Question about trans cooler install and radiator

[Seiji_1113]

Hey everyone,
So i've been doing a lot of research about installing a transmission cooler to avoid the pink milkshake but i had a few questions.
I was thinking of getting the 13000 BTU one by BandM but does anyone have info on how much weight you can tow with it? Im only planning on towing around a 1000-1500lbs trailer.
Second question.
I understand that by installing the tranny cooler you by pass the radiator so you dont have both fluids in the same heat exchanger but what happens when the inside wall between the coolant and where the tranny cooler is supposed to be, corrodes and breaks when there is no tranny fluid in there? Will there be any indication that it broke? Im planning on plugging those old transmission ports but will the radiator still function if the inner wall breaks? should i just by a new radiator at the same time?
But if I just buy a new radiator all together that would prevent the pink milkshake for atleast several years even without the tranny cooler?

 

[the great him]

your questions have been covered several times in multiple threads...

what B&M model number trans cooler are you looking at?

nothing will happen if that baffle brakes and their is no tranny fluid in there, as long as you block off the ports.

yes replacing the radiator SHOULD buy you a few years. but you still have both of the fluids in the same unit...

 

[ledger35]

Let me ask you this, have you EVER had this happen in ANY vehicle you've EVER owned? Is this the ONLY vehicle produced that has transmission lines suddenly rust out and mix the two fluids and ruin a transmission? I've been a member on this forum for a short time but I can't help but notice the paranoia level over this milkshake issue that has 4runner owners running out and spending copious amounts of money on new radiators and transmission coolers. I will admit, I fell victim to this as I have purchased a new radiator for my 4runner and there is nothing even wrong with the one I've got! Please don't misunderstand my point as I believe being proactive to problems that may just fall in your lap, but I've owned Toyota's for years now and have never had radiator issues such as this and I just feel that the craziness over this issue has created pandemonium amongst the forum. I do however notice a lot of off road users and this just might be the hidden culprit to this issue. I might get some slack for this post but I just can't help but notice the hype over this issue and had to call it out. Good Luck!

 

[NateMob]

I wouldn't call spending about $200 a copious amount of money. Especially on a preventive maintenance issue, I've spent much more than that on the fun stuff. Might as well protect your investment.

 

[Seiji_1113]

I'm sorry I posted a new thread but I spent atleast 6 hours reading through different threads on this topic. I'm sorry I couldn't cover every single one.
As for the cooler I'm planning on getting 70268.
Now if the baffle does break, will it not drain all of the fluid from the reservoir and then eventually not have enough coolant to fill all that extra space?

 

[kball]

Since you are going to tow I would get the 70264 even though it doesn't get very hot where you live. If coolant does make it into the old cooler partition it might drain most of the overflow res but I doubt it would cause a problem. Just fill it back up and make sure it stays put after that. Of course if you are using the old radiator you will get some trans fluid leftovers in your coolant so that would give it away as to what happened to the extra coolant.

Lots of different makes/models use this setup and they all have this happen. At the very least I think the radiator should be changed as preventive maintenance every 10 years.

 

[4Runner4TW]

I just installed the 70264 on my rig last weekend. The hardest part was mounting it. If you go this rought you can check out how i did mine in my garage. I have no problem spending $75 to make sure the pink milkshake doesnt happen. I did notice that my radiator was "new" so that made me happy. Specially living in Phx, AZ. Thank you previous owner!

 

[Seiji_1113]

Thanks a lot for all the help guys, looks like ill get the 70264. Ill tackle it next week!