Would like feedback on what ATF everyone has been using

Hello everyone
I did a different post on changing my tranny filter and fluid on my 2011 Tundra with the 4.6 towing package. Which was a great help.

I already bought the filter, which was a pain to actually find. The local shop I use said he will change the filter and drain the system (not a power flush) for about $150.

I have been looking at different ATF to see if I can save some money. I don't know what the shop would use for ATF ( I can call I suppose). The genuine Toyota WS is around $111 for a case of 12 quarts. (manual says I would need 11.8 quarts). I read a thread were people were using Valvoline Maxlife which is around $18 a gallon. I looked at Redline D6 and what I saw it would be just as expensive as the Toyotas brand.

So if people could please chime in and let me know what they have been using for ATF and what results you have had I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

Make sure you know the details of what the local shop is doing for the $150. It sounds to me like he's planning to drain the pan, remove the pan, change the strainer, replace the pan with a new gasket, refill and check the level. If he's not doing a "power flush" (not recommended) then there is no way the rest of the transmission, i.e. valve body, torque converter, can be drained without pump pressure to force the fluid out. For a simple draining of the pan, he would only need about 3 quarts of fluid for replacement.

 

Has anyone used Valvoline's Maxlife ATF?

 

Yes, in my 08 Tundra and in my FJ. Both came back with good oil analysis after 30k. I couldnt tell if it was any better than Toyota WS, but it wasnt any worse.

 

Was this on a drain and fill? I should add partial drain.

 

Both were complete fluid changes. Using the output line on the trans cooler. If you are just doing a partial I would likely just stick with WS. But it sounds like the shop is doing a full drain, so I would use the Max Life.

 

Well the more I read the more I think I am going to try doing the strainer and fluid change myself. There is an awesome video on it and it doesn't sound all that horrible especially if I do not have to go with the expensive WS. I honestly do not know what ATF is even in the truck. I bought it with 165K and while the previous owner did keep up with oil changes he only did minor maintenance. He was the second owner and when I drained the rear differential it was black as coal. I still have to do the front and transfer case. Thanks everyone for you help.

 

I used the Toyota WS stuff. I read conflicting reviews that MaxLife would hurt/help the tranny, and one guy had a good conclusion that he'd only try the MaxLife if his tranny was having issues and was running WS already. I've done two drains and fills in the past few weeks, and as far as I know is the first time the tranny has had new ATF and it has 220k on it. Every other tranny I've used MaxLife, but like I said sounded like the newer sealed units could be anal about the specifics so I played it safe.

 

I used the WS fluid at around 110k miles. Didn't want to take any chances with another fluid. Extra cost is worth it to me for peace of mind. Also had two bolts break off in the transmission when dropping the pan. Fortunately they were on the corners and could be removed with vise grips after the pan was removed. Have read that others here have had the same issue, just fyi....

 

So it kind of sounds like I might as well have the shop do it if they are going to flush out the old fluid. They will use the filter I bought and the WS fluid is going to caught me at least $112 for 12 quarts. So the $150 he quoted me is not to bag and they have to assume the responsibility.

 

I am getting ready to drain and replace the filter on my 2011. I did some looking at other brands, and decided to get the Genuine Toyota WS. Found the best prices on E-BAY.

 

I didn’t think the filter was really a serviceable item?

I have been running maxlife in mine

 

I used WS while under warranty on our Rav4 and 4Runner. Switched over to maxlife post warranty. Always done drain and fills, put back in what came out. Just did my best to ensure old fluid and new fluid were at similar ambient temps to make up for expansion. Never noticed a hiccup.

Bought the recent Tundra used at 108k. Did drain and fill with Maxlife. Again, no hiccups. Plan to do a 2nd drain and fill at the next motor oil change.

Another fluid for thought: Idemitsu has a WS type fluid. Used it recently on buddy's Sequoia for a drain and fill. Comes in 5 qt jugs off Amazon. That extra qt over the maxlife gallon is nice. Gives you some leeway. (I always get out 4+ with the Tundra front end on ramps).

 

I've always thought the filter was more of a mesh metal screen than a paper filter. At least that was the case on my rav and 4runner. I've never replaced them, nor considered dropped the pan. Living in the rust belt, the last thing I want to deal with is a stripped or rounded pan bolt.

 

I used Maxlife and did a flush on the 4runner. No problems and would probably do the same on the Tundra.

 

correct, i dont think there is any reason to drop the pan and swap out filter

 

Huh? ATF fluids needed to be changed, crap, I knew I forgot something... One at 200k don't know, 2016 gas factory ATF fluid still. I'd get whatever costs the most, lol...

 

Regarding doing a simple drain and fill.

Can you guys remind of where on the 5.7L (mine is a 2017) the ATF gets poured back in? Is there a bolt on the side of the tranny that you pull then pump the fluid in through there??

 

Yeah. Fill plug On the side.
I used some vinyl tubing and a funnel from the engine bay. Think it would be a lot quicker that way.

some good videos on YouTube if you need it

 

I ended up ordering a case of Toyota's WS fluid from Amazon. The old fluid looked like muddy coffee coming out. I drained the pan and pulled the cooling line like I saw on the video. I did not change the filter yet I may still do that this spring. The truck shifts like new and the torque converter shudder is completely gone.

 

See. Proof positive. That in all things life................it's VERY GOOD to clean the ole tubes out every now and then.

 

Wonder why your old fluid was so bad. Mine still looked pretty clean with 100k on it

 

I'm the third owner of my truck so I don't know what has been done or not done to the truck in the past. Maybe one of them had the transmission serviced and they used an off brand of ATF and it broke down over time. I am just glad the fluid change actually corrected the issues I was having.