe this process will be ok as the fluid looks pretty good right now and all is operating correctly. Do you see any problems with the mixing of the current fluid (could be factory fill) and the synthetic amsoil? Maybe I should flush all 12 quarts through in 1,000 miles instead of 15,000? I realize that I am only diluting the 16 quart (or so) capacity with this method. Are you going to make me buy 24 quarts of amsoil = $200<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" /> Thanks!

I just changed all the fluids on my 4runner and with the exception of the coolant, all of the fluids looked brand new. I have a manual transmission though so I wasn't expecting anything to look bad. My truck has 96k on it. I replaced all of my fluids with redline.

As for the transmission, personally I would flush all of the fluid and be done with it. Replace with amsoil. Don't try mixing a synthetic with factory stuff even though people have done it with no problems, I wouldn't.

Do you know if these were the factory filled fluids? Thanks.

Can't say for sure but I bought the truck with 40k on it was a lease vehicle so it is pretty unlikely they would proactively change the drivettrain fluids before the factory recommended service interval.

That is good news. The owners manual doesn't suggest changing diff oils for vehicles not subject to extreme conditions and your case would seem to support that. I will worry about those oils down the road. I will be changing ATF and coolant at this point.

Kind of off topic - I was just about to order Amsoil universal ATF (24 quarts) and then stopped right before entering my cc info. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> The stuff is just too expensive for me (~$200 with tax and shipping - even at 'dealer prices'). I am going to stick with Mobil 1 (motor, trans, diffs, chassis) because I can buy it anywhere and it doesn't break the bank. I like the Amsoil philosophy, but I like my $$ more. Not trying to start a fight with Amsoil folks, just couldn't give em my cc number in the end. It was the tax charge that broke the camel's back.

If you're going to change your AT fluid every 15-25k miles and you treat your tranny well I personally don't think Amsoil is necessary. If you're going to go with extended drain intervals it may be worth the $$$.

My 2 cents.

I bought 24 quarts of Mobil 1 ATF last night ($130). I will have a local shop do a flush ($49) using 16-18 quarts of my stash and then change out the trans pan volume 3-4 quarts at each 5,000 mile oil change (DIY) from here on out. That should keep it cherry red - I hope. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

i have a 98 runner, 4cy 5 sp., 4x4. i bought it used (62k) and changed the fluids myself at about 70k. not sure if it was ever done. the fluids were rather dark, and dirty. smelled burnt. i then replaced with mobile 1 accross the boards, and change out once a year now. about every 20-25k. ever since then, it comes out almost like new. still almost see thru, and the smell is not nearly as bad. also, it is a good sign as to how frozen the plugs are as to when it was done last. but as of now, i can still see thru it as it drains. i am switching to redline mt90 next time in the tranny though. i have heard from friends that it does make the "nothciness" of the shifts better, especially when cold. just my .02 on this subject. don't be alarmed to see the metal shavings on the magnetic drain plugs. SOME are normal wear and tear.

Just got back from the local tire shop. They changed out my tranny fluid for $39. It took 18 quarts to flow clean through the machine (I did watch the whole procedure). This would be a messy job to undertake in the DIY garage. I am gald I left it up to the professionals...or is that the idiots? Nice guys but they overfilled the thing by a quart or more <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" />, so I will be getting under it before I drive it anywhere. Yeah I could have them correct the problem, but I would just as soon keep them out of my rig. I will clean the drain plug magnet in the process. Drives exactly as it did before - that is what I expected. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

I really dont know. I have never changed mine. Have 96-97,000 miles on her, guess i should think about doing it huh???

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