Transmission fluid

[MattMurray]

Hi everyone, I'm a new member and this is my first post. My '04LC does not have a dipstick to check the transmission fluid level. How do I know if the transmission fluid level is correct and how do I check the condition of it? Currently with 137k miles. Was used normal driving not towing or off-roading. It wasn't been fluid changed since new. Does it need flushing or fluid change? I don't see it in the maintenance schedule and owners manual. I've googled it but some say don't bother it should last as the vehicles life, some say fluid flush, some say drain and fill, etc. I need your honest advice on how to properly maintain the vehicle.

 

[Verybadwizard]

Here is a thread that has some great info.
WS ATF Flush Procedure

 

[aging fleet]

Since it isn't part of the maintenance schedule, you're going to get varying opinions. There are members with 200k+ miles who have never touched the fluid, some that do a periodic drain and fill, and others that go for the full transfer. I'm in the pro-fluid change camp.

Personally, I go the drain and fill route and I started doing that at around 110k. The first time I did a drain and fill, I did two cycles removing about 3.5 qts each time. Since I had another 4 quarts of WS in the garage, I did another drain and fill 10k miles later.

Since I'm not removing all the fluid at one time, I stick with Toyota WS ATF.

I like this method for a few reasons, first it's easy since I'm not dropping the transmission pan. Second, there is less opportunity to do something wrong (my opinion). When I drain it goes into a graduated container so I know how many quarts came out so I have a good indication of how much needs to be poured back in. I typically replace the amount that was drained + a quarter quart then fine tune the level using the check plug.

The downside of my chosen method, I'm never cleaning out the pan (not sure what my magnets look like), and I'm not getting all the fluid flushed at one time.

 

[Spike555]

Valvoline MaxLife ATF, it is Toyota WS rated.
You will need one gallon and a hand pump.
Drain and pump in the full gallon.
Drive around the block.
Truck level, engine running, you'll need a 5mm Allen wrench and on the transmission sump is a recessed screw, remove it.
Once the fluid slows to a fast drip replace the screw.
You are now done.

I recommend getting 3 of these sets, they are for the trans, t-case and both diffs.
Diff Transfer Gearbox Drain Filler Plug Kit suitable for Landcruiser Hilux

 

[flintknapper]

pics

 

[Live to Ski]

Caution: avoid power flush. Apparently, this stirs up debris which in turn impact small clearance passages. At least, that is the rumor mill.

I like the idea of removing trany cooler lines w. container for "hot" side and big 'ol reservoir of virgin fluid on the "cool intake" side. Run engine. When virgin fluid starts coming out the hot side, turn engine off, re-hook line to trany cooler, check fill plug and top off as necessary.

I have never done, but make the most sense to me. Definitely don't want to stir up the trany pan sludge.

 

[Spike555]

Caution: avoid power flush. Apparently, this stirs up debris which in turn impact small clearance passages. At least, that is the rumor mill.

I like the idea of removing trany cooler lines w. container for "hot" side and big 'ol reservoir of virgin fluid on the "cool intake" side. Run engine. When virgin fluid starts coming out the hot side, turn engine off, re-hook line to trany cooler, check fill plug and top off as necessary.

I have never done, but make the most sense to me. Definitely don't want to stir up the trany pan sludge.

The transmission shop that we use to rebuild all the transmissions at work will not do a power flush of a transmssion, they said it is guaranteed to ruin it.
Just drain and fill and replace the filter if needed. Nothing more.

 

[MongooseGA]

Bumping an older thread as I'm going to try doing this before a towing trip this weekend. Does anyone know if the washer/gasket for the fill plug is the same as either the diff or transfer case washer?

 

[Ayune]

Bumping an older thread as I'm going to try doing this before a towing trip this weekend. Does anyone know if the washer/gasket for the fill plug is the same as either the diff or transfer case washer?

This is what I have in my notes for my ‘98 LC:

Drain plug gaskets:
Transfer case: 90430-A0003
F&R diffs: 12157-10010
Transmission: 35178-30010

Not sure about the fill plug gasket P/Ns, but if you have them you can compare to the above numbers.

 

[MongooseGA]

Thank you! Do you know if the drain plug part also corresponds to the A750?

 

[IndroCruise]

If you enter your VIN on the sites listed below, it should bring up the relevant catalogue and exploded diagrams. This should help in identifying the OEM part numbers for the transmission matching your VIN. For example, go to partsouq, enter your VIN, go to "Power Train / Chassis", explore OEM part numbers including drain plugs and washers in the various sections -- transmission, diffs, transfer case, etc. With the relevant part number in hand, you are able to compare similar items, purchase from your local supplier as required:

PartSouq Auto Parts Around the World based in UAE -- generally seems most useful for identifying parts and part numbers,
MegaZip - Genuine OEM Parts From Japan, USA, UAE | Online Store based in Singapore,
Genuine Japanese Car Part Imports - Amayama based in Japan,

 

[abuck99]

Thank you! Do you know if the drain plug part also corresponds to the A750?

Yes Same