Thanks for Welcoming me- Now to my Question

My 1st time here, I've been taking care of my Mom's 2005 Tundra since it was new, Royal Purple fluids (I haven't changed the transmission yet- 110,000 miles) now I'm told by the dealer to have the transmission serviced- I'm disabled and receive nothing from my little brother (he's the trustee) since my Mother suffered a stroke and I'm the only child who can live here at the ranch while Mom is in hospice- SO I have NO $$ for a dealer , what do I need to know to correctly service this transmission? (I've built 30+ pre 1970 Harley's in my 65 years)- Thanks Very Much for any help ya'll can enlighten this old RA afflicted woodworker

 

Never changed and has 110K now?? And it works perfectly?

If so, some will tell you not to service it now, too late and may screw things up. The some includes many certified mechanics and shops. Ask me how I know.

Some will say only a drain/fill.

Some will say full flush.

Good luck deciding.

 

I don't have the mechanical skills to help you, but we have a plethora of 1st Gen Tundra manglers who can absolutely steer you in the right direction. I highly recommend touching base in this thread https://www.tundras.com/threads/1st-gen-lunch-table-general-discussion.60450/ and letting them know what you're working with.

 

I’m in the drain/fill camp.
You will want to get any shavings out, no matter how tiny and microscopic, just to extend the service life of the thing in general. Trans filter doesn’t catch everything.

Royal Purple makes trans fluid but I don’t see it as necessary to refill it with synthetic. Just OEM grade trans fluid.

As far as the process, I’m not familiar with refilling a 1st Gen Tundra tranny, so those guys can chime in on that.

 

2005 uses the "sealed transmission" (no dipstick). The only fluid recommended is Toyota WS. Don't risk using anything else. There are lots of threads here describing the procedure. Here's one I found quickly, but there are many others.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/2005-transmission-fluid-change-check-level.36553/page-2

 

Toyota used to say the sealed trannies in the later-year trucks have "lifetime" fluid. Then later changed mileage for fluid change to, I think, 70k? 80k? 110k isn't much past that and if not hauling anything other than ass, should be fine to full flush. This isn't like a GM 4l60e or 4l80e where changing the fluid at 100k, 150k or more could totally wreck it.

As others have stated, sealed transmission, no dip stick. Getting the level right after-the-fact is not exactly a no-brainer. You could do a drain/fill, but recommend replacing with Toyota fluid, skip the Royal Purple, it's overpriced for something with purple dye.

If you want to see the process to do a full flush, check this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RumPXivBlk8

 

A little less talk, and a lot more action
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ej_6BZpK3gg&t=215s&pp=2AHXAZACAQ==

 

Thanks, Toby.

 

Thanks Very much. I was going to go with the original Toyota fluid and filter (re-torque the valve body) if I can stuff my crippled self underneath it on jack stands- It’s a whole new world to maintain this well built truck , BIG Thanks Again for the information

 

I mean, I realize it's a big ass state, but if the "wyo" in your name accurately indicates you live in WY, there are a few other WY members on the forum. One ore more may be willing to help. If other states are anything like Texas, you may be able to rally the troops to pop by and help a fellow Gen1'er out with some maintenance.

 

No need to change the filter. Save yourself the effort.

 

Agree here. I know the 2nd gen trucks have issues with the pan bolts breaking/stripping think it's possible on 1st gen too.

@Wyowoodsmith2995 I'm gonna go against what a few others here have said and say that if you don't really have a lot of disposable income (not that trans fluid is super expensive) and are limited in mobility, if the truck isn't getting driven a whole lot and it's not towing heavy loads it may be alright to just leave it be for a little while either till you have more funds or have some help. I'm not saying drive it another 100k but if all you're planning is a drain and fill you should be ok leaving it for a while. Wouldn't want you to injure yourself just trying to do some preventative maintenance that could be put off for a little while.