Hey all,

I recently bought a 2000 4runner auto from the original owner a week ago with 76k miles. It's in amazing condition but the PO only did oil changes every 3k miles. I have been base-lining all of the oils and did the 60k maintenance which includes spark plugs etc. I have been lurking these forums for a couple of weeks and I thought it would be wise to join. Knowing the 3rd generation 4runners and how they can succumb to the pink milkshake symptom where the tranny fluid mixes with the coolant... I just bought a TRD transmission cooler. Doing more research on the forums I noticed not alot of users were using the TRD cooler and it has similarities with the Hayden cooler. I wish I had found the threads earlier but it's too late for me... I already spent the money for the cooler and I am planning on using it. I live in Virginia where it gets moderately hot in the summer about 100F and cold winters about 20F. Can I bypass the tranny cooler completely with this cooler?? I am planning on doing some moderate off roading and mostly highway driving. Also would people like a how-to on installing a TRD Cooler? Please let me know.

Thanks
Joe

 

Joe,

Welcome and congrats on your purchase. Got any pics?

For the mounting of a tranny cooler, check out this thread:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/t...covery-215128/

Use the search engine here, it is a treasure trove of fruitful knowledge.

Problems that arise with the 4 runner is the leaking inner rear axle seal, failing contacts in the starter, lower ball joint failures, and the pink milkshake. Keeping up with service intervals is the key to a long life for this vehicle when you will have to replace oxygen sensors, the fuel filter, etc. during ownership....

 

Here's the official TRD cooler install write up.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f128...4runner-76336/

Of course this thread begs the question after Fog's research... Do the TRD engineers know what they are doing including hardware like that and telling people to install it that way? I love controversy...

 

Congrats, and welcome! I installed a TruCool 4454, which is roughly the same size as a TRD cooler and bypassed the radiator completely, and I have had no problems with it. However, the first time I mounted it I did it down where the TRD writeup thread has it, behind the bumper and low. If you read the thread J2 posted, you will see that this is not an ideal location. I have since remounted it tight against the AC condenser, as several others have done. If you want to completely bypass the radiator, I would recommend you think about mounting it against the condenser so you can have better airflow at low speeds (ie, the fan will pull air through the tranny cooler). Let us know what you decide, and happy wrenching!

 

Thanks guys I am glad I joined. I will be posting pics of the truck soon but just a warning all of you will be drooling . It has a rear diff lock but the guy that had it NEVER went off roading. When I was test driving the truck prior to buying it I pressed the rr diff lock button and he was like "hmmm what's that?" lol. I think I over paid for it (10.5k) but hey diff lock, 76k miles, no rust... this thing will hopefully last another 200k miles.

Getting back to the subject thanks J2 for the link. I will definitely mount it flush with the condenser. Do you guys have any suggestions on what I will need to buy at the parts store to get that accomplished??

Thanks again.

 

Didn't it come with a little install kit? Even still I usually need more hose, be sure to use ATF cooler hose, its made for hot oil (unlike air hose, fuel line hose...etc).

 

Hmm. . . might need to replace the fuel line hose I used then!

I don't believe the TRD kit comes with hardware to mount it up high, since they want you to use it in series with the radiator.

 

Oh man the famous MT Goat posted on my wall! Yes it did but just want to see if there is anything else I need to pick up from the parts store before tackling this project. I am also planning on draining the pan, dropping it and flushing the whole system out by draining one quart and adding one quart of atf... I will be using Amsoil ATF

 

Yeah that might not be rated for the high temps, most ATF hose has a temp rating on the side (something like 300* F IIRC).

 

It wasn't the only questionable thing TRD did, releasing a bolt-on supercharger kit without addressing additional fuel mods was another. They did eventually come out with the 7th injector but only after people had problems.

 

So my conclusion is that I will get it close as possible to the condenser. Thanks for the input guys I really appreciate it.

 

Joe,

I am not sure what all comes with the TRD cooler kit but you may need this to mount your cooler up against the condenser.

http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...le/D13001.html

You can get some good ATF 3/8" hose at Autozone, Checkers, O'reillys, etc. and they should be able to get a cooler mounting kit for you. At least 5ft.

If the differential fluid has not been changed ever, change it before putting that locker to alot of use. Get some 80W-90 while at the parts store. 3qts.

Looking foward to the pics.

 

I got my line from O'Reillys, asked for ATF hose and they said all they had was fuel line. I like O'Reillys, it's my parts shop of choice, but I expect them to be more knowledgeable than that; that's why I go to them.

 

I have found prepackaged ATF cooler hose at Autozone. 3 feet for about $6.

 

good stuff... I will be posting pics of my rig this weekend and pics of the installation of the cooler.

Stay Tuned

 

I forgot to mention I like the 3/8" hose better than the 5/16" or 11/32". Its easier to get on and off the fittings.