Replace Transmission and Water pump?
 

I have a 1997 4runner SR5, about 172,000 miles on it. Engine light came on about a month ago. took it to get scanned and the code read an issue with the idle air control valve needing to be cleaned or replaced. I got a friend to replace it for me, and the engine light went off for about thirty minutes then came right back on. Took it in to the local Toyota service and repair ( my friend that is a mechanic lives about two hours away) for an oil change/ checkup and the guy pretty much told me its time to replace the transmission. To replace the water pump and transmission, he quoted me at $4100. Does that sound about right? Just a little curious. I'm taking in to get a second opinion and will have my friend take a look at it, but I would like to know more about replacing the transmission. I am willing to make the investment, I just want to make sure I am getting a fair deal.

OK,

first...what is the real, actual diagnosis and facts about need to replace transmission?

it is slipping, binding, clunking, foaming, milkshaked ?

if not, then wtf has the tranny have to do with anything ?

if anything... fix the IAC problem and
just replace the radiator by default, to ensure it won't milkshake in the future

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and for prices:

I got a 100% new rebuild on my 1999 4runner limited tranny...all that was the same was the case

it was sandblasted and repainted, and all guts and torque converter replaced 100%
and it cost me $1790.00 bucks which is an absolute steal. I saw the whole process
of teardown, tranny sent to the paint shop, aisin parts shipped in new boxes, and
put together on a bench and tranny stand...then shoved in and my frame rails bolted back in...and it was
dropped 2 more times for diagnostics to fine tune some things....runs mint now.

so pay between 1700 and 2900 for a tranny, I wouldn't go above 2900. and I would
want hard facts and true evidence it needs to be replaced. hint: if you got water in it,
then yes it will need a rebuild

Just recently moved cross country. before I left VA for WA, I replaced the radiator completely because it was overheating when idling, and the brake rotors to stop it from shaking between 30-50 mph. Ran fine for close to 3000 miles. Then the engine light came on regarding the IAC. that was about two months ago. Ive been getting around 250 miles a tank since. No one has mentioned the transmission before this guy. IAC was replaced a few weeks ago, but engine light came back on so I took it in toyota and the Guy said there are metal flakes in the tranny and possible leak in the oil pan. He reset the code but the engine light did come back on the next day like he said it would.

Im taking in it for a second opinion this week. Ill post and update then

I thought you went to get an oil change/checkup?? I wonder why that guy is bringing up the transmission "issue?"