TonyB66's Ownership -> Build Thread (2000 Limited)

[T4topher]

Minus the stainless hose clamps from THD, everything from Amazon. Sorry, the cooler was on special on the Flowmaster website...

Heck, even the hose, which I was expecting to get locally, ten feet or so, none of the local places had hose specifically for transmission fluid, not enough, at another the brand they had would have cost over 40 bucks for 10 feet! It was cheaper to get 25 feet from Amazon, so I did that...

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XONNTY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And the filter. Glad they went metal.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0787KWZPS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got very close to going spin-on, but decided against it. I'm typically an overkill kind of guy too, but that just seem way much, plus finding a good, easily accessible location... The main value add for me was the added port option that Mike mentioned earlier for a future control. If I decide to get a fan, and I think I will, Matt's simple on/off switch is likely what I'd do when it tough spots...

Hmm weird, wonder why I couldn’t find it on amazon before.. had to get mine on eBay. I think it was out of stock or something, oh well..

 

[96RedRunner]

In earlier post someone mentioned teflon tape getting into places it shouldn't be.
Start it back couple threads from end, direction you wrap tape, how much you put on. less tape is good. Just saying
Rides looking good!

 

[TonyB66]

Thanks 96RR.

With teflon tape, I indeed wrap it in such a way that tightening does not unravel it. I use it a lot on threads that don't have to be removed regularly. If so, it can shred and get into the system. That said, I'm experimenting with Permatex high temp sealant on the input, and teflon tape on the output...

T4topher - I know what you mean about things on Amazon disappearing. As you said, likely stock-related. While I don't plan to replace the Magnefine all that often, I will likely buy a couple or so when I see them on sale.

I had only about 2 hours today, but I'm quite happy as I have the fitment almost complete. If one wants to get the biggest cooler possible in the open space available (not behind anything), one would be hard-pressed to get a tighter fit than this B&M 70266. Geez, just noticed that Amazon has it for a nice discount now:

https://www.amazon.com/70266-SuperCooler-Automatic-Transmission-Cooler/dp/B000CIKCQ2

I made two holes in the center support. Here's a photo where I had just painted after making the holes...

I was hoping this photo would reveal the spacing off the condenser, but it doesn't. The cooler sits a little more than 1/8" away from the condenser. I used a couple spacers on the bottom bolt, and not seen, one spacer on the top.

While it fits, I was not satisfied with the input so close to this support bracket.

So, I removed it, and after a few minutes with a Dremel, file and paint...

Just with the those two bolts secured, it's rock solid.

I will install at least one bracket on the left side too. I'm still not 100% satisfied with the clearance around the input and output, so I'll do some tweaking here and there, but I'm convinced this can be made to fit very well...

 

[Snowden]

Trans cooler

[MENTION=175921]TonyB66[/MENTION] it's been a while since I logged on and read some threads. Looking at your trans cooler mod, nice work. Sounds like you are additionally adding an electric fan as well that's not something I've typically seen done. I have been wanting to add the trans cooler to my Runner as well so I'll be watching this thread with keen interest with you adding the fan to the equation. Have you decided yet if you plan to bypass the radiator factory cooler?

 

[T4topher]

Thanks 96RR.

With teflon tape, I indeed wrap it in such a way that tightening does not unravel it. I use it a lot on threads that don't have to be removed regularly. If so, it can shred and get into the system. That said, I'm experimenting with Permatex high temp sealant on the input, and teflon tape on the output...

T4topher - I know what you mean about things on Amazon disappearing. As you said, likely stock-related. While I don't plan to replace the Magnefine all that often, I will likely buy a couple or so when I see them on sale.

I had only about 2 hours today, but I'm quite happy as I have the fitment almost complete. If one wants to get the biggest cooler possible in the open space available (not behind anything), one would be hard-pressed to get a tighter fit than this B&M 70266. Geez, just noticed that Amazon has it for a nice discount now:

https://www.amazon.com/70266-SuperCooler-Automatic-Transmission-Cooler/dp/B000CIKCQ2

I made two holes in the center support. Here's a photo where I had just painted after making the holes...

