Towing to Alaska

[arrakis429]

So I've been reading religiously for the past week about transmission coolers in line with the in radiator transmission cooler. Lots of material out there, lots of differing opinions. Here is where I'm at:

I'll be renting a uhaul 4'8 trailer for the trip. I've got a 99 4runner auto with 127k. The trailer weighs 8 55lbs empty and I can't see having more than 500 - 1000th to put in it. Probably closer to 500. I have a bm70268 cooler, haven't installed it yet. I'm leaving from the northeast, or temps have been 80's-90's and I'll be leaving in a week. I've got 265/6 r17 mastercraft axt's (new) on the rig as well. Temps in AK in the summer are 60-70 where I'm going and on the drive in between I'll probably see 70-100 degrees. I have a scan gauge which is tapped into the transmission temp. I've seen it up to 190 so far with everyday driving.

Question is, would I be okay with just the 70268, or should I put it in line with the in radiator cooler for more cooling? My radiator is not new, and I don't think I have the time or the dough to purchase a new rad before I leave. After this move I don't see myself towing again for a while. Are there any other options?

 

[tre9er]

separate it from the stock tranny cooler and cap the stock one off with a piece of hose. The pink milkshake occurs when the radiator membrane separating the tranny cooler ruptures and the fluids mix, getting antifreeze in your tranny, and tranny fluid in your cooling passages, causing a frothy foam that doesn't help either. That's why you want to separate the two.

I have the same trans cooler. You'll be fine.

 

[vanion2]

So you are estimating a maximum towing rate of less than 2k lbs. You should have no problems running stock.

If you are moving to AK I would consider putting the cooler inline with your radiator other wise during the winter you are going to have issues with your tranny fluid being too cold. Or you could just leave it stock and when you get to AK invest in a new radiator. They are only $96 online to prevent the milk shake.

 

[jgue467]

I agree with the other responders. Mine only uses a separate trans cooler and has climbed west texas mountains, sierra madre and the rockies while towing 2600lbs.

Only thing I'd add is as you watch your tranny temps come up on hills and/or mountainous areas, turn the OD off, it will allow your trans temps to drop like a rock, perhaps as much as 40 degrees. Then flip back on when going down hill...lots of Luck! Your truck can do this easily, just keep the R's in the right range. :banana:

 

[arrakis429]

So I installed the cooler, separated it from the radiator, and picked up and loaded the uhaul 4'8. I'll let you know how it goes. I haven't seen the scan gauge indicate anything over 140F since I put it on.