External Tran Cooler in CO for non lifted/offroading 3rd gen

[dyehl]

I am new to the site and I know this topic has been beaten to death based on what I have read, but I still cannot seem to make a decision. I have a 2000 4Runner Sport with 150,000 miles on it. I just bought a new koyo a1998 radiator from radiator express for $151 due to all the recommendations I read on this site.

I have read about the external transmission coolers particulary B&M 70264 or 70268. My truck is not lifted, nor do I have any intention to lift it but I take it up to the mountains almost every other weekend and have some trips planned to Moab for some mountain biking. Do I need the external tranny cooler? I like the peace of mind of eliminating the milkshake (hence the new radiator), but is overcooling in the winter something I should be concerned with? Is it necessary to install a separate temp guage for the external cooler, or is that overkill? $70 for the external cooler is fine, but I am beginning to second guess for anything else on top of that.

I am trying to prolong the longevity of the vehicle hoping to make it to at least 250k with this.

Thanks for your help!

 

[downpour11]

You wouldn't need a separate temp gauge, but if you want peace of mind with the pink milkshake problem grab a B&M. You never know. Preventive maintenance.

 

[Luke the Dog]

The milkshake can only be avoided if the tranny cooler and radiator ARE NOT run in series. Since you have a brand new radiator to install, you should be fine...

 

[dbsoundman]

The milkshake can only be avoided if the tranny cooler and radiator are run in series. Since you have a brand new radiator to install, you should be fine...

This makes no sense...milkshake is caused by the radiator. Bypassing the radiator and using an external cooler is what resolves this issue.

 

[BlackCat914]

The milkshake can only be avoided if the tranny cooler and radiator are run in series. Since you have a brand new radiator to install, you should be fine...

:wow:

 

[dyehl]

I thought the only way to avoid the milkshake aside from the new radiator was to bypass the radiator all together. I don't see the point in running the tranny cooler in series if I am not towing or doing serious four wheeling. If I am not separating the transmission fluid from the radiator via the bypass and stay with an inline than it still flows back to the radiator and I still run the risk of the milkshake, right?

Right now I am thinking 70268, any advice?

 

[dyehl]

I see your in the Springs. I am up in Boulder. Do you run this setup that I am talking about. Have you had any issues with Colorado weather. Thanks.

 

[dbsoundman]

I see your in the Springs. I am up in Boulder. Do you run this setup that I am talking about. Have you had any issues with Colorado weather. Thanks.

I just got my 4Runner recently and haven't gotten to do anything to it yet, but I plan on replacing the radiator with a new Toyo A1998, installing a B&M 70268, and running the transmission fluid only through the B&M, bypassing the radiator. Can't say anything helpful about weather yet other than this summer sucked, but hopefully others might have some advice.

 

[JWaldz]

I think what you're trying to get at is the fact you bought a replacement radiator with no built in cooler like our factory ones and you're wondering if you should still use an external cooler even though you live in a very cold climate? Is this correct? If so, I think you'll be ok with not using an external cooler simply because of the colder climate. However, if you find yourself sitting in one place with the truck running a lot or if you do a lot of slow driving I would also consider getting one.

 

[dyehl]

I am confused again. I thought the Koyo A1998 was a replacement radiator built to OEM specifications (radiator with built in tranny cooler). If its just a radiator then I guess I am SOL and will need to get an external cooler regardless. If the Koyo A1998 is in fact a radiator with a built in tranny cooler than my question is whether or not to buy an external tranny cooler like the B&M and bypass the radiator all together. Any advice?

 

[zooroadbaja]

Mods need to make a sticky about this radiator, B&M situation. Way to many post in the past few days about this.

 

[dbsoundman]

I am confused again. I thought the Koyo A1998 was a replacement radiator built to OEM specifications (radiator with built in tranny cooler). If its just a radiator then I guess I am SOL and will need to get an external cooler regardless. If the Koyo A1998 is in fact a radiator with a built in tranny cooler than my question is whether or not to buy an external tranny cooler like the B&M and bypass the radiator all together. Any advice?

You're reading between the lines too much man...the Koyo A1998 is indeed a drop in replacement for the stock radiator/cooler combo...the Koyo has a radiator and a transmission cooler section. Either way, the recommendation (generally) is to not use the built-in transmission cooler in either radiator, and instead use an external cooler, which will not have the problems with corrosion and fluids mixing.

 

[Luke the Dog]

WHOOPS!

I meant AREN'T run in series...:bash:

 

[thor999]

I live in Idaho Springs, and work in Blackhawk; sometimes I take the CC Parkway, during the winter I take 119. I have the B&M 70268, seperate from the radiator. I also have a Scanguage ll installed and it is reporting temps in the 130-140 range these days, yet I have gotten over 170F when pulling a trailer. With the new rad, I wouldn't worry about it but still a great investment if you have the time; you can always block it w/ cardboard in the winter.