Ah, Roaring Creek water....so that's it......hmmmm. And Roaring Creek water is plenty cold enough to cool most things post haste. Could it also be that PS cooler that came with the factory "big tar" and trailer towing option combos? It also has a factory oil cooler and tranny cooler, too, so it's probably a combo of all the above and that fact that I'm running 33s.
I seriously believe you're right about the backspacing thing, too. Shortruck has always had wheels with the Toy backspacing, so the rack and even the cheezy IFS components have been somewhat durable. I think the 8 inch wheels and the near-stock backspacing and all the factory options that help keep the heat down are the reasons I've had as little trouble as I have. The front wheel bearings are all original, too, BTW. After that one lower ball joint failure at URE, I got spares, and of course, Murphy says that with spares, I won't need 'em. So far that's been true.
HardTaco, I'm sure the "big tars" and the shallow backspacing have probably taken a toll on yer stuff, but I just can't understand it since you're so gentle with yer truck. Wink, wink, snicker, snicker......
Just remember, Tacos don't use PS fluid in the system - it's death on the rack and pump seals and thrust surfaces. Toyota calls for auto tranny fluid and says to NEVER use PS fluid. I woulda thought that the friction modifiers in the AT fluid that make the clutches and bands grip but still lube things would be less desirable than PS fluid, but WTF do I know?
(easier said than done though huh?) i do have a spare just in case though.