I was hoping this photo would reveal the spacing off the condenser, but it doesn't. The cooler sits a little more than 1/8" away from the condenser. I used a couple spacers on the bottom bolt, and not seen, one spacer on the top.

While it fits, I was not satisfied with the input so close to this support bracket.

So, I removed it, and after a few minutes with a Dremel, file and paint...

Just with the those two bolts secured, it's rock solid.

I will install at least one bracket on the left side too. I'm still not 100% satisfied with the clearance around the input and output, so I'll do some tweaking here and there, but I'm convinced this can be made to fit very well...

Forgot to mention this but if it is the same seller you purchased from and it drops in price within 10-14 days of purchase you can email amazon for a partial refund.

 

[TonyB66]

[MENTION=175921]TonyB66[/MENTION] it's been a while since I logged on and read some threads. Looking at your trans cooler mod, nice work. Sounds like you are additionally adding an electric fan as well that's not something I've typically seen done. I have been wanting to add the trans cooler to my Runner as well so I'll be watching this thread with keen interest with you adding the fan to the equation. Have you decided yet if you plan to bypass the radiator factory cooler?

Hey neighbor, good to hear from you!

Really happy I chose this cooler. After much reading, hearing how some wish they would have gone bigger (more BTUs), I'm very happy I chose this unit. I will not be installing a fan at this time, but I imagine I will at some point; likely once I start towing and during the summer months. I will monitor temps and modify as needed. With that same approach, I'm very much leaning toward a bypass install. If that proves to be problematic, with 25' of 3/8" hose, I'll re-do the plumbing...

Forgot to mention this but if it is the same seller you purchased from and it drops in price within 10-14 days of purchase you can email amazon for a partial refund.

I actually just did that, but for a vacuum last week! I bought this cooler from Flowmaster, unfortunately. It was the best price at the time (under 100 bucks)...

Well, had another couple hours today to refine the mounting. A good part of what I did was not really necessary, some even would say anal...

In order make more space and improve airflow, I decided to use the Dremel again. All of these items saw the cut-off wheel.

This one by the input, again.

A small portion of the cooler was tucked under the center support. After this cut, no longer...

The cooler itself was not spared. The flange on the passenger side was blocking air into the condenser.

On the other side, the top half of that flange was trimmed, about a 1/16 of an inch. That was done to allow the unit to slide over to the right that much more. I also elongated the two mounting holes on the left, for the same reason...

Afterwards, some clean-up filing to eliminate any jagged or sharp edges, then a good cleaning and alcohol prep, before painting.

And while I believe the trimming worked as I had intended, I later realized that by loosening the condenser mounts (both sides), the condenser can be re-positioned left/right quite a bit. I believe that alone would have created sufficient clearance for the input and its hose connection. I added piece of flat aluminum stock to the top that I still need to bend to shape, but after that, I think I'll be done securing it. Notice the improved clearance around the input fitting.

I should be able to finish-up the install pretty quickly from here, when time permits...

Earlier I shared about some health matters in the family. I learned today that my wife will have surgery soon. Recovery time should be about a month, so I'll be caring for her and being Mr. Mom for two little ones. I hope to make some arrangements with my employer to free-up time for my family. And my pop is having surgery later in Feb and I'll be helping care for him too, somehow. So.... I don't envision much time on the 4Runner starting sometime next month.

 

[octanejunkie]

Nice work, Tony. Looks pro af :thumb:

Best of luck to the fam going under the knife [emoji40]

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[TonyB66]

Nice work, Tony. Looks pro af :thumb:

Best of luck to the fam going under the knife [emoji40]

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Mike, thanks for the well-wishes. Rough times, but looks like we caught things early, thankfully...

Have today and tomorrow off work, and while waiting for a doc to call, I darn near finished. Got called for homework support, and was not able to wrap-up.

So the job wouldn't be that messy, I turned the 4Runner around so that the front end was on the incline of the driveway, then I raised it a little more.

