Transmission Cooler Suggestions

I'm planning on adding a transmission cooler to my truck as it doesn't have the tow package.

For those running them, which should I go with? I heard B&M is a good choice.

Also, should it bypass the radiator or run before or after it?

 

Keep the radiator loop for proper warm up. Put the aux cooler after the radiator loop (this is how the tow package is setup).

I have pondered replacing the stock small cooler with a bigger one and if i did id be going with a Hayden cooler with the internal thermostat/bypass

https://www.haydenauto.com/media/9055/bypass-transmission-oil-cooler_flyer_2022.pdf

No need for external fluid thermostat makes for a simple install.

 

Alot of info about coolers here. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...l-toyotas-write-up-with-many-pictures.526283/

 

$58 Hayden 679 Universal 11” Rapid-Cool Add-On Transmission Cooler to Enhance Cooling (not for direct replacement of the factory unit)

Hayden 679

 

After reading through this, I went ahead and bought the tru cool 4454. Thanks for sharing this write up.

 

I actually keep the stock cooler and add the largest B&M cooler I could fit.

 

Possibly I posted which part number cooler I installed, somewhere within these topics over the years.

For mine, I had no need for running transmission fluid through the radiator to warm it up or get it real hot. Therefore, I installed a large dedicated transmission cooler.

I left the radiator cooler portion drained and empty.
The oem trailer towing package transmission cooler, I converted to a power steering fluid cooler.

Has been this way for a long time, likely going towards ten years.

Transmission fluid temps on the Scangage have shown typical 160*f to 165*f when warmed up and local driving. Worse case was likely around 175*f.

Since the transmission cooler resides in front of the radiator and air conditioning condenser, the water temp shown on the scan gage is up typical 2*f to 4*f compared to without the after market transmission cooler. So coolant temp now normally runs at 188 to 190*f on the Scangage.

 

I just removed my stock one. should be in decent shape if you want it.

 

I'll take it if you're giving it away. I don't mind paying the shipping for it lol

 

Message me. Honestly would prob just sit here.

 

Same one I have. Plumbed in after the radiator circuit. Removed the way-too-small stock tow package cooler as well.

Works great. Keeping the stock radiator circuit was definitely a good idea as it definitely helps keep the ATF near optimal temp (not too hot, not too cold).

 

What's a pain is, my lines are behind the rad where on a tow package truck, they would be out front.

Did you have to add additional ATF?

 

I did a full "flush" of the ATF when I installed the cooler and replaced most of the soft lines near the front of the truck.

You can still access the lines on the back of the radiator pretty easily. Just replace the line for the ATF radiator outlet with some longer hose, plumb it to the cooler inlet, then plumb another new piece of line back to the ATF return hard line. My truck (with the tow package) has an intermediate hard fitting where the lines pass through the hood/upper radiator support sheet metal, but you can plumb soft lines through the same holes to the cooler without that intermediate hard line fitting. Just be careful that the soft lines can't contact the sharpish edges of the through hole in the sheet metal. If I were in your shoes I might use some hose mounts to position and support the soft lines.

I also did away with the stock cooler mounts and just fab'd some from some angle aluminum, SS fasteners, and a few rubber grommets/washers to damp vibration.

There is extra capacity, so you will have to add more ATF. It's a good idea to add some ATF then use the standard check method to make sure it's at the right level.

 

When I did the install of my stand alone cooler, I also added a remote mounted spin on filter setup. Might be overkill, but all the fluid headed back to the transmission pan gets filtered.

 

I'm getting slightly intimidated by the job and have pondered getting my local mechanic to do it. I think I can figure it out though. Not sure which line will be send and return though. I ordered a scangauge today as well to help with temp readings in the future.

 

Absolutely, that's a great idea. I have an inline filter for mine sitting on the shelf in my garage, just need to install it!

 

It's not too tough at all. Removing the grill makes getting access to everything super easy. To mount it you can build a mount like I did to have it stand off from the A/C condenser or you can use the supplied ties to mount it right up against the A/C condensor (if the one you bought supplied ties, it should also have some rubber/foam tape too so that you don't have the cooler and A/C condensor rubbing metal on metal).

I forget which line is feed and return for the stock radiator cooling circuit, but the info is here on TW (I think there are some pictures in the transmission flush thread, since you make use of those lines to do the flush). You could always unplug them both and turn the truck on for a sec and see which one spits out ATF lol.