Transmission cooler

My taco is a 2008 single cab 2.7 AT with 90k miles. I tow my jetski which is about 1300lbs (including trailer) to the local ocean about twice a month. Maybe 2-3 times a year towing to Laughlin or to Northern Calif. (about 700-800 miles trip). Do I need to install transmission cooler?

Thanks,
TT

 

I wouldn't think so. Your factory one should be fine.

Not sure if your year has temp outputs, but if it does, a scan gauge would monitor it for you.

 

Do 4 bangers come with a tran cooler ? If so, you are set. If not, then I would say you are fine as well.

 

If you don't have an external cooler than I would say yes. It's fairly cheap insurance.

 

Mine doesn't come with the towing hitch. I installed it a year ago along with the lights. So I don't know if it has a transmission cooler.

 

Guessing you dont have one then. Look in engine bay. Looks like a mini radiator.

 

Just took a peek and nothing there.

 

Wouldn't hurt to do a fluid drain/refill occasionally to keep it fresh. It's super easy on the 4 speed automatic, simply drain it and refill through the dipstick tube.

 

In my post, when I said 'factory unit', I was referring to the trans cooler that is built into the radiator of all automatic trans vehicles, not the auxiliary unit that comes with a tow package or is added on aftermarket.

I've towed lots of things with light weights like the OP suggests over the years, many with automatics, underpowered motors and no auxiliary cooler and no ill effect. But I also change (simple drain/fill) trans fluid every 30k, regardless of manuf. recommendations.

Installing an auxiliary cooler is not a bad thing, or hard to do. But neither is monitoring the temps 'as is' and seeing how things are performing, before proceeding.

So, OP, I'd still look into if the '08 has temp outputs (I think it does) and start monitoring that. It's a good move, regardless of ultimately adding an auxiliary unit or not.

 

Thanks for the detail response.

 

The only drawback of too much trans oil cooling is reduced efficiency, so if you want to make the transmission last then put on as big a cooler as you can fit.

The opposite would be rapid degradation of the additives in the oil and accelerated wear of the transmission from excessive heat.