Sad day

[Oconnor88]

Well guys, today is a sad day for my 4runner. I neglected to follow advice and add an external tranny cooler, and im sure most of you can guess where this is going, yup, pink milkshake. Im hopeful I caught it soon enough. Truck is currently at the transmission shop, the owner suggested a full tranny disassembly and rebuild basically, but thats just not financially do able right now. I opted for multiple flushes, and a new rad. Im hoping I can get the truck to last until atleast September when I can afford a new vehicle. Hopefully things work out and I can squeeze a couple months out of her.

 

[lgc285]

How many miles were you at?

 

[MStudt]

Well guys, today is a sad day for my 4runner. I neglected to follow advice and add an external tranny cooler, and im sure most of you can guess where this is going, yup, pink milkshake. Im hopeful I caught it soon enough. Truck is currently at the transmission shop, the owner suggested a full tranny disassembly and rebuild basically, but thats just not financially do able right now. I opted for multiple flushes, and a new rad. Im hoping I can get the truck to last until atleast September when I can afford a new vehicle. Hopefully things work out and I can squeeze a couple months out of her.

I had it happen to mine a few months ago. I caught it within a couple miles. I had the tranny filter replaced, new seal, tranny flush, new radiator, and coolant flush. It cost my right around $600, and I'm still going strong after about 4k miles. Plenty of other members on here have tens of thousands of miles after the milk shake as well.

 

[tinman]

I had it happen to mine a few months ago. I caught it within a couple miles. I had the tranny filter replaced, new seal, tranny flush, new radiator, and coolant flush. It cost my right around $600, and I'm still going strong after about 4k miles. Plenty of other members on here have tens of thousands of miles after the milk shake as well.

What gave you the inclining that you had the milkshake? Did it just quit pulling?

I need to get me a replacement KOYO radiator or OE, I suppose...so I don't have to worry with this. 208k+ on the original trans/cooler/radiator is good, but has me concerned that I'm on borrowed time. I know a lot of people run the external coolers, but I think I'd be better off just running the original design...& not have to worry with it. Little more $, but then I'd know I have enough cooling ability for when I need it most.

 

[MStudt]

What gave you the inclining that you had the milkshake? Did it just quit pulling?

I need to get me a replacement KOYO radiator or OE, I suppose...so I don't have to worry with this. 208k+ on the original trans/cooler/radiator is good, but has me concerned that I'm on borrowed time. I know a lot of people run the external coolers, but I think I'd be better off just running the original design...& not have to worry with it. Little more $, but then I'd know I have enough cooling ability for when I need it most.

The transmission started slipping really bad going into 2nd gear, and a little going into 3rd gear. It started out of no where, and thinning of the transmission fluid will do that. I'd be concerned too! I was at 132k when mine went.

 

[tinman]

The transmission started slipping really bad going into 2nd gear, and a little going into 3rd gear. It started out of no where, and thinning of the transmission fluid will do that. I'd be concerned too! I was at 132k when mine went.

Thanks. So far so good for me...but I need to get on it.

 

[Oconnor88]

The way I discovered it, my truck started running hot, like almost red line, no heat, just cold air. I parked it, and wouldnt you know, no coolant. I added coolant, and let it sit. Went back to it about an hour later and no coolant, checked the tranny stick, way higher then normal and pink foamy, popped the rad cap, little pink foam in there too. The truck has 250 000kms on it, so, 155k miles. Keep in mind, Northern Ontario here, so hard salty winters. All of this ( the running hot) happened between my house and the coffee shop, so I parked it right away, and now its been floated to the tranny shop, keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Brique]

Sounds like you caught it quick and have a good shot at saving it. If it were me, instead of saving for a new truck I'd start saving for a new tranny in case it still goes out. If the tranny does fine then hooray, you can spend the money on mods!

 

[Supermoney]

Not many people realize when engines / trannys go bad that its actually a much simpler fix than realized.

You can buy a tranny for $300-400 and slap it in with a few buddies and a 30 pack....I don't really see why you would need a new vehicle.

 

[BlackCat914]

Not many people realize when engines / trannys go bad that its actually a much simpler fix than realized.

You can buy a tranny for $300-400 and slap it in with a few buddies and a 30 pack....I don't really see why you would need a new vehicle.

Because some people don't have the skill, time, tools, money, or any combination of them to get it done. I see it all the time at work, I'll be working on a car that needs a lot of work, and instead of spending $2500 to fix the one they have, they'll trade it in and buy a new one for $80k.

 

[the great him]

yeah crazy... i say spend the $2-500 to get a good used trans and put it in. or pay the shop another couple hundred and have them do the swap. much much cheaper than a new car or car payment.... but i dont know, i hate debt and payments of any type -to include my mortgage... -you know what you have with this vehicle, if you get a new vehicle you are starting all over again from ground zero and will have to learn all of its issues or "quirks" and thats not always so fun. just my advice.