Can anyone tell me how this works and how it's done.

Also, how expensive is this mod?

 

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runner/tech/trancooler/

 

It's one of the easiest mods and it costs about $50. Go down to the local auto parts place and pick up a plate style, not a tube and fin style cooler. Get any size you want, obviously the bigger the better but it all depends on where you can fit it. I had to use the smallest one and make some custom brackets to mount it above the front skid plate. You can find cheaper coolers online if you aren't in a hurry. Don't get the TRD one, it costs too much.

Do a search under "tranny cooler" and my username for more info.

 

Indeed, that does seem easy.

Now, can you install this in any vehicle?

Like the 3.0's?

 

If a vehicle has an auto trany...then a cooler will fit.

 

Mine's a 3.0 and I did it. I probably could have fit it in front of the radiator somewhere, but I didn't want to bother with taking off the grill and I have slight engine overheating problems in hot weather. You can definately fit it right behind the bumper and in front of the front crossmember, but I wanted it a little more protected in an accident.

 

So where did you end up installing it at?

Also, is there a significant diffrence is doing this mod?

Oh yeah, you said you have a slight engine overheating problem when hot, what exactly do you mean by this?

 

See my first post, the cooler is above the front skid plate. I also posted some pictures a while back so try to find them by searching.

Significant difference in what? Cooling? I don't know since I don't have a tranny temp gauge, but I figure it's better than nothing. My tranny light has only ever come on a couple times so hopefully with the cooler it won't come on ever again.

When I go to arizona in the summer my engine tends to overheat a little over the long hills, but that's at 105deg going 75mph uphill. If I put the tranny cooler in front of the radiator then the tranny cooler will heat up the air before it gets to the radiator, adding to my overheating problem. Most people don't have this problem though and just mount the tranny cooler in front of the radiator.

 

True, I did, I searched for your thread and I did see where you installed it.

 

I read the 4x4 Wire write-up and would like to know with the tranny cooler install, would I have to remove my TJM-15 bumper? Thanks.

 

Ian:

Remove the grill not the bumper.

(Unless you can't get to the grill without removing your bumper)

 

Thanks.

 

Will a tranny cooler prolong the transmission's life or is it strictly for cooling the fluid during towing and other special operating conditions?

Matt

 

Matt:

Both

 

Damn Paul. Don't you get tired of answering my questions?

Matt

 

You install a tranny filter so that it cools your transmission fluid after it's been first cooled by your radiator. It keeps the overall tranny fluid temperature lower, helpful for extending the life of your tranny & especially useful if you use your rig to tow anything.

Here's my install info for you:

Link to tranny cooler install on HBoss.net

Cost depends on which size & brand of cooler you buy. From generic to TRD it ranges from about $40 -> $175 (I think that's how much the TRD one costs).

Hope this helps.

 

Matt:

No...never.....damn...I did it again...