X2...very useful.

Yeah I watch my coolant temps the closest too.

 

I just picked up a scangauge 2 w/ Xgauge off craigslist for $90 ...I couldn't resist. Although, I turned around and sent it in to Linear Logic to have them upgrade it to the most current software available (verison 3.17 IIRC) for free.

Can't wait to get it back and see what the tranny temps are doing. Curious to see the results before and after I get around to installing an aftermarket tranny cooler.

 

I installed a Tru Cooler 4454 in front/lower side of my radiator about 8 months ago but last week I finally installed a glowshift transmission temp gauge which after reading the new posts have me worried about the summer time here in Las Vegas. So far it's been around 60F to 80F degrees and actually at night it gets down to 40F degrees so one of my questions is there an over-cooling issue that I have to worry about or is it not a big deal, since I'm not in Alaska. In stop and go it will get up to about 160F but highways and/or cool nights the gauge registers nothing. At first I thought the gauge was broken till I finally exit the highway into heavy street traffic and the outside temp was up. I also bypassed the radiator due to reading this last year, Good inputs.
I guess when summer (120F+) gets here I might decide to go with a small electric fan to help cool down the oil, if need be. I'll post some updates on transmission temps during the summer time if it will help.

Also on the Scangauge 2, does anyone have or know the BullyDog "WatchDog"? I was looking at that one but now seeing the Scangauge I'm torn. It's hard to decide on one when you cannot hold them in hand. They look like they do the same but Scangauge looks to have more functions yet WatchDog has its own funcs/better screen. Besides the dollar amount, does anyone have any inputs or history dealings with either product? I figured I'll use it on my next 4Runner for a temp gauge since my year model was excluded.

'97 4Runner 3.4L Automatic 2WD

 

Whew finally just installed the True Cool 4454 today. I'm ashamed to say I've had it for 6 months but decided today to do the install. Over all it wasn't too bad. It took about 2 1/2 hours including a run to the parts store. I did have to buy some extra trans hose but other than that I'm very pleased. I was just worried to death the strawberry milkshake would get me.

 

It all depends on what you're planning to monitor. I have not heard of the watchdog but I'm really happy with the ScanGauge. Can't tell anything about the customer service cause its working perfectly. It can read check engine light codes and clear them. It'll also fits perfectly in the small compartment under the stock stereo.

Pics or it didn't happen.

 

I will have to agree that cooler is better, based on your experience. 300K on the original trans with that kind of duty life......that's amazing. Props to you, and thanks for sharing all the good info. This thread is probably the best transmission thread on all of YotaTech at this point.

 

One of the other things I forgot to add is I change the transmission fluid every 30K via dilution. When I hit 30K, I drain the pan as much as possible and re-fill, I do this for 3-4 weekends in a row and after 3-4 weeks of that the transmission is fully flushed.

Its allot cheaper and easier than having to pay to have it flushed at a shop.

FOG

 

B&M 70264 (1.5") is a perfect fit:

 

CYi5, Looks good, How long did it take you to do it all?

 

A couple hours if you take your time. That's mainly due to having to take the metal bumper and grill off. I was also a few inches short on tubing, so had to make a run to the parts store.

 

hey CYi5. i have the same cooler not installed yet. can you post some more pics up. thanks. maybe some of the mounting points and such. since not many run this one i would love to see you did it. looks awesome

 

I'll be doing the same thing here soon. Cant wait to get it off my list.

 

I found an interesting chart on another site, still trying to find out where it came from, or who's info it is. But since I've found very little info on max temps for synthetic ATF I'll post it anyway. I does verify FOG's temp concerns for normal ATF, but also verifies my thinking for synthetic ability to handle much higher temps. Sorry for the bad pic, its a screen shot.

EDIT: The chart is from Amsoil, here's a link to it: http://www.1st-in-synthetics.com/ams...sion_fluid.htm

 

That chart gives us more info then what we had before. Has anyone found where the ECU is getting the tranny temps that I'm reading with my scangauge? Or has anyone ever had a gauge and scangauge both monitoring the temps and seen how they compare?

 

I don't really have anymore pics of how it's mounted. I used the provided zip tie mounts to go through the radiator and condenser. I made sure to zip them snuggly but not overtighten to the point that the radiator/condenser are being pulled together. I chose to use this method versus the metal brackets provided as being closer to the condenser will help the fan suck air past the cooler.

From further research on cooler orientation I came across this thread. It states: "The mounting orientation of the cooler is VERY important. I called B&M on this, because I was not sure. The least efficient way to cool is by having the hose outlets facing down. The MOST efficient is to have the cooler mounted with the outlets up or on the side. If you choose on the side, make sure the INLET (from the factory cooler) is on the bottom and the top hose goes to the tranny. This is VERY important." So I plumbed them accordingly, bottom of cooler connects to tranny send, and top goes to the tranny return line.

I routed the lines though the AC firewall hole. I lined the areas that came into contact with the firewall with spare tubing to prevent abrasion.

The thickness of the cooler was of no issue at all, I could even slip it behind the center support if I really wanted too. This shouldn't be a concern when deciding on model.

 

Great thread, so I'll do my part in keeping it going....

Speaking of mounting supports, how ridged are the metal connectors that come in the kit? Anything to be worried about? I saw a write-up on here for installing the TRD tranny cooler, and the mounting kit that came with it looked really sturdy....https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f128...4runner-76336/

I like the look of the TRD cooler install (very clean), but the price is right with Tru-cool and I don't see any other added value for the extra $$. Should be ordering mine this week!

 

Mounting is sturdy. It's not strips of plumbers tape. You will need a angle grinder or sawzall to cut them.

No body take offense to this please it's not ment to be, but I think many are overthinking this install. Trust me, I do it all the time with everything I create (at work and on my own projects) and I was just like many of you who are wanting to do this. When I got it I went out, took my grill off and starting trying to mount it. Instantly I was stressing out and came running back in here to look at pics of others who did it. Once I relaxed and looked at it again it fit right into place. Might even help to have a second person hold it while you're under the truck measuring for the supports.

But it does fit, it's VERY secure (as you can tell people have several ways to mount it), it's very well built and overall it's pretty easy to do. Hell you might not even have to wash your hands when you're done! The only thing I bought extra was the hose, you will need more then they provide. I might be wrong here, but I don't think ANYONE has had any complaints with the tru cooler. I don't. But then again, I'm in Alaska, never any real stop and go traffic and I don't tow anything. I know I don't have any issues with it in the -25 to 70 degree weather.

Hope that eases some of your minds.

 

anyone know where you can get more of those zip tie mount things?
or whats the proper name for them?

 

I didn't use any of mine (TruCool). When I mounted mine I was able to use three mounting points (three of the four corners). The one I couldn't find a place for was the upper right corner (as you're looking at the front of the truck). The other three I cut the mounting hardware and used them. The one at the upper left corner is in a slight "S" shape to set it away from other items.

 

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMM-80278/