New radiator or external transmission cooler?

J

judoant

Member
I had my radiator replaced at 90k along with the timing belt and water pump on my 99. I am now having the TB and WP replaced again at 182k (6 years later).

My question is should I go ahead and replace the radiator again or add an external B&M cooler and bypass or leave it alone? I don't tow and have all the fluids serviced regularly.

Thanks
 
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If it were me, I'd drain the thing and inspect it as much as you can, just for giggles; if it looks to be in good shape, then I'd simply leave it in place and put the B&M cooler inline with it.

Is it a Toyota radiator? If you've serviced the fluids regularly you *should* be good, I'd think.
 
I have 183k on my 99 3.4 limited. Just did the radiator and b&m cooler, still bypassed the radiator so they are independent. I got the radiator at advance for $132 (liftetime warranty).

I don't trust the integrated tranny cooler/radiator at all, even new. B&m install was a breeze, 2 hours Max. And the radiator was honestly an extra 30 minutes.

I used Goodyear instagrip hydraulic hose for the tranny cooler, local hose and fitting shop down the road that I do a lot of business with recommended it.

You will be very angry when you junk a tranny when it could have been prevented.
 
Kung said:
Is it a Toyota radiator?
Click to expand...

I have no idea what brand. They cracked the old radiator when the did the timing belt last time. If I had to guess I would say it came from carquest or napa.

I am leaning towards keeping the existing radiator in place because it does not leak and getting an external B&M an bypassing the radiator. I live in KY so it does not get super cold in the winter but it does get pretty hot in summer.
 
I would say both.

After my LBJ project I'm doing the radiator trans cooler before these wonderful 100 degrees
 
If I had a nickel for every time I seen a "Radiator or Tranny Cooler" thread, I would be able to buy a 5th gen Limited easily. Haha but anyway, I just replaced the radiator and was done with it. If my previous one lasted 167k miles, I think my denso replacement will last just as long so I decided to not worry about the tranny cooler.
 
I swapped out my radiator at 165kwith a new Koyo and feel confident with it for another 165k. Since you don't tow, I'd say just stick with a Koyo or Denso radiator and be worry free.
 
For the cost of the b&m it is cheap insurance. It makes long trips a little easier on my nerves knowing that there is zero chance of the two fluids mixing, ever.
 
Add the trans cooler now and the radiator in another 4 years. It's less about mileage than it is about time and temp extremes. Plus poor maintenance will corrode the ports and shorten its life. If your coolant was maintained well since the install, 10 years of use is reasonable when you have plastic tanks. I don't believe in squeezing every minute out certain parts like radiators and ball joints.
 
I dont mean to thread jack but is there a diy on here that shows how to remove the old radiator and replace it with the koyo rad and the B&m external transmission cooler? I dont feel like bringing it to a shop to do something that can be easily done myself. thanks
 
Defend_HI75 said:
I dont mean to thread jack but is there a diy on here that shows how to remove the old radiator and replace it with the koyo rad and the B&m external transmission cooler? I dont feel like bringing it to a shop to do something that can be easily done myself. thanks
Click to expand...

The only DIY thread I could find, just shows the radiator being replaced...but very detailed. Well, at least this will get you half way...good luck!

Step by step: Replacing radiator on 3rd gen p/u - YotaTech Forums
 
It's very easy with basic tools. Just be sure to wrap cardboard from the shipping box around the front and back of the new radiator to protect it until you are ready to reinstall the fan shroud. To make it easier, don't remove the fan shroud, just unbolt it and push it back over the fan. Once you get started it will make sense. Don't reuse the coolant, it's a good time to replace the old stuff. And always use distiller water.
 
RussToy said:
The only DIY thread I could find, just shows the radiator being replaced...but very detailed. Well, at least this will get you half way...good luck!

Step by step: Replacing radiator on 3rd gen p/u - YotaTech Forums
Click to expand...

Drcoffee said:
It's very easy with basic tools. Just be sure to wrap cardboard from the shipping box around the front and back of the new radiator to protect it until you are ready to reinstall the fan shroud. To make it easier, don't remove the fan shroud, just unbolt it and push it back over the fan. Once you get started it will make sense. Don't reuse the coolant, it's a good time to replace the old stuff. And always use distiller water.
Click to expand...

thanks for the quick input i need to do this soon
 
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