So, today I decided to install my B&M 70264 transmission cooler. I got the grill off with some difficulty, and spent the better part of 2 hours or so working out the best way to install the cooler using the included brackets, rather than the zip tie things. I ended up using only three brackets, but it's perfectly stable so I'm not worried about the missing 4th one.

When I went to start moving around the ATF lines, I noticed something strange -- the hoses going into the current radiator were rubber, not metal as I had assumed they were. I assumed that the factory used metal hoses, correct? Either way, assuming this was indeed a modification, whoever did it cut off the metal hoses in the most inconvenient spot, right above the branch of the frame that goes out to the drivers' side front corner.

Given the difficulty of access in that spot I'm not really sure why they chose to do it there, but nevertheless it definitely complicates my installation, because I'm not sure what I should do about the current setup. Essentially, I have three options:
1) Buy more 3/8" hose and some couplers, and simply add on to the existing hoses to get to the new transmission cooler;
2) Remove the existing 3/8" hoses and install brand new ones all the way to the new cooler;
3) Remove the existing 3/8" hoses and reattach metal tubing to go to the new cooler.

What would you guys recommend? I'm tempted to just add on to the existing hose given the tight spot that the current ones are spliced into, and the fact that I don't have a floor jack yet so it's not easy to get in there, but I also don't want to make a problematic situation for the future. I'm also wondering if maybe someone in the past already replaced the radiator? It's definitely a Toyota radiator, but they could have ordered it from a dealer I suppose.

Your help is appreciated! My 4Runner will be grill-less until I get this worked out, hopefully next weekend (I don't have a garage and it gets dark at like 4:30PM this time of year...)

It's not modified, that is the factory set up. Cut the rubber lines off of the metal ones. Then run two new rubber lines off of the metal ones to your cooler.

Pretty standard, that's how most of us do it.

yeah its no biggie. i "coupled" my rubber lines with a copper insert since i was too impatient to just go to the store and buy more hose, i was dead set on making what i had work. its not high pressure or anything so dont worry too much with it.

Interesting. Is it really difficult to get to the metal/rubber junctions? They seemed pretty far up there (I couldn't see them). Should I get a jack?

Dear Lord!

Put down the tools and step away from the truck, before someone gets hurt. Start by reading any one of the million DIY threads on this install.

Steel lines? All the way to the radiator? No, they don't connect directly to the rad. You need about 10' of new hose for this job. Make sure the hoses don't rub on anything or it will cut thru the hose in a very short time. You can use zip ties to help tie them in position but leave plenty of slack so they can flex with the engine movement.

One last bit of advice, buy new hose clamps. The factory ones will be too loose to hold the hose to the steel lines.

Good morning know I just made a miscalculation of the situation. One other question; should I be using 3/8" or 5/16" hose? I think the b&m kit came with 3/8" but I would swear I read 5/16" somewhere before...

3/8 - but depending on how stiff the tube wall is, it can be a major pain in the **** to get back on. Hardest part of the job was getting the hose on the trans tubes.

Might consider using some nylon hose sheathing to keep it from chaffing.

take a razor blade and slice the hose off vertically where it meets the metal lines. It'll make getting them off so much easier. I don't know why you didn't use the zip ties, they're way easier, perfectly acceptable to use, and wouldn't of taken 2 hours to install. Run the tubing through the circular hole where the a/c lines go through the radiator support. I'd also recommend adding a few drops of trans fluid to the ends of the rubber line when reinstalling the rubber line onto the metal line. A little lubrication helps a lot. (that's what she said)

the circular hole in the radiator support where the a/c lines go through is very sharp. Take some 1" pieces of excess rubber hose, and cut it lengthwise. (like a hotdog bun). Place them around the hole so the sharp edges don't cut into your newly routed trans lines.