Worked well. I lost at most 2 tablespoons.

Took the factory cooler out of the equation.

I installed the Magnefine filter on the send line, and decided to put it in the engine bay near the washer fluid reservoir. It's pretty accessible there and when I do filter changes, it should make little to no mess being up that high. The other consideration was about 6-8 inches after the hard line from the tranny. Not as easy to swap there, would be more messy and likely require skid plate removal...

New send and return lines connected to the tranny hard lines...

Had to unmount the cooler to have sufficient space to make the connections. I remain quite happy with the fitment.

It's essentially done. I'll next secure the hoses and provide some abrasion resistance in a few spots. While I have only about 1,000 miles on the ATF, I think I have enough in the garage to do a drain and fill. If so, I'll do that too... On our Tahoe trip last Feb it saw 220+ a few times, so I think some fresh fluid is advisable, especially since I added the filter...

Speaking of Tahoe, if we go (wife's health), it will be in early April. We'll take the same route, so I'm curious how this tranny cooler will compare to stock. The ambient weather should be somewhat warmer on this trip (April vs Feb) and my truck will be heavier (skids, sliders and bumpers should be on, possibly the winch too). If the temps are lower, that would be sweet.

 

[TonyB66]

I think I got a bit better drain of the ATF with the 4Runner inclined, a little over 5.5 quarts.

It's not really that dirty as the bucket had been sitting outside and had a thin layer on dirt...

I spliced open some other hoses I had saved from other projects, and placed them in strategic locations to protect agains possible slicing or abrasion. I zip tied them, but since those eventually break, I shot some 100% silicone in those pieces...

I bundled the two hoses at the bottom with large elbow I had saved.

After putting-in about 5.5 quarts, I started her up and moved to level ground and let it idle for about 20 minutes to check for any obvious leaks. While no drips, there was some seepage on the output. I'll keep an eye on that. Hopefully it will "coagulate" soon...

I decided to do a Home Depot run. Before I left (20 minutes of idle), the SC2.

Definitely no longer tethered to the radiator's coolant.

For most of the 20+ minutes of local driving at 60F ambient, the TFT lived mostly in the 125 to 145 range. Once I hit the grade up the hill to our home, behind some traffic (not moving that fast), with overdrive doing its thing, I saw 174 for a high.

With it warm enough to be "hot", I checked level on the dipstick, and it was low, and needed a few cups. No drips or other seepage noted. I will drive it a little more in the coming days, and if all is fine, I'll get the front skid plate re-installed.

Speaking of skid plates (RCI), I was able to drain the tranny through the access hole and it worked very well.

 

[Snowden]

..... possibly the winch too). If the temps are lower, that would be sweet.

Awesome work Tony. And if we know you, the winch will indeed be on lol......

 

[TonyB66]

Awesome work Tony. And if we know you, the winch will indeed be on lol......

Thanks Ash.

Feels good making some progress finally, not just doing maintenance and baselining items, which consumed most of year one...

We have some family property on Summit Road, near the channel 8 tower. I haven't driven up there since I had an FJ-40, like 25 years ago. When not wet, my dad had been able to go there in his Outback. He said that trees have fallen and he hasn't been there in a while. Enter my 3rd gen with a winch, and a chainsaw of course... Can't wait to start using it for more than a Tahoe runner and making THD trips.

Those 650# front springs (King) will be needed, and hopefully not far-off. Ah, new wheels and tires in the garage too.

 

[thenightman]

Everything is top notch, as always. Do you manually downshift on long uphills? Or on fun, twisty, roads with ups and downs where you get on the gas quite a bit? That made almost as big a difference to my atf temps as the cooler.

 

[TonyB66]

Everything is top notch, as always. Do you manually downshift on long uphills? Or on fun, twisty, roads with ups and downs where you get on the gas quite a bit? That made almost as big a difference to my atf temps as the cooler.

Thanks Keith & Jenny.

Tonight I just drove, ignoring what I might otherwise do. Certainly turning-off OD makes a notable difference.

