Read an interesting tip about purging the old fluid by disconnecting one of the cooler lines at the radiator. Anyone tried this and is one better than the other?

Thoughts on a brand of fluid? My local parts place doesn't stock Lucas so it will be one of the "more common" brands. OK (or reccomended) to put synthetic in a tranny thats having its first change after 50k miles?

Also should you drop the pan before or after the old stuff is purged?

I was going to spring the $50 for a new filter but the helpful parts guy at the dealer said that "its just a screen - and that the (service) guys next door just wash them out." Thoughts on reusing the old filter?

Same parts guy told me that there is no gasket on the pan - just a bead of sealant. Thoughts on a brand/type of sealant?

Any other tips appreciated - will take a stab at this on Sat.

Can't comment on the cooler line idea, I havne't researched it.

As for the pan use the toyota form in place sealer. Also the screen can just be cleaned.

1) Trans fluid change, look here http://www.amsoil.com/faqs/faq8.aspx worked well for me, I ran 16 quarts through the system. I believe the total capacity is 11 quarts.

2) Brand of fluid, depends on who's propaganda you want to believe. I use Amsoil. You may find a local Amsoil dealer or you can order online. If you go the Amsoil route, become a perfered customer for 6 months, that will give you dealer cost, more than cover the savings. Whatever brand you choose, synthetics take the heat better. Changing to synthetics at 50k is fine, just make the switch and stay with a brand.

3) Drop the pan, clean the pan and the magnets, drop the screen and clean that with brake cleaner, replace the filter. See your parts store for the gasket sealant (Permatex ôThe Right Stuff). Simply lay a nice bead around the pan and put it in place. Fill the pan with clean fluid, then remove the coolant line (step 1) and flush it out. You will need to stop a few times to refill the pan, you can NOT keep up with the pump by pouring cans into the fill tube.

Some pictures and a write up on a valve body replacement that my provide usefull. http://members.cox.net/mgriese5/Level10.html

I am all for DIY, except for when it comes to circulating 16 quarts of fluid through your trans. You are bound to make a mess, it will take some time, and you will have a lot of oil to transport to a recycling facility. I had this procedure done with Mobil 1 ATF and it cost $40 for the exchange (plus the cost of ATF which I purchased from Autozone). Money well spent in my opinion. As for cleaning the screen, there has been mixed opinion as to whether this needs to be done at all. I don't believe Toyota suggests a service interval for the screen. I drain my trans pan along with my motor oil every 5K miles (about 5 quarts of ATF in my 2002 4Runner) per the suggestion of someone on this board. Fluid Looks nice and red always and I am a bit hard on my trans (towing and living in a area surrounded by mountain passes).

Should you clean the screen, please report what you find. Anyone else clean the screen on an 01-02 with 50K or so? What'd you see? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Must you drop the sway bar?

At 100,000 miles, I flushed my trans by draining the pan, replacing the pan plug, adding the 4 quarts to bring it back to full. I then pulled the cooler line that attaches to the passenger side of the radiator, at the radiator. Pulled the line down, started the engine, ran 4 quarts out, killed the engine, replaced the four quarts and repeated 3 more times. We were able to do this withoug spilling one drop of oil. I did not remove the pan, and I used Texaco fluid. I have since put 5,000 miles on it, all is well, fluid looks bright, trans performs perfect. I plan to do the same after another 100,000 miles.

I chose not to drop the pan. There is a risk but I'll wait until 100k then do it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

On the drivers side, I disconnected the hose from the L-shaped fitting that goes into the radiator. I then turned the L fitting to point down into a catch pan (by unscrewing it 1-1/4 turn). I aimed the hose into the pan as well and started the engine. The fluid came out of the L-shaped fitting and not the hose. Steady stream - nothing violent - relatively low pressure.

Ran out about 1 gallon and it started to sputter - immediately stopped the engine and topped off the tranny with another gallon. Ran it until another gallon came out. By the time I was done with 3 gallons and just starting to use the 4th the fluid started coming out clear. Flushed about another 1/2gal through then tied everything up. Dipstick showed it to be a little low. Took it for a short drive, let it cool, and topped it off. Piece of cake.....

You guys get yourself a manual transmission and save yourself from all these hassles, beside they are more fun to drive. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

And they get better gas mileage / make more power... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The replacement "screens" aren't necessarily as good as the original either. Some of them aren't as big and don't dip as low into the pan. If you are a bit low on fluid and wheeling at a side angle you my suck air with the cheapys. I've not found any serious debris in my screen. Just cleaned the magnets. Easier if you disconnect the sway bar links so you can rotate the bar. Last night I changed my fluid but just a drain and refill one gallon. I hadn't done it in 60K <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shame.gif" alt="" /> Been really busy...