I'm new to this forum, but have really enjoyed reading it so far- lots of great info here. I have owned a 1999 4Runner for the last 6-7 years, and have been in love with it since I brought it home. Unfortunately, despite regular maintenance, I experienced the 'strawberry milkshake of death' a few weeks ago. Engine overheated, checked the radiator only to find a gooey pink transmission fluid/coolant mixture. Transmission fluid also looks fouled, and it was shifting funny right before overheating. If only I had joined this forum earlier, I would've heard about this problem before it happened.

Anyway, given the symptoms, I'm feeling like the transmission is in need of replacement. I'm a little short on cash, so I was hoping to find a used transmission to swap in, rather than have it rebuilt- the quotes I got from transmission shops around town were a bit shocking. If possible, I'd like to avoid getting a transmission from the years that have been affected by this problem (paranoia that somebody would sell me a tranny that was affected and flushed, and it will just fail on me soon).

So... I've read lots of stories about this on here, but can't find a thread that narrows down the affected years. Anybody who has had this problem- what year runner was it?

Many thanks to any/all who respond!
Jay

 

All years have the same issue. You just need to install an aftermarket tranny cooler to prevent it.

Pick up a used tranny from any year 3rd gen. I think even some older 4cyl 4runners/taco's used the same transmission, should be A340F I think. Check your door tag, it will tell you the transmission code for sure. Use the transmission code to find a new one.

 

Thanks- I wish I had known how easy the prevention could've been. I've read through as many stories on the forum as I can find, and I'm seeing lots of 99's and 00's. Wondering if they are more likely to have the problem than earlier 3rd gens??

 

My friend's '01 SR5 V6 just might have today...I got 2nd hand info, but it got towed to a shop...will know more tomorrow!
I warned him a few months ago....5 speed FTW!

**update on the '01** He totally lucked out and it ended up just being a leaky rad. New rad., reset the milkshake clock.

 

The problem is with the radiator not the transmission.

 

yup, i got that.

but, if i'm buying a used tranny, i want to be sure it hasn't recently experienced the same issue, followed by somebody just flushing and refilling (and therefore likely to die in the near future).

 

I don't think so, to my knowledge they all use the same radiator.

As far as a used tranny having the milkshake before, there's not much you can do about that unless there's a tell-tale signal, but I haven't heard of one. If you get one off of a 4runner that was wrecked, and not brought in with the body fully in tact, then I think your likelihood of getting a non-milkshaked one is pretty good. That's what I intend to do when mine dies on me.