Radiator/transmission question

So my folks came up for the holidays and me and Pops decide to go squirrel hunting. As we were unloading the truck i noticed a steady drip out of the passenger side. After looking i saw it was coming from the radiator. The fuild coming out was red, but my coolant is red, so i didnt think anything of it. Pulled the rad and noticed that the two lines that run to the drivers side rad, located on the edge of the rad were shiny, dry and no sign of trans fluid. No trans fluid to be found or dumped out of the rad. None even dripped out of the hoses that connect to the rad.

Im no stranger to turning a wrench but that didnt seem right. Am i wrong? Ive never worked on a toyota rad so i might be missing something. My truck is a 2008 sport 4.0 auto trans. And has 124k on it. I cant help but think my trans fluid is so low that its not even in the cooler/rad and that freaks me out. It runs and shifts fine with no slipping or anything that would make me think it was low on trans fluid.

Second question: has anyone used any other coolant besides toyota brand?

My new rad will be here first thing in the morning but im worried about the dry tran tub/cooler on the old rad. Can anyone shed some light?

Thanks Y'all!

 

When I replaced my radiator there was definitely leftover transmission fluid that dribbled out. Have you ever had a transmission service? At 124k, you're little overdue if you haven't. Here is a link to a DIY on transmission fluid change/checking the level: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/63851-how-drain-refill-automatic-transmission.html

As for a different coolant, I used Zerex Asian Vehicle pre-mix. Much cheaper, same color pink as factory.

 

The first time I checked my fluid was at 79K, a few weeks after I bought the truck. It was about 3/4 qt low with no signs of a leak anywhere. It may have left the factory that way, who knows. It defiantly shifted better after I topped it off.
I've always used Dayco rad hoses without any problem. Just change them whenever you flush the system. I would defiantly use Toyota fluid or the zerex Asian fluid mentioned above.
I cringe when I hear about someone putting the prestone "fits all" coolant in their Asian vehicle

 

Thanks for the responses. I can't find zerex at any of the chain stores but napa is closed today so tomorrow ill see if they have it.

As far as the trans cooler inlet/outlets, I can look down into them and see inside the tub. It's shiny and new looking. How is it possible that the trans has been that low and towed a camper across the country and hasn't died? Ill be getting toyota trans fluid tomorrow and seeing about adding any it lacks.