Transmission Cooler Install

LV4R

LV4R

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Has anyone done this install themself on the board? I am looking to do this myself as my stealership wants to charge in excess of $350 just for the part. Good ol Las Vegas dealers strike again. If anyone has the knowledge of where the lines are that I would need to tap into to install this it would be GREATLY appreciated!

I have a 2005 v6 4wd that did not come from the factory with this installed unfortunately. I tow somewhat frequently and definitely need this upgrade.

Otherwise I guess I will have to hunt down the info the old fashioned way by getting my hands dirty! Thanks in advance!
 
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LV4R said:
Has anyone done this install themself on the board? I am looking to do this myself as my stealership wants to charge in excess of $350 just for the part. Good ol Las Vegas dealers strike again. If anyone has the knowledge of where the lines are that I would need to tap into to install this it would be GREATLY appreciated!

I have a 2005 v6 4wd that did not come from the factory with this installed unfortunately. I tow somewhat frequently and definitely need this upgrade.

Otherwise I guess I will have to hunt down the info the old fashioned way by getting my hands dirty! Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...


a search will get you this thread and some others


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17047&highlight=transmission+cooler
 
Yea I have seen all the other threads regarding the trans cooler but noone has actually given any specific details on the install. That is why I started this one. Thanks for the suggestion though!
 
teotwaki said:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showt...48&highlight=transmission+cooler+installation

Maybe you missed this thread that tells all about the great instructions that come with the TRD cooler, or the part number for the Hayes aftermarket cooler and bracket fab?
Click to expand...

I thank you once again teotwaki! The guide was definitely helpful but unfortunately that is a 3rd gen. I have a 4th gen and I am looking for the location of the return line after the radiator for the transmission fluid. I think I may have found it but it would be nice to know for sure before installing the cooler :D .

Picked up the Hayden 679 though tonite. Probably do the install tomorrow and take some pics as well to post here. Hopefully I dont slip and fall on all the trans fluid that will be on my driveway...:awais:
 
It comes with those zip tie like tie downs. They go through your existing rad and then you slide a holder onto it. Not sure if that describes it but I dont think I will be using them myself. I will probably fab some sort of a bracket to hold it as I am not too fond of brittle plastic in my engine compartment given the 120F plus weather we get here.

I found a picture of the holders actually:
rapid.jpg
 
Alright I did the install. Total time was about 2 hours as I messed with the location for a while but I finally got it. I had to drop the skid plate to access the lines as well. Here are the pics

This is on the drivers side just to the left of the battery. The top line that you see is coming from the tranny and the lower line is the return line that I ran to the cooler.
lines.jpg~original


Here is where I installed the cooler. I had to wedge it in a little bit but it was fairly easy to do. I then drilled some self tapping screws into the cross bracket in front of the cooler and into the extra metal on the Hayden. I then ran the line through the extra hole that is just to the right of where the return line is from the rad.
front-tc.jpg~original


Close up view
front-cloestc.jpg~original


Here is the bottom of the cooler where I ran the return line from the cooler back into the hard line returning to the tranny. I removed the line that came with the 4runner completely and used the line that came with the hayden. There is just enough line to do this and it would have been crummy if I had to go pick up some more of the trans line because apparently it is not easy to come by. I asked at the Autozone I bought the Hayden at if they had it and they didnt.
side-lower.jpg~original


This is the view of the return line from the cooler to the tranny.
lower-trans-front.jpg~original


Hope this helps for anyone that does this in the future! As many have said before: I am in no way an expert and this is simply my pictures of the install I did. I hold no responsibility for what you do to your vehicle if you perform this install.
 
Just trying to contribute back as I have learned a ton from the people on the board here! Its great that everyone is helping each other out and we dont have to rely on mechanics or the dreaded stealership. I know that here in vegas we have about a 1% honesty rate for mechanics. Its hard to find someone you can trust. Good luck if you do this install!
 
Nice write-up. I'll talk to the other mods about making this a Sticky. It'll help other members without searching too much ;):
 
Please do that. There are lots of parallel threads with good messages that could be brought together. Taking care of our 4Runners and peforming mods are the most fun to discuss!


sharp4runr said:
Nice write-up. I'll talk to the other mods about making this a Sticky. It'll help other members without searching too much ;):
Click to expand...
 
Just remember to measure twice and cut once when installing the lines. I picked mine up from Ebay for a smoking deal, just wish I did it sooner. The hardest thing for me was the actual mounting and routing the lines other wise straight forward.
 
great pics, thanks. just one question.

How did you refill the tranny fluid? i was told it had to be done by the dealer with some special pump.
 
chuey12, I did not add any more tranny fluid to it. I did not see the point as I only lost maybe an ounce at most when I did the install. The cooler itself does not take much fluid so I think I am alright. I have towed about 6000 pounds and no tranny overheating problems at all.
 
I am going to give this an attempt in the next day or two. I just bought a 4100lb travel trailer and want to make sure I do all I can to protect the 4runner. I also ordered a better hitch and picked up a prodigy brake controller.

Questions.
- After I drop the skid plate I will want to tap into the return line to the tranny...correct?
- Is this line on the drivers side of the car?


I am sure it shold become apparant when I drop the skid plate and get under the truck. I just want to make sure I put the cooler in correctly.

This may have to wait until Sunday my honey dew list this weekend includes sodding the back yard.

Any guidence you guys have will be greatly appreciated.
 
Just wondering, doesn't the 4Runner come with a transmission cooler standard like the GX does from the factory?
 
What Toyota says about v6 tranny cooler install

I got news back from the Toyota people. The following was cut and pasted from my email.

Response (Jessica C) 01/26/2007 08:17 AM Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
We apologize; we do not recommend or assist with modifying our vehicles from their original factory specifications.
Modifications could affect the vehicle
 
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