Pink milkshake question

[Ron Helmuth]

To anyone following along

It does not have to be a case of previous neglect. It's not always a particular mileage.

The OEM radiators in auto tranny 3rd gens just fail over some period of time. The exact time? Can't be sure.

Why run any risk ruining your perfectly good, expensive to replace, auto tranny when a fix is as simple as a bolt in replacement? Make it happen if you have any doubt whatsoever.

You got a 96 automatic 4Runner with original radiator?

Do it.

A 97?

do it.

a 98?

Do it.

99? You get the picture.

I don't care if you just bought the nicest 2002 with low miles and granny drove it only on Sundays. Replace that radiator for low dollars and never worry about it for another 10 years. Yes- you still need to do regular maintenance....

Ready to do a timing belt? With the water pump? Do the radiator at same time.

Radiator replacement is so simple on our 3rd gens. Roughly a 45 minute job. I did it for my friend's 01 Limited. You can do it. We'll help you to get it done. Look at the writeups. See also YOTA TECH.

KOYO A1998 is a direct fit. Do your own homework if you feel a tranny cooler is also necessary or a good idea for your use of the vehicle.

Friends don't let friends get the milkshake. Do not put it off. Summer is coming....

 

[carlos.lucero28]

Yeah, I agree, its not worth it to wait and see if it happens, i just got my cooler and Im planning on putting it in next week on my day off, and BTW, I checked and the redish color is from the antifreeze... lol, it scared the s@$t out of me!!!:toilet:

 

[CobraSpdRH]

So, just to be clear, adding an external cooler and closing off the internal will remedy the potential of getting coolant in the tranny, so that alone fixes the problem. OR, replacing the radiator fixes the problem.

I guess my point is, if you do one or the other you are okay, but it isn't necessary to do both. Unless, if you bypassed the internal tranny cooler and it leaked into the coolant, is that a possibility?

 

[MAD 69]

Getting a new radiator is good enough, you only need a tranny cooler if your towing things in your 4Runner or if you live in a very hot climate, most of us have no need for the cooler it's unnecessary.

 

[4ganger]

Getting a new radiator is good enough, you only need a tranny cooler if your towing things in your 4Runner or if you live in a very hot climate, most of us have no need for the cooler it's unnecessary.

I totally agree. Question is at what mileage should this be done? If you maintain it it should never have a problem (regular maintance drain and fill). If you bought it used you never know but at what age of neglect might it fail and so what point should one look to do it? I just did my timing belt. Wondering if mine will last until the next timiming belt change. That's a long time off...

 

[MAD 69]

From what I have read it seems like you should change the Rad every 10 years - thats if you have done the regular checkups, flush and fill, etc...
My mechanic (been going to him for over 20 years) told me it was unnecessary to get the tranny cooler and really no need for a new Rad either if it was taken care of, but since I don't really know much about the vehicle history (I got the carfax and it lists several flush and fills over the years) I want to be safe and just change out the radiator now, it was pretty cheap - about $125 so thats not bad for preventive maitenance.

 

[carlos.lucero28]

It may have been unecessary buy I have the peace of mind my Runner will never have the milk shake problem.:reddance:

 

[Jay4hand]

My late year 1999 has about 157k, so I'm about to install a trans cooler.
My one question is, since I'm installing a separate trans cooler, should I replace the radiator with one made for a manual transmission? My logic is the radiator on a manual would have more cooling passages, as the one for an auto has passages for ATF.

 

[hungryeddy]

My late year 1999 has about 157k, so I'm about to install a trans cooler.
My one question is, since I'm installing a separate trans cooler, should I replace the radiator with one made for a manual transmission? My logic is the radiator on a manual would have more cooling passages, as the one for an auto has passages for ATF.

Way to bring back a 2 year old thread

HOWEVER, good question. I was thinking this just the other day.

 

[afg10000]

I'm curious how the 70268 will perform in the depths of winter. It get's pretty damn cold here in the great salt plains. Not unusual to be 0 or less for multiple days. Guess I'll find out soon enough -

 

[kball]

You can't buy a manual radiator. They only sell auto rads.

B&M coolers have built in bypasses for cold fluid. It will be fine.

 

[adam2562]

B&M coolers have built in bypasses for cold fluid. It will be fine.

i didn't know that! that's good to know as i was worried about the winter months. i have mine sitting on the floor here i think i have the 70264 or 68