My New 4Runner

L

lauren_granata

New member
Hey everyone! Just bought my first 4runner. I previously owned a 1998 Camry and wanted something a little bigger. I just purchased a 2002 SR5 3.4L Dorado Gold 4Runner. I posted an album here (Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum - lauren_granata's Album: My First 4Runner!).

I'm definitely looking to add some modifications to it, so any suggestions would be great! My dad is a mechanic, so he will help me out with whatever I decide to do. I know one of the first things I am doing is purchasing a new radio.

Let me know what you all think! Thanks for looking.

*Edit:
Transfer case needs replaced, antennae doesn't go down, power steering line needs a new seal, bug guard is broken, theres a small rust spot on the drivers side door farm that will need replaced, and definitely will need new tires before winter.
 
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I would look at if the timing belt had ever been changed and start there. Then personally I'd bypass the radiator and install a separate Trans cooler Welcome !!!
 
Arnezie said:
I would look at if the timing belt had ever been changed and start there. Then personally I'd bypass the radiator and install a separate Trans cooler Welcome !!!
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I'm very new myself, but welcome! Looks very clean, congrats. I second Arnezie, I've heard of some "strawberry milkshake" issues with automatics, and this will stop that. If the antenna is broken (common) you could look into the toyota tacoma whip antenna mod - it's tougher (but arguably may not be able to go through the big brush car washes.. just go touchless).
 
heyoceanfloor said:
I'm very new myself, but welcome! Looks very clean, congrats. I second Arnezie, I've heard of some "strawberry milkshake" issues with automatics, and this will stop that. If the antenna is broken (common) you could look into the toyota tacoma whip antenna mod - it's tougher (but arguably may not be able to go through the big brush car washes.. just go touchless).
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Yikes, what's a strawberry milkshake issue? Sounds...interesting.
 
lauren_granata said:
Yikes, what's a strawberry milkshake issue? Sounds...interesting.
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It's a $3,500 milkshake that tastes horrible.
Seriously your truck has a transmission cooler built in the radiator well over time they can leak into one another causing the pink milkshake or strawberry milkshake issue. Easy DIY is to buy an external transmission cooler and bypass the radiator completely.
 
Arnezie said:
It's a $3,500 milkshake that tastes horrible.
Seriously your truck has a transmission cooler built in the radiator well over time they can leak into one another causing the pink milkshake or strawberry milkshake issue. Easy DIY is to buy an external transmission cooler and bypass the radiator completely.
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I'll have to talk to my dad about it. He was a mechanic when he was younger and is a Toyota enthusiast so I'm sure he'll check it out for me. Thanks Arnezie!
 
:welcome:

Looks clean! How many miles?

I'd also consider replacing the lower ball joints with OEM ones. Or at least have you Dad check yours for play.
 
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lauren_granata said:
Yikes, what's a strawberry milkshake issue? Sounds...interesting.
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It's when you radiator breaks and your coolant is mixed with the transmission fluid. I just had it happen to me, and I was lucky that I only needed to replace my radiator.



Arnezie said:
It's a $3,500 milkshake that tastes horrible.
Seriously your truck has a transmission cooler built in the radiator well over time they can leak into one another causing the pink milkshake or strawberry milkshake issue. Easy DIY is to buy an external transmission cooler and bypass the radiator completely.
Click to expand...

Not sure about the $3500 part since I just went through this. You can buy a rebuilt from Marlin Crawler for about $1900, and my local shop was only going to charge $250 for the swap. I think you're a good $1500 over what it will actually cost. Hell, it can be swapped out for as little as $500 if you do it yourself and find a used transmission that's in good shape.
 
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Welcome and congrats on the purchase :)
The Master Directory is an invaluable tool full of useful info(including the rad/tranny issue already mentioned).

Good luck and keep us posted with our progress!
 
white rocket said:
Welcome and congrats on the purchase :)
The Master Directory is an invaluable tool full of useful info(including the rad/tranny issue already mentioned).

Good luck and keep us posted with our progress!
Click to expand...

heeeeeyyyyyy I recognize that signature........ Its NORTH WEST OFF ROAD's Motto!!!
 
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