Transmission Cooler
- Thread starter KF4R2011
- Start date
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CavPro
Member
I’d look seriously into a tru-cool unit. I run one on my other big motor suv and what these units do to reduce trans temps while towing is amazing. Oh, and they are cheaper than the one you are looking at. I’d contact them for specifics though on your application because on mine I had to exclude the flow restrictor due to the OEM trans already doing what that was trying to accomplish. On my other suv I never see temps over 200 pulling nearly 10k lbs in ambient temps over 100 degrees.
Jetboy
New member
Honestly that looks kinda overkill. You don't really need a cooler with an auxiliary fan on it and it adds a lot of complexity to the install. Just a regular heat exchanger mounted to the front of the radiator would work just fine. The OEM unit on the GX460 is small and simple. Just a bit more cooling than the 4Runner system that is a liquid/liquid heat exchanger in the radiator. (I'm not sure you need one at all).
Jetboy
New member
I don't think it'll hurt anything. The lack of transmission failures suggests that it's probably not necessary. I think the A750F normal operating temp range is 68-230*f. I think the old rule of thumb about temps over 180 probably has no more relevance in modern fluids and transmissions than 3k mile oil changes does to service life. I can't think of a single example on here of a transmission overheating that hadn't had the fluid replaced with the wrong fluid.
I'm sure a cooler wouldn't hurt. Higher tow capacity models with the A750 all have one. Probably more necessary if you have aftermarket skid plates that block the cooling air flow paths designed into the OEM skