I'm not a mechanic just a software engineer with another opinion.

I too have a 1st gen HL and my HL has about 240K miles on the original transmission. Like yourself, I had recently purchased mine in early November and wanted to change the fluids. My transmission fluid looked a little on the dark pink side but was still in the "yellow" per Toyota dealership. Nonetheless, I went ahead and bought some Type 4 from the dealership and changed it myself. I did however add some Lucas Stop Slip to the transmission because the age and mileage of the transmission. I didn't feel it was worth it to me to try and skimp out on a few dollars for a transmission that has seen this many miles. It may not have needed the AT fluid change and it may not have needed the Lucas Stop Slip. However, if that may give it a little more life in the long run, than I'm pleased to have spent those few extra dollars. I have not confirmed it with a local transmission mechanic but I've been reading that the cost rebuild/re-manufacture a new transmission can set you back around $2-3K. My transmission isn't buttery smooth but still feels strong. I know the engine is good because the previous owner replaced the engine with one that had only 84K miles. Having said all of this, I feel it's worth pampering my tranny while I own her, hoping to get thousands of trouble-free miles ahead of me.

 

On a side note, if you really wanted to get something not Toyota Type 4, I know rockauto has some Type 4 alternatives they'll sell you: AISIN and BECK/ARNLEY brands.

 

kevin75931: Toyota T-IV is available at the Toyota dealer and I have not been able to find it elsewhere, even on line, for cheaper than at the dealership. It's a little less than $5 per quart. Quality stuff.
Also, if you are researching additives check out the Lubegard red website. Read the testimonials. Several here on the TN site use it and have had good experiences. You can decide for yourself. Good luck, Haya....

 

I use Valvoline Import. It's a good replacement for Nissan D-Matic and Toyota Type IV

 

Any universal multivehicle import or HighMileage ATF that mentions the spec can be used.

T-IV is nothing special.

Castrol or Valvoline Import are easy choices. I'd use Amsoil or RoyalPurple if feeling wealthy.

 

I would ad to stay away from things marked for "high mileage" unless you're actually having issues a seal sweller will "help" temporarily Basically T IV is the old Dexron IIIH spec

 

I run Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic. It is approved for the JWS-3309 specification. Part number 550042075. $4.34/qt after tax at my local Shell distributor.

Sam

 

Are you referring to Transmission Fluid? I've never seen that anywhere

 

I'll just throw this caution out there. Those high mileage formulations do more harm than good. The PO of my 01 V6 used HM formulation oil and now that I don't I have oil leaks from the oil pan gasket and rear main seal. If I had known he used that crap (ruins the seals) I would have never bought the car

 

I'm not sure I buy your reasoning. It's true the label says High Mileage and most cars spec'd with this fluid now have high miles. If you read the PDS it is simply a full synthetic 7.5 cts ATF with a JWS-3309 approval, not a "suitable for" recommendation. I've used it for over 100,000 miles in a former Volvo V70 with the AW 50-55 transmission. Never an issue. Butter smooth shifts. I suspect the High Mileage wording is simply marketing.

Sam

 

They put seal swellers in that stuff and it really does ruin the seals. If the vehicle has a slight leak or issue fine but it should NEVER be used in a properly functioning vehicle.

 

HM fluids do not do any harm. Quit being a troll.

HM is a marketing term.

HM fluids work perfectly in brand new vehicles too.

 

I agree.

 

Lets be thoughtful and respective to one another. Each of us have experiences with valid contributions. Test things yourself with great precision and open methodology and let the results be as they show. There are a number of experience mechs here, so have an open mind.
I myself would think they just increase the viscosity of the oil. Maybe there is something that helps seal things a bit more, and that could be the viscosity itself. But I am not a mech, and I don't have a lot of experience with oils. I do know that using some types of oil can speed up plastic or non metal components vs others that are designed for plastics, while others designed for metal wont harm plastics. Its a transmission, and I think the sealed area is all metal. Anyway.Interesting conversation. Lets keep it that way, and not discourage one another.