Observations 60k service 2021 SR5

Just did a 60k service (changed all fluids) on a new-to-me 2021 SR5 DC 4x4 w/ tow package.

First observation was no grease fittings on the drive shaft or prop shaft. Thought that was odd, no reason to suspect they are not original U-joints.

The other observation was there is no thermostat on the transmission, just a water to oil heat exchanger. I know the transmission cooler was deleted for 2020, but didn’t realize the thermostat was deleted too.

 

No zerks on newer tundra and no thermostat for the transmission because there is no cooler so there is no need for one. That coolant exchange puck is on all the time because its actually a heater, its there to warm the atf with the coolant from the engine to get it up to temp faster, other than that it doesnt really provide much cooling at all. You add the thermostat back if you are going to install a cooler which as stated there are lots of threads on. I'd start with searching the @Genuine Cooling Systems kit if you want to add a cooler.

 

Makes sense. I had a 2016 Tundra a few years ago, was thinking to myself “something isn’t right here” under this one.

appreciate the replies.

 

I installed the GCS trans cooler on my '21. I had
the trans overheat light come on a few times when in 4H when over 80° in the mountians anf once in the desert and going too slow...

did drain fill each time just to be safe

 

When I did a full fluid exchange in my 2019 the fluid was much darker than expected at 46000 miles. 25,000 of that was in original configuration with no real cooler.

when I check my 2021 4runner fluid ( 20,000 miles and has factory in tank cooler…. Hint hint) it looks like it just came out of the bottle.

I know the ab60f is likely the toughest transmission ever made but lord have mercy with these transmission temps.