Cooling system update

[B4MAN]

So, I am up late stressing about my "new" ride. :wow::wow: 1996 SR5, V6, auto, 226,000 miles, new to me, mostly dealer maintained.

A few question regarding coolant, radiator, and thermostat

Now that I have convinced myself I am on the precipice of disaster for pink milkshake syndrome (no warning signs, just sheer terror from reading on here)

I was going to get a transmission cooler, but discovered a coolant leak today. I haven't located yet, but either top hose, or crack in the upper housing of the radiator. Not taking any chances, and am deciding to replace the radiator, hoses, and thermostat (just since I'm doing hoses anyway). I reality, it's just an excuse to change the radiator to avoid milkshake and put me at ease since I don't know how old the radiator is.

For the radiator replacement, it looks like the YTC=Koyo, which seem to be good quality (please advise if I am wrong). I don't want to go crazy, but would be glad to pay a little more for better quality if there's a difference. I would probably replace the thermostat with a stant since they are easy to find. Any other recommendations on thermostat brands that are better?

Now, the coolant question. I know it's been discussed here (a lot), but I do have Toyota red coolant. In the 96, this was not stock correct? I have heard that it can be hard on brass and other metals. Should I be concerned about this? The coolant looks super clean, and radiator looks clean too. My inclination would be to stay with red. Thoughts? Secondly, is it worth it (or necessary for chemistry) to get genuine Toyota red rather than an aftermarket alternative (which I have no idea what they even are)? Red is new to me.

Any advise would be appreciated.:thanks::thanks:

 

[kball]

Koyo's are good. I don't remember reading about anyone having issues with them. Mine has been fine too.

Since you already have the red coolant I would stick with red. If you do change though make sure you flush the system really well.

 

[B4MAN]

I plan on flushing the system anyway, but it seems like the red is good stuff, and my inclination is to stay with it. Just didn't know if there are stock parts on the 1996 that might not be totally compatible with red coolant

The only reason I asked about the thermostat is that my last truck was a diesel, and it was known for needing only the OEM thermostat. Any aftermarket that people tried failed within a couple thousand miles. thanks

 

[drake3988]

I was wondering if an imperial high performance transmission cooler was decent enough to put on my 4runner? i don't tow i just would like to add one to be safe to avoid the pink milkshake, if anyone has used one or heard anything about it let me know.