Coming-up that hill tonight would normally have my TFTs at just above 200, or maybe as low as the coolant temp (188-195). So, nice to see 174 for a high. I sense that average overall temps will be lower, possibly much lower. I still want to tax it on road to see how high it will go. It didn't take much before to see 220+, with OD on...

 

[octanejunkie]

Good work nice write-up [emoji106]

I always turn off overdrive when going up any notably sized hill, that alone makes the biggest difference of all in keeping your trans temp reasonable

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[phattyduck]

After putting-in about 5.5 quarts, I started her up and moved to level ground and let it idle for about 20 minutes to check for any obvious leaks. While no drips, there was some seepage on the output. I'll keep an eye on that. Hopefully it will "coagulate" soon...

Good work. Its the little things (avoiding abrasion, etc.) that make mods like this work long term. You either strap it tight, or make sure there is clearance for movement without interference. My motor-swapped Alltrac has been perfect for many years (aside from regular maintenance) because of that kind of attention to detail.

That fitting won't stop leaking, sadly. I have found that you need a liquid thread sealant for any pipe threads on a vehicle, at least for ones that deal with oil-based fluids. I fought it for many years on oil filter relocation kits... Flare, AN or o-rings work much better if you have the choice.

-Charlie

 

[Mark_BC]

You already used pieces of hose for abrasion protection so this is just a suggestion for others who may be doing this. PVC pipe sections may work as well, you can heat it up and bend it to whatever shape you need. I'm wondering if any sharp edges may eventually eat through the soft protective hose and abrade the real hose?

I'll be moving on to this mod fairly soon so thanks a lot for this write-up, it is really helpful. I got the smaller cooler 20764, before I saw this thread.

 

[TonyB66]

Good work nice write-up [emoji106]

I always turn off overdrive when going up any notably sized hill, that alone makes the biggest difference of all in keeping your trans temp reasonable

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Thanks Mike.

After our Tahoe trip last year when I posted here about TFTs above 220, I think it was Charlie who commented about OD, and to turn it off. I had no idea. Huge difference! I'm keeping that on the ready during my experimentation stages. I'd like to have high temps ideally around 175, with a 195 to 200 peaks That should extend the life of the ATF and tranny itself. It's my hope that with OD off in more demanding situations, that will be achievable, and if not, I'll get a fan...

As mentioned earlier, I'm not so keen on plastic zip ties. I just ordered these.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B071NYQD9H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TonyB66]

Good work. Its the little things (avoiding abrasion, etc.) that make mods like this work long term. You either strap it tight, or make sure there is clearance for movement without interference. My motor-swapped Alltrac has been perfect for many years (aside from regular maintenance) because of that kind of attention to detail.

That fitting won't stop leaking, sadly. I have found that you need a liquid thread sealant for any pipe threads on a vehicle, at least for ones that deal with oil-based fluids. I fought it for many years on oil filter relocation kits... Flare, AN or o-rings work much better if you have the choice.

-Charlie

Thanks for the feedback Charlie.

While I'm very happy with the fitment of the cooler itself, and also the routing and securing of the lines, I'm a little bummed about the slight fluid loss. The upper fitting (inlet) seems fine. I used Permatex high temp thread sealant, which seems to be working well. What one or others might you recommend?
Sound like you're saying that the fitting shown will not resolve itself...

Not crazy about removing the cooler, but sounds I'll need to in order to better ensure leak-proof connections.

 

[BrianSD_42]

You did such a good job of writing this up, why not create a separate thread showing others how to do it. We could always use more references in the tutorial and documentation thread.

 

[Snowden]

Affected engine temp?

Coming-up that hill tonight would normally have my TFTs at just above 200, or maybe as low as the coolant temp (188-195). So, nice to see 174 for a high. I sense that average overall temps will be lower, possibly much lower. I still want to tax it on road to see how high it will go. It didn't take much before to see 220+, with OD on...

Tony I'm curious if you noticed any increase in engine temperature now that there is a trans cooler out in front?