Hello all.. Not new to the forum but new to the year I have

[Axewhlder]

I've been a member here for a while when I had my 2006 4Runner. As far as forums go this one is very helpful and there's a wealth of well written how-to's. Props to all those who put it together.

I just picked up a well maintained 98 SR5 4wd to use as a D.D. for awhile until I get my company vehicle. It was originally from San Diego after a little research and there's not a spec of rust on any of the sheet metal. (a rarity for Pennsylvania) It has 173k on it and runs like a champ. It could use a bit of a tune up and that's in the works this weekend. I do have a few questions though..

First and foremost, how difficult is it to install the tranny cooler? Seems B & M is the cooler of choice for a good amount of people on here. I've read the how-to's but I'm concerned I'm going to cut the wrong lines and make a mess of things. I'm mechanically inclined but I'm no pro. I'm all about preventive maintenance for this vehicle because I know 173k is just getting started if it's taken care of. Any other brand of coolers recommended?

As it sits now I'm not going to be modifying it or anything. In the future, who knows?

I plan on changing the fluids as well shortly. With the transmission fluid, is it the type where you have to drop the whole pan and let it run out or is there a drain plug and a place to fill it from the top? I know the 2006's were "sealed" trannys and that wasn't possible.

I'm sure I'll have more questions but those are the big ones for now. Thanks in advance.

 

[Socco]

how difficult is it to install the tranny cooler?
Its a really easy job. Access to everything is a lot nicer than I was expecting.

I'm concerned I'm going to cut the wrong lines and make a mess of things.
The beauty is that you don't have to cut anything. The hoses from the OE cooler transition to steel lines beside the engine block with clamps. I was expecting to cut off crimped fittings when I did mine. Take off the clamps, slip the hoses off, slide on your longer hoses and reclamp.

 

[Axewhlder]

how difficult is it to install the tranny cooler?
Its a really easy job. Access to everything is a lot nicer than I was expecting.

I'm concerned I'm going to cut the wrong lines and make a mess of things.
The beauty is that you don't have to cut anything. The hoses from the OE cooler transition to steel lines beside the engine block with clamps. I was expecting to cut off crimped fittings when I did mine. Take off the clamps, slip the hoses off, slide on your longer hoses and reclamp.

Good to know. I expected a lot of splicing and cutting. Thanks for the insight. :thumb3:

 

[AZ4FNER]

Install is super easy. There are good write ups on the site for pics too.

Just did mine before Xmas. I went with B&M. So far so good.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

OP, just did mine a few weeks ago, very straight forward. I did cut my old lines though, they were basically dry rotted to the metal lines.

Where is Kingston? I'm right outside Philly in Glenside, let me know if you need a hand.

 

[HCurphy]

search "drain and fill" for the tranny. You can partially drain the fluid out from the drain plug on the bottom and fill back up at the dipstick, problem is most of your fluid is locked up in the torque converter. So, not sealed like the 4th gens.
options:
-drain and fills
-full flush using the transmissions pump(write up's out there somewhere--essentially you pull the return line and drain it in a bucket as you fill from the dipstick)
-t-tech machines(some people like em, some people dont)

 

[Axewhlder]

OP, just did mine a few weeks ago, very straight forward. I did cut my old lines though, they were basically dry rotted to the metal lines.

Where is Kingston? I'm right outside Philly in Glenside, let me know if you need a hand.

Kingston is right around the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton areas. I'm basically a 2 hour ride up the turnpike from you. I can usually do it in under that depending on the location. Thanks for the offer. If you ever want to do some wrenching I got the pizza and beer. I have a laundry list of things I want to do which I'll address now. haha

I ordered my B & M today from Amazon as well as bought new plugs, oil filter and obviously Mobil 1.

I did a little research tonight as well. It was good and bad at the same time. Basically I called a few Toyota dealerships to see what service was done. They only have records back to 5-02 for general service. I do now know that my starter, power antenna (no wonder it still works) and valve cover gasket were replaced in the past two years. Also the end links were reported but not fixed at the dealership. The truck is straight at 70mph so I'm guessing they were replaced.

What was a bit bothersome was that there was NO record of the timing belt, fluids or anything. Also because I bought the truck Pa mileage exempt I knew the miles would be off. I found out tonight that at the last service it was at 236k back in 2010. For as good as it runs I find it hard to believe that I'm running on original equipment. Wouldn't that be something if it were true? haha

Any way I can check if services were done to with by visual inspection? I'm not about to throw a bunch of parts at it I don't need but if I needs major things I'd like to get it taken care of. I want to keep the old girl on the road for some time.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Sounds good. Everything you mentioned is pretty easy to do, could knock it out I'm an afternoon.

Why did you buy it mileage exempt? Was the title already that way or did the seller make it exempt when you bought it?

 

[Axewhlder]

Sounds good. Everything you mentioned is pretty easy to do, could knock it out I'm an afternoon.

Why did you buy it mileage exempt? Was the title already that way or did the seller make it exempt when you bought it?

It was on the title when I bought it. From what I was able to figure out, the mileage stopped working around 236k from the dealer and then they put in a used cluster with 173k miles on it. When it was sold at auction it had to be listed as miles exempt.

Out of curiosity what kind of skills do you have? Think you could do the major stuff like timing chains and the like? Obviously I'd pay you more than in beer and pizza if warranted. haha

 

[RonMAIDEN]

If your radiator is the original one save your money on a tranny cooler and buy a new radiator and you'll be good for another decade plus some since @173k and on a 13-14 year old truck it needs a new one soon anyway. Now if you tow an external cooler is nice but to just prevent the possibility of a pink milkshake issue than you are just buying a little time but the radiator is still getting old and time is more of a factor than mileage.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

It was on the title when I bought it. From what I was able to figure out, the mileage stopped working around 236k from the dealer and then they put in a used cluster with 173k miles on it. When it was sold at auction it had to be listed as miles exempt.

Out of curiosity what kind of skills do you have? Think you could do the major stuff like timing chains and the like? Obviously I'd pay you more than in beer and pizza if warranted. haha

Haha, not quite that good. I'm going to tackle my TB/Waterpump in the Spring but I've been looking for someone to coach me through it.

The basic stuff though, tune up, tranny cooler, suspension I can do. Been through it twice in a year with my 4Runners.

 

[Axewhlder]

Well I had a little time today so I changed my oil with synthetic. Really not too difficult all things considered. Was less sloppy than other cars I've done.

It does look like my rad was replaced at some point. From the little amount I could see the fins were in good shape and there was no rust. Obviously a visual isn't the end all but looks-wise it seemed ok. Had a Toyota stamp on the top of it as well. Even the condenser wasn't in bad shape for the miles. The only thing with rust on it under the hood is my PS pump and all my pullies. Drive belts could use a change too.