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Yet another transmission change thread

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by TalleyHo, Aug 16, 2019.

  1. Aug 16, 2019 at 5:50 PM
    #1
    TalleyHo

    TalleyHo [OP] New Member

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    So I'm trying to get enough courage to tackle a transmission change on an 11 w/ 135k (2nd owner) The transmission is a 6sp auto on a 4.6L.

    First question - it seems Valvoline MaxLife is a suitable sub for WS fluid. I'm going to double check the site, but that's what it seems like. Otherwise, I'll order WS from Amazon.

    Second question - how level does the truck need to be? Just on level ground? Perhaps I'm being pedantic here, but I assume the frame needs to be level. The truck (stock SR5 2x) has a slight amount of rake, I'm assuming that is negligible as long as the ground is flat (garage vs driveway)

    And finally - is the _proper temp_ just normal operating temperature? I read someone saying there is a very small temperature window when you can check the oil. I'm concerned that I'll be going slow, and will miss the window.

    Basically, from what I've read/watched, drain ~2qts from the pan, refill thru the fill hole. Unhook top line from cooler and dump into pan. Cycle gears. Repeat 2x times until clear fluid is coming out the oil cooler line (all old fluid has been removed/refilled). Don't forget the oil cooler bypass button.

    Anyone in North Dallas wanna teach a noob? I also need to do spark plugs, but that should be easy.
     
  2. Aug 16, 2019 at 7:08 PM
    #2
    midMITundra

    midMITundra New Member

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    Search is your friend...lots of similar threads with some knowledgeable offerings but offset at times with personal bias and questionable direction. With most of these forums you have to have enough knowledge to do what you think is the correct path. Go to tundratalk, diys, maintenance and repair, and look for the thread started by toyturbodiesel...lots of good stuff on trans fluid replacement...choose your path wisely.
     
  3. Aug 16, 2019 at 7:21 PM
    #3
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    I have always used the manufacturer suggested fluid. Be glad it's not a BMW. ZF Lifeguard is 20 bucks a quart.
     
  4. Aug 16, 2019 at 7:25 PM
    #4
    omgboost

    omgboost The Accountant

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    BMW, I would use ZF. Toyota, I think Aisin makes the transmission so I'd say Aisin WS would be comparable to Toyota WS since I doubt Toyota makes transmission fluid. I have the 5.7L engine with 6 speed and recently used Maxlife with my refill. From what I've gathered, many people say Maxlife is better than Toyota WS and some say Toyota WS only so only you can decide which one you want to use based on your findings.
     
  5. Aug 16, 2019 at 7:37 PM
    #5
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    Read all the threads. What helped me was using an empty jug and graduating it by measuring water with a measuring cup. This way i knew exactly how much i took out so i could replace the same. It was easier than I thought
     
  6. Aug 16, 2019 at 8:24 PM
    #6
    Larly5000

    Larly5000 Local Scumbag

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    I know plenty are getting away w/ the maxlife stuff, but maxlife is supposedly compatible with Toyota WS AND Toyota T, T-III, T-IV ATF.

    I’m not a lube engineer but those types of trans fluids are not interchangeable, so not sure how Valvoline is calling it good for both types. Feel free to correct me if im wrong on that.
     
  7. Aug 17, 2019 at 4:56 AM
    #7
    fixnfly

    fixnfly New Member

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    Measuring what comes out and putting that much back in is a not a good idea, what if it's already low?
    It does help give an idea of were the level should be.
     
  8. Aug 17, 2019 at 5:36 AM
    #8
    TalleyHo

    TalleyHo [OP] New Member

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    Well - I found my answer today. If I'm not smart enough to find the fill hole/plug, then I probably should not be doing the service. Maybe its for the best if I take it to my trusty mechanic. Ugh.
     
  9. Aug 17, 2019 at 11:15 AM
    #9
    Scuba

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  10. Aug 17, 2019 at 11:48 AM
    #10
    TalleyHo

    TalleyHo [OP] New Member

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    So, pic 1 won't load - I'm assuming that is an important one. The intersting part is that pic 5 with the red hose I assume is the fill port. I don't know WTF is in mine, but this isn't a 24mm WS plug. Oh shit... unless that is the tip of the plug that snapped off. So at least I know it was serviced at one point?

    Thinking out loud - fingers crossed this shouldn't have much torque on it - so maybe an easy out can get it out? Or - maybe JB weld something to it and try to remove? Maybe I can remove the washer and get vice grips on the tip.

    20190814_194407.jpg
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2019
  11. Aug 17, 2019 at 12:04 PM
    #11
    Scuba

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    Left side of the transmission, just forward of that plug you see.

     
  12. Aug 17, 2019 at 2:26 PM
    #12
    TalleyHo

    TalleyHo [OP] New Member

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    Mine looks very different - no way this is a 24MM. So perhaps my original assumption was correct - I'm not smart enough to do this. This is on a 2011 4.6L SR5 2x4 w/ A760E transmission. It seems paying a pro is probably the right call here.
    20190817_161448.jpg 20190817_161418.jpg
     
  13. Aug 17, 2019 at 2:56 PM
    #13
    Scuba

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    I missed the “4.6L” part. I apologize.
    I’d bet that’s the fill hole but I’ve never put my hands on one of those. The 24mm fill plug is for a 5.7L transmission.

    If it were me I would pull that plug and check if that’s the fill hole.
    But, it’s not my truck and I wouldn’t want you to damage yours.

    Good luck.
    If you’re going to have it serviced by someone else the dealer is probably your best bet due to our transmission’s strange refill/ level check procedures.
     

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