2nd gen Radiator replacement question

Hi, im about to replace the rad on my 08 tacoma 4l 4x4 because of a leak of trans oil at the bottom nipple fitting .( cracked and cant find this part anywhere)

and question is do you fill the rad with trans oil before putting the upper hose of trans cooler thats in the rad?

I do search forum but cant find this particuliar answer...

I lost maybe a little oil before discovering the issue.
I see the tread about trans oil flush and procedure but in my case does it apply?

Oh and i already have the pink milshake once and the trans was rebuilt.

Thanks a lot guys

 

No you do not need to prefill the transmission oil cooler, just be sure all caps and plugs are removed from the fittings and lines before installing.
You should check the transmission fluid when you are done though (engine idling trans fluid temp must be 115-130F).
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.63851/

 

The transmission cooler and the radiator are separate so it does not matter which order you do it. The proper procedure would be to install the lines and then do a transmission temp fluid level check afterwords. The radiator does not hold much trans fluid anyways so you’re probably fine.

 

Awesome. Thanks guys .
Does it matter if I put oem trans oil and dont know if the oil in it is oem or not?
Trans was rebuilt in a trans shop but dont know if they put oem oil in it ..

 

Many people prefer to use Valvoline MaxLife over Toyota WS (I don't have an auto so I can't speak for what works better) but as long as the fliud you use is WS compatible you should be fine.

 

I used max life and it worked out great. 237k miles on 35” tires and the trans shifts smooth still.

 

He has a 4 cyl; thus, ATF is most likely Type IV. Max Life is compatible with both. However, it is not a good idea to mix different ATF fluids. Thus, if unknown what is in it, best to do a flush.

OP, if you reside along the south, consider bypassing the radiator ATF tank altogether and install a an ATF cooler if it doesn't have one now.

 

I understood 4 Liter (4l) which is the V6, maybe the OP can clarify.

 

@Dm93 Ah. Thats more likely so.

 

Yes the V6 4 liter .sorry

 

Do this no matter where you live.

 

Yes? Really just a bypass?
Man thats was my first idea..
Cut down cost and time a lot
Already have the oem aux cooler.

 

You will need a larger aux cooler if you bypass the radiator cooler especially if you live in a hot climate and/or do any towing.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...l-toyotas-write-up-with-many-pictures.526283/

 

I think he meant install an ATF cooler no matter where you live, not the part about bypassing the radiator ATF tank no matter where you live. The radiator plays an important function in warming up the ATF on cold starts in cold climates. But, since coolant normally runs at about 200 degrees, the radiator does very little at reducing the temps of hot ATF. So, if the truck already has a cooler, just bypass the radiator tank and consider installing a larger cooler down the line if you tow. If you don't have an ATF cooler, you can bypass the radiator temporarily, to get you moving, but install the external cooler as soon as you can.

 

Even in mild to warm climates keep the ATF loop through the radiator. It helps keep the trans fluid at an even operating temperature. Do not just simply slap a bigger aux cooler in either, ATF has an optimal operating temp and you can run them too cold. There is a reason why the same transmission on the 1st gen tundras came with a thermostat on the trans fluid lines, same with the 3rd gen taco.

OP leave the trans cooling lines as is.

 

Well you are reasonable guys . I'll do it like it supposed to be.
Still a bit anxious about the trans fuild addition and check .. procedure seem a bit tough.
Should I worry about air in the trans cooling system?

 

Naw, the air will get pumped back to the trans (top of the pan) and vented out. No worries.

The check process is easy so long as you follow the step by step. Its also best to start the heating up process on a fully cold truck (one thats sat over night) on flat ground. I would personally put say an extra quart of fluid in the trans before doing the level check, that way you only have to do it once, rather than find out you are low, fill the trans up, have to wait till its sufficiently cooled off (which takes a long time) and then go through the temp check process again.

 

Is this the fill plug on the trany?
Big one passenger side

 

I believe so.

 

Yup, fill plug is up and big.

Drain plug is the hex head bolt, CHECK PLUG (the on you will use for the level check procedure) is the Allen Head bolt.

pics here (this is of a prerunner trans which has a fill plug in a slightly different spot but it looks the same and bottom plugs are in the same spot)

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-full-flush-for-automatic-transmission.68462/