radiator question

[ladywolf]

Got a question about the radiator and the glorious "pink milkshake"

Been doing reading, and obviously the 3rd gen's are prone to it. I'm going to look at (and more than likely purchase) a 97 Limited on Tuesday. 250k on the clock. Is there a good way to tell if the radiator is a new or old one? Any part#'s to look for?

Did the limited's come with any additional external trans cooler's or anything else I should be aware of for the 96-98 years?

 

[Ron Burgandy]

only real difference I noticed with mine was the orientation of the drain valve, wasn't as robust as the original one and it drains out instead of down.

I'd just replace it for piece of mind. they are relatively cheap, I bought a genuine OEM one from the dealer for $160

 

[Echo_Spartan]

Aside from just the new radiator, I would be on the look out if the transmission has been replaced, that could indicate that the owner previously had a strawberry milkshake incident. But also note that while the strawberry/pink milkshake is devastating, I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as you change your fluids often enough and maybe install an external transmission cooler.

 

[dirteater4]

I second that Ron. I replaced mine with a Denso and the drain plug is different. I also run a B&M cooler. It by-passes the milkshake issue and aids in temps if you plan on towing anything.

 

[SnowLizard]

a new Denso Radiator is $100 or less... shipped to your door.

New OEM... mentioned above is $160

New Alum 3 row... $210
4 Runner Radiator (96-02)


They are ALL good, any other brand has yet to prove itself long term wise...

I just replaced to the Denso, as the OEM was 250+ in my location... next time I'm going alum, and I might go earlier next time cause I'm in AZ and any extra cooling capacity is 100% welcomed.

 

[ladywolf]

a new Denso Radiator is $100 or less... shipped to your door.

New OEM... mentioned above is $160

New Alum 3 row... $210
4 Runner Radiator (96-02)


They are ALL good, any other brand has yet to prove itself long term wise...

I just replaced to the Denso, as the OEM was 250+ in my location... next time I'm going alum, and I might go earlier next time cause I'm in AZ and any extra cooling capacity is 100% welcomed.

Thats what I was thinking of....doing the Aluminum and the extra cooler. I wont be doing any major towing, but I like to prepare for any eventuality.