Adding a transmission cooler

A few questions for those that have added a second transmission cooler.

It seems easier to add in line with the little cooler that comes with the tow package. Does it matter which cooler comes “first” in relation to the transmission? How do I know which line come “from” then goes “back to”? Please pardon my lack of proper terms here.

The new cooler came with plastic zip ties to attach to the radiator. Seems simple enough but is it really a lot better to get some metal straps and have it a bit separated from the radiator?

Lastly, as this is a sealed system, can I top off the fluid myself?

 

It shouldn't matter which is "first." I would consider the plastic zip ties to be temporary. Topping off the fluid is a relatively complicated process, if it is like my wife's RAV4. To do it right you have to monitor the fluid temperature. There are several UTube videos on the process.

 

Would it be safe to install the cooler then drive maybe 5 miles to a shop to have fluid topped off?

 

I took my little cooler out and made a bracket with some steel flat bar from HD to install a huge aftermarket cooler.. Painted the brackets black. It you keep the factory cooler then you have double the number of potential leak points.

 

Ended up rotating 90 deg., for better air flow with stock grill. But what TMOne said. Was doing the lights here.

 

I upgraded to a

$52 Hayden 679 Universal 11” Rapid-Cool Add-On Transmission Cooler to Enhance Cooling (not for direct replacement of the factory unit)

Hayden 679 trans cooler replacing thr OEM and I'm glad I did. I think with the OEM cooler in-line would have kept the trans temp too cool, and not in operational temperature. Just driving around town, my trans stays at 140*F which is barely warm enough for my comfort level as an operating temp for these a750 transmissions.

I tow a 2021 Forest River No-Bo 19.8NB that is 4000# dry and 5000# full. Trans temp is around 160*F on the hwy and never got above 208*F on the steepest grades.

I say replacement is a better option that adding as a secondary in line.

 

I need this aftermarket cooler bad I was getting up to 217 going up hills. I tow a 3400lb dry travel trailer and I have a factory cooler but it’s getting to high for my liking. Any pictures of your install. Did you have to add more fluid?

 

any pictures of your install? Did you have to add more fluid?

 

I will get some photos. I added more thru the lines before the final hookup

 

I'll get some pics later today. I added about 3 quarts into the transmission via the return line of the trans cooler through a fluid pump, hooked everything back up, then went through the process of warming up the trans to proper temps and draining excess fluid through the fill level drain on the transmission pan.

 

Here are some pics:

I installed a

$52 Hayden 679 Universal 11” Rapid-Cool Add-On Transmission Cooler to Enhance Cooling (not for direct replacement of the factory unit)

Hayden 679 replacing the OEM trans cooler. I tried using the OEM location. The top hose had to have a loop in it (which is recommended in the Hayden 679 cooler manual) since taking a direct path would cause the hose pinch/collapse.

I used 2 factory transcooler mounts and 1 factory bolt hole. The 3rd location at the center support where there was a transcooler bracket, I had to use an M10 bolt on the bottom left b/c the factory bolt had too big of a washer.

I'm satisfied with the install and have no doubt in its longevity.

 

There is a lot of information about transmission coolers at the link below as well
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...l-toyotas-write-up-with-many-pictures.526283/

 

All your answers should be here:

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-about-engine-transmission-coolers.aspx

 

B&M Cooler

 

I ended up buying a tru cool transmission oil cooler 4590 and it’s kicks on at 180 degrees and fully opens at 205 degrees. Now I have to buy the fluid for it. What fluid did you guys go with?

 

that’s exactly where I want to set mine up.

 

This is what I used. Says ok for Toyota

 

right on!

 

Add this a few years ago. Gave me about 3 extra qrts of fluid. I don’t tow anything and I haven’t put it to the test. I got it from yourcovers.com. They were looking for trucks to give reviews before it went on the market.