Hello everyone,
I recently purchased my second 4runner, a 1998, and both this one and the past '96 I owned are 4cyl 2.7L because they get really good mpg. My last one, the '96 had a stick shift, but the newest one I recently acquired, has an automatic transmission. It's in cherry shape and as soon as I bought it, put some cash out for major service, new tires, resonator, alignment etc. It's a great car and I hope to drive it forever. I got 270K miles on my last one before selling it, without major repairs of any kind. I could hardly believe it. All I ever did was regular maintenance, brakes and once I had to replace the igniter. Recently however, in prowling the forums, I read about the dreaded pink milkshake phenomenon, and being the OCD car owner that I am, I make every effort to do all the maintenance on time, keep all service records and take preemptive measures to make sure my cars will last as long as possible, not to mention the peace of mind of knowing I'm not going to break down or the car is going to blow up out on the highway somewhere. I'm hoping someone can recommend a really good mechanic in either San Diego County, Inland Empire or Orange County, who can install the external transmission cooler and bypass the radiator altogether, as is the suggested preventative measure to keep this problem from ever happening. I've reviewed all of the really helpful forum postings on this job and all the photos (those were so helpful, thank you) and I'd really like to find someone to do it for me because I am not a mechanic, I have no tools, no place to do it etc. I called a couple transmission shops and even after explaining that I wanted the new trans cooler to bypass the radiator, they still said "we recommend against bypassing the radiator" like they didn't really even listen to why I was asking, even though I explained it. Can anyone suggest a good Toyota shop or mechanic, that has done this job before? The trans shop wanted $350 too, and I don't even think they would have done it the best way. Oh, and I should add, the radiator was replaced with new water pump and thermostat about 6 months ago.
Also, is there any way to just upload an image without posting it somewhere on a website and then having to reference a URL?

Well is suggest you just replace the whole radiator but that's just me.

I normally go to The Truck Shop in Miramar Rd.

I'd go to Jeff at Service Pros. He's pretty darn close to you.

Service Pros Automotive: San Marcos, CA: Engine & Brake Repair, Oil Changes

If you have already replaced the radiator, then you shouldn't have to worry about milkshakes. So, there's no hurry. Also, strictly speaking, there's no need for an external ATF cooler unless you need it for cooling reasons.
I understand wanting to have it be the best, most bulletproof setup, but now you can afford to take your time finding a shop that'll do it well and for a reasonable price.
Btw, I'd guess that this is probably about a two-hour job, and, at $70-$100 or more an hour, that $350 price wasn't totally out of line.

If you lived in the Seattle area I'd install a transcooler for a 6 pack, as long as you supplied the parts, of course.

Maybe someone down south would be willing to help you out.

Hello all,

I recently moved and I'm looking for a mechanic recommendation for a 3rd gen T4R in West Greenwich, Rhode Island...it's a town located about a 30 minute drive south west of Providence.