arracado

Posted this at T4R.org but no replies, so thought I'd post it here as well.
Been reading a bunch of threads on this, and while I think the job is something I can easily tackle, it gets a little overwhelming deciding what I need. Maybe you guys can help.

'99 SR5, 156k miles

Mostly used as a DD/vacation vehicle for long trips. No crawling, no intense off-road stuff. No towing yet, but I'd like the option of towing a smaller pop-up camper at some point.

I live in Southern Oregon, where it gets sorta hot in the summer (80s/90s, with a few weeks of 100+). Winters are mild, with little driving done in freezing temps (although I do get up to the mountains occasionally during winter where it is much colder).

I'm thinking the Tru-Cool 4454 would be a safe bet for me, but see that some folks have gone with the 4589 as well. Any opinions are much appreciated!

quicksilvr

Since you don't have extreme cold to deal with, I would go with something bigger than the 4454. You won't over-cool with something bigger, and that is really the only reason to NOT go bigger, especially if your driving includes lots of elevation change and you might tow a little.

I'd do the Tru-Cool 4589 or a B&M 70264.



In my opinion, the best solution to the transmission cooling issue is replacing the radiator AND adding a smaller external cooler inline with the new radiator cooler. It helps the fluid warm up quicker in cold climates, but it keeps the average temps down in a safer range than JUST the in-tank cooler would. True you don't isolate the fluids entirely, but it would be a freak accident for a brand new radiator to fail that way and milkshake your truck.

J2F42C

B&M 70264, unless you were towing extensively, then maybe the TC 4589.

Use the search engine for the endless threads regarding the 70264.....

gdutch

I personally use the TruCool 4454, and I live in Texas where the summers regularly break 100. I haven't noticed any problems driving around, but I don't have a Scangauge to check my temperatures. If I had it to do again, I would probably get a larger one just for safety's sake, but Mtn Goat uses a 4454 and his rig is SC'd, and he has never noticed abnormally high temperatures. The most important thing with whatever cooler you choose is how you mount it. If you get a massive cooler and stick it behind the bumper, away from the condenser where no airflow will reach it. . . yeah, not gonna be very effective. Mount it up tight to the condenser and right behind the grille though, and any cooler oughta work fine. Just my .02.

mt_goat

Consider location, air flow, and size as the most important variables. Brand is next on my list of importance. "Stacked plate" is more effective than "tube and fin" type.

arracado

Thanks for the tips guys, much appreciated!