Trans Cooler - New vs Used?

[RodrickHeffley]

With my 4runner still in the shop, I have been looking into getting an external trans cooler just to make sure I avoid the pink milkshake as I've just gotten a new OEM radiator.

If I were to try to get one used, what kinds of vehicles at junkyards would have them? Google wasn't much help with that.

Then in the new camp, what would my options be? I know B&M is a good brand to use but not sure which of theirs would be best. Maybe the 70268? I have a friend who works at O'Reillys who might be able to get me a killer discount, which might negate getting a used one at all.

Just looking for some input as with the load I'll have I figure it can't hurt to have one.

TIA!

 

[3bears]

if I could get new with a killer discount ( as you said) I would not mess with a used one. One reason is that with new you will get some new hose, new fittings and new attachment hardware.
otherwise I dont think they can go bad....and if I had to go used would flush it out and look close at all the fins and connection points and expect to pay about another 10 ( minimum) or 20 in hoses and stuff

 

[JoeT4R]

I personally have the 70268, have had it since 2016 I believe. Paid around $115-$120 for it new. Came with all the needed hardware for installation and so on.

A lot of users will run the 70264, which can be had from Amazon prime for $115 and has free ONE-DAY shipping. Not quite sure the exact differences between the two, but I’m sure they’re negligible. Either way, I don’t see $100 on a new trans cooler being money poorly spent. Protect your investment and buy a new cooler.

 

[Baughb]

Considering the cost of undoing the Pink Milkshake and other ailments caused by an overheated tranny, does the actual cost of the part make that much of a difference? How much did that spare BFG tire cost... I wouldn't buy a used part that is so integral to the function of my engine.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

If you’re going to series it with your new Rad any big cooler from the junkyard will work. Mine is from a Chevy van.

I flushed mine with mineral sprits and a drill pump.


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[brillo_76]

If you’re going to series it with your new Rad any big cooler from the junkyard will work. Mine is from a Chevy van.

I flushed mine with mineral sprits and a drill pump.


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I think the member maybe bypassing the cooler.

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[brillo_76]

To avoid the milkshake. I change my radiators every 10 years in my automatics. Thus I don't run external coolers. However, this is my method of dealing with that particular problem.

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[mtbtim]

I would not go used. Since you mentioned "Shop" that's where you could have saved the most money by doing the work yourself and avoiding expensive shop hourly rates.

Trans coolers are not expensive. The one I would recommend you get is the Hayden 699 cooler. You could run it in-series or bypassed and it would work well either way. In the video below, I chose to bypass the stock cooler.

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T

 

[RodrickHeffley]

I would not go used. Since you mentioned "Shop" that's where you could have saved the most money by doing the work yourself and avoiding expensive shop hourly rates.

Trans coolers are not expensive. The one I would recommend you get is the Hayden 699 cooler. You could run it in-series or bypassed and it would work well either way. In the video below, I chose to bypass the stock cooler.





T

Unfortunately I didn't have a choice as the insurance required it to be in a shop following my wreck. Thankfully I'm not paying out of pocket, I got a check from them that covered it. Thanks for your recommendations, I was planning to follow your video so I really appreciate it.


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[octanejunkie]

Unfortunately I didn't have a choice as the insurance required it to be in a shop following my wreck. Thankfully I'm not paying out of pocket, I got a check from them that covered it. Thanks for your recommendations, I was planning to follow your video so I really appreciate it.


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Adding an aux cooler is almost a given with auto trans 4runners if you wheel them. A cooler with a separate, dedicated fan is the next step to help cool trans fluid when wheeling as there usually isn't much airflow (low speed)

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[19963.4lsr5]

I also used a TrueCool 4589 on the 97 Limited Puppy Hauler project. It’s big and will require horn relocation.


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[Bad Luck]

I also used a TrueCool 4589 on the 97 Limited Puppy Hauler project. It’s big and will require horn relocation.


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That's what I've used before. I chose that one for it's size and integrated bypass valve. I think I just bent the horn brackets, but it's been a while.

 

[octanejunkie]

I used a Tru-Cool 4454 and did not bypass the radiator cooler, but plumbed it in series

Made a big difference

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[19963.4lsr5]

That's what I've used before. I chose that one for it's size and integrated bypass valve. I think I just bent the horn brackets, but it's been a while.

Before TrueCool was purchased by Dana Corp their site said that they made the coolers for many other brands. BM included. I almost bought one for my 97 SR5 Project. But had one hanging on the wall that only 1/2” smaller and not as thick and used it in series with the new Rad.

I monitored my oil pan temp with a temp gun and normal driving on a hot summer day was 150 pan temp.


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[19963.4lsr5]

I used a Tru-Cool 4454 and did not bypass the radiator cooler, but plumbed it in series

Made a big difference

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I put my junkyard cooler in series also.


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