Hunting in a 4Runner

[COJoe]

MHO, yes, a drain and fill *should* most likley be fine. I have been in your exact situation before with being at 250k and an unknown history of transmission fluid changes and have done drain and fills.

That being said, there is a school of thought that, at the mileage with an unknown history, you might consider just leaving it alone entirely and driving it until the transmission fails, but that ultimately depends on what your goal is for the longevity of the vehicle.

Have you tried pulling the CarFax history? If the transmission has been serviced at a shop that may be noted in the vehicle history. Of course, not all shops submit maintenance info to Carfax, some people DIY and "transmission service" is usually the only detail you will get if you do get any info at all. If "transmission service" was performed at a dealership, it was probably a flush. You might also take the vehicle to the shop of the mechanic you were talking to and have the maintenance condition further evaluated -how dirty if the diff/transfer case fluid, for example? If other fluids appear to have been maintained, that may lead to more confidence in making a decision.

If you want to take a deep dive, check out the The Car Nut Guy youtube channel. Its a Toyota mechanic and he has some videos on this exact subject.

I appreciate the advice, especially since you have been right where I am at now. I'll check out that youtube channel also.

 

[Skerhunter]

Here is one

Shop 4Runner Mattress: Deepsleep 4Runner Foam + Air Mattress Bed

5" foam car camping mattress for ultimate comfort. Durable, weatherproof, easy setup. Solo or pair for cozy Toyota 4th and 5th gen 4Runner car camping.

deepsleepoverland.com

That’s awesome!

 

[woods89]

Here is one

Shop 4Runner Mattress: Deepsleep 4Runner Foam + Air Mattress Bed

5" foam car camping mattress for ultimate comfort. Durable, weatherproof, easy setup. Solo or pair for cozy Toyota 4th and 5th gen 4Runner car camping.

deepsleepoverland.com

I had no idea this existed. You are going to cost me money yet!