just got a 99 4runner. help please

[99-4runner]

I just got a 99 4runner with 178k miles. What all should I do to ensure it has a long life? Its auto. Sr5, 4x4 v6. Should I go ahead and replace the transmission? I found an auto with 26k for 300 bucks and I can do the install myself. OR should I just lift it and put bigger tires on it and wait for the tranny to fail before I get a new one?? 1st gear slips sometimes.. Other than that the truck is great. Changed the oil, transmission oil, and new filters for both. What else should I do? Breaks are fine, and I have about 60% tread left on my tires. Just want it to be a weekend warrior that will last me the next 3 years left in college. Thanks!!

 

[rjaudi]

The first thing I would do is bypass the transmission cooler with a external tranny cooler. If you search you will find tons of info. That will easily cost less than 100 bucks. Go out an make sure you do not have the pink milkshake now as you say your trans is slipping. Has the timing belt been done? Check the date code on the spark plug wires and replace those if they havent been. Also I would personally change the spark plugs if you do not know when they had been replaced.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

changing every fluid will make it last

x3 on all the comments above. Think of all the fluids in the vehicle and change them all. Power steering fluid, brake fluid, differentials. Tranny fluid is 16 quarts I think I read somewhere. So....

Yah if you got an auto tranny that inexpensive and you are capable of doing the work then I would go ahead and change it out now. Keep your old one for parts or spare. Probably not a bad idea to do the rear main seal while you have the tranny dropped.

Can't over emphasize that strawberry milkshake prevention enough for you auto tranny guys. Change out the radiator before it happens or add a tranny cooler to be used instead of the radiator. Destruction of the auto tranny has been happening quite a bit.

See also YOTA TECH for more of us and more advice.

Oh and at your mileage an alignment shop can become your best friend. The front end suspension components should all be checked over. Tie rods, sway bar bushings, ball joints. Have em all looked at and save time and money now by having many of them changed out-before they break.

 

[99-4runner]

thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate it. what is this "strawberry milkshake" your talking about?? im assuming you mean water somehow getting in the transmission oil, but how??

The guy with the tranny hasnt been answering..

I can only afford to spend around 350 or so.. because I am buying a 2.5" daystar lift from a guy here on the forums for 175. I get payed on the 1st. this will probably put a hold on my colorado trip :/ I wanted to drive to colorado and camp out of the back of my 4runner but i dont have anyone to come with me and idk if i can afford it now.

SOOO my question is.. new tranny, or tranny cooler first then wait for the tranny to fail then get a new one??

Slipping started just before I changed the fluid and filter.. it was the reason for the change. there wasnt much on the magnets.. but the fluid was a deep dark red, so im assuming it hadnt been changed in a while. It only slips maybe once a day, and the fluid level seems good always. but the dipstick is a ***** to get out so im not sure how acurate it is..

ALSOOO haha i forgot about this I am going to be building a tube bumper soon WITHOUT one of those ugly stingers. I know there there to keep you from ruining your radiator and hood when you flip... but i dont plan on flipping haha.

let me know what yall think. cooler, new tranny, or both and no lift.. but i really want that lift.. my current tires are stock size and have alot of tread so im keeping them until i need tires then ill get 33's

 

[99-4runner]

this one work? TCI 820500 TCI Universal Trans Cooler

if not link the one from jegs that would be best, thanks
keep in mind im on a budget! thanks!