Norcal Spotted and BS Thread

So since having the 35s, I haven't had any issues with temps - but I've only had 35s for like 3 trips.

I'm running a B&M tranny cooler on top of a Champion all-aluminum radiator in lieu of the stock radiator.

 

Mine: Rigid LED pods

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rigid-dually-d2-led-pods.669946/

 

The temp spikes at under 50 is less suprising than the temp spike over the altamont at 70.

Under 50 your torque converter is using a fluid connection (causing heat). Over 50 you lock up relay is making a mechanical connection at the torque converter.

It is my understanding (when I was reading up on doing my shift kit) that the Lock up Relay Valve Assembly can wear out. According to Trans-go, if that wears it can causing issues increasing trans temps. I understood it to mean it can cause delay, or issues, with the mechanical lock up of the torque converter.

I'm not a trans expert... not claiming to be... but these are some of the things I learned last year when I was having similar issues.

 

What'd you ultimately do to fix your problems? I know you ran your tranny cooler out back too, right? Did you replace that part?

 

I did run a cooler to under the bed with dual fans. Part of the reason I did it with the fans is when you're moving slow, you're not getting much airflow over a tranny cooler mounted in the grill. I was also having coolant heat issues, so I did everything I could to uncover the front of my radiator.

I did replace that part... I wished I had done it when I did my shift kit, because I had to take the valve body out to replace the lock up valve assembly. (just caused me more work is all). I didn't originally do it because the local Toyota dealer wanted damn near 200 bucks for it (I fucking hate Modesto Toyota) but when I started having issues with it and starting looking online, McGeorge had it for around 60 bucks.

If I start having trans temp issues still... in the heat. I'm going to bypass and eliminate the fluid running through the bottom of my radiator... that is NOT a "cooler"... that is there to bring your trans temps UP when the ambient temperature is cold. Trans fluid that is too cold is just as bad or worse than trans fluid that is too hot.

 

Damn, so that little part isn't fun to replace. Maybe I'll drive the 4Runner to work tomorrow and see how she does under normal driving conditions. If she doesn't get hot, I'm going to assume it was a weekend problem. If she gets hot, fakkk

 

That little part really isn't THAT bad to replace. But you do have to drop the pan, and then drop the valve body, to get to it. A year ago, I would have been freaked out about doing it. But I've pulled the valve body twice now (once for the shift kit, once for the lock up valve assembly)... now I wouldn't be intimidated if I had to do it again. I would suggest, if there is ANY thought of doing a shift kit what so ever... doing them both at the same time is the way to go.

 

What shift kit are you talking about? Your twin sticks?

 

No... a transmission shift kit. It changes the shift points and makes them more crisp. Also quicker more crisp shifts actually puts less wear on the transmission.

Trans-go sells them.

 

Into the rabbit hole I go

 

LOL... this rabbit hole isn't that bad.

Shift kit = around 50
Valve body gaskets = around 50
Lock up relay valve assembly = around 60

The trans fluid will probably cost more than the parts

 

Hmm, I do have around 50k on the current valve cover gaskets...

Maybe I do some maintenance here soon

 

The valve gaskets I'm talking about is the transmission valve body gasket. Basically the transmission brain gasket.

And just because this is TacomaWorld and there always has to be yet another way to spend money... I have considered this

http://www.radesignsproducts.com/rail-controller.html

Just don't know enough about it yet to make up my mind whether I need it

 

Excuse my ignorance since I haven't considered any additional transmission modifications but how is this any different from switching from L to 2 to OD Off to D?

 

Those specifics are why I haven't decided I need it yet. I'm not 100% sure what it does. They do also have switches and leads that make it so you can change when your torque converter locks up, and do it manually, or make it not lock up at all.

 

Just when I was thinking about parting the bitch out and buying an 80 series...

 

BLASPHEMY!!!

 

My shit is heavy. Don't necessarily need more room but the weight concerns me since it's usually me + 2 dogs + the lady friend. Just ask @Twizted and @OneGiraffe how much I complain about weight...

The lady friend did approve of me throwing one tons under the 4Runner but I don't really have the room to do that work. Also would want to do some more research into what the best axle setup would be for me since I still want to drive it to the trail. Could be as easy (ha) as a trail gear (or similar, probably similar) front axle.

 

Gotta step up that diet plan!!!