T4R woes

[Mojo29]

Ok first off I have a 2000 Limited T4R with 88k on it. Pretty much stock except the sound system. From reading some posts here I am starting to get concerned about the pink milk-shake syndrome. My question is if I completely by pass the internal transmission cooler and run it to the external cooler will it be enough to keep it cool? Also what size transmission cooler is everyone running and how do I plug the internal cooler if I bypass it? I have a 7.5" x 12" external and am not sure if this will keep up. Also how difficult will it be to install a transmission temp gauge?

Now a brake question. I replaced my front drivers side caliper. I put in new rotors and pads but when I brake it pulls to the driver side under hard applications. Also the drivers side wheel rim has more black brake dust than the passenger side. I bought ceramic brakes to eliminate this and it is still happening. WTF? I bled the brakes but I'm thinking I might have to do it again... Any ideas? Thanks for the help!

 

[domstriker]

Congrats on the 2000. That's the one I was looking for but I had to settle on an '01.

You are correct to be concerned about the milkshake. Be very concerned. Adding an external cooler is a tiny fraction of the work as dealing with the milkshake. And you run the 50/50 risk of needing a new tranny.

When you break it all down:

$50 for a cooler vs. $2000 for a tranny

1/2 hour of install vs. at least 5-6 hours when you factor installing a new radiator, flushing out cooling system, flushing tranny, dropping pan multiple times.

Do a search and you will find the answers that you are looking for as far as the tranny cooler install, plugging, etc.

Read this thread about tranny temps.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/68732-atf-temp-how-hot-too-hot.html

 

[SamSter0077]

Do the Tranny cooler, it's easy!

 

[rjaudi]

It sounds like you have a frozen caliper. I would upgrade to tundra brakes if you have to replace a caliper.

 

[brian2sun]

The "strawberry milkshake" (who orders a pink milkshake anyways?) commonly happens around the 200K mark so being that you only have 88K, I don't believe you're in any iminent danger.

The internal cooler is a more efficient unit than the externals are (unless you hook up an electric fan too) so IMO, a new radiator every 7-10 years is better. I'm sure that many on here will defend their externals, but when you're wheeling slow/crawling and the stock fan isn't moving, the tranny may not be getting sufficient cooling with an external - unless you add that additional electric fan. Just my $.02.

Some folks do have great results when they use thinner coolers and zip tie them directly to the condenser (this way the stock fan can sufficiently pull enough air through the external cooler and the radiator at the same time). Some people's experiments (with smoke tests) have shown that when the cooler isn't attached directly to the condenser, the air isn't pulled through, but rather the fan pulls air around the cooler.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

don't bet your tranny on mileage consideration only

I am in agreement with brian2sun that replacing the radiator every 7-10 years is a better way to go.

However just because your mileage is relatively low does not mean your radiator could not fail (virtually at any time) and destroy your tranny.

Take my advice with a grain of salt-I am a manual tranny guy. However we just did my friend's 01 Limited (automatic tranny of course) radiator and it was a piece of cake to replace that. KOYO A1998 should be the fitment for you. Roughly $120 or so online shipped to you.

Can't answer the brake question.

Personally I would take it to an expert and have them tell you what the symptoms mean. Free inspection place like Midas or Meineke might reveal the course of action you need to take or simply have them do the work. Your brakes and your life are worth the few dollars it probably would cost.

 

[domstriker]

The "strawberry milkshake" (who orders a pink milkshake anyways?) commonly happens around the 200K mark so being that you only have 88K, I don't believe you're in any iminent danger.

My milkshake happened at 140k on my '01.

Thanks for all of the help on it, BTW Brian2Sun.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I'm thinking of going the new radiator route and an external cooler just to be safe. I wonder what an OEM vs decent aftermarket units will cost? I guess that's my next research.

 

[domstriker]

I'm thinking of going the new radiator route and an external cooler just to be safe. I wonder what an OEM vs decent aftermarket units will cost? I guess that's my next research.

I bought an aftermarket radiator from the Advance Auto website. They usually do around 20% off of online orders and you can just pick it up at the store. I paid around $130 for mine.

If you do the external cooler and do any wheeling, get an auxillary fan as Brian2Sun mentioned. Even driving under 35 mph uphill for extended periods of time will get your ATF VERY HOT.