Ford Repair: 2000 Ford Explorer, tie rod ends, inner tie rod

Question
Hi Mark,

Fellow All Expert here...and hopefully you can give me some pointers.

I have a 2000 Explorer XLS model, X series VIN.
Auto, Air, 4.0...Standard XLS package.

I have noticed a leak underneath my front end lately...oily, but not engine oil.  Check the transmission the other day, while hot...just got home from a 10-mile drive, check the level and it was low on the stick.
So I added some fluid, check, and added until it was in the checked zone of the stick.  Mercon oil rating for Ford...

I think I already know the answer, but fear hearing my confirmation, but here has what happen in the last two days.
My radiator fluid is now a very light brown...light weight pudding so to speak...with obvious oil in it.
If I have accidentally over filled my tranny, would it have any way of escaping into the radiator?  Ok stupid question I know...
I only ask, as it has been fine until I added the stupid tranny fluid.

Now…I need to add, as you wish plenty of info…for over a year the engine light has been on.
Yes ok stupid me…I had a hole in the water pipe in front of the thermostat, and did overheat a couple times.
The shop told me pure the computer reading, it was an intake manifold leak, being it is plastic; it surely warped in the overheating.
I have yet to isolate, stuff some silicone in it, or purchase a new manifold…
I live in American Samoa, and prices are about 4 times that of the state side shops…ok…
When Ford wants $1000.00 or so for something that I can by stateside for $200.00…well go figure.
I wrenched on open wheel modified race cars for several years.
I just rebuilt the entire front end of my Explorer this weekend, with simple hand tools mind you, and it took me about 6 hours doing it in the driveway…course I did not replace the inner tie rod ends, but all else is new, and did service the wheel bearings.

I guess it boils down to: do I need a new radiator now?
Does that tranny fluid pass through it?  Honestly, haven’t looked to see if it does or not.
Damn thing has too much crap under the hood.
Give me my old Pontiac Firebird, old Chevy or GMC Truck…

Anyway, any advice you might have.
Thanks Mark,
Terry

www.tandtrepair.com
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Answer
Terry
trans cooler does go in radiator-overfilling wouldn't do it-if trans fluid is only thing low the the cooler is leaking more than likely-intake manifolds do leak but usually new seals take care of that. good luck. be sure and flush cooling system good.\
                                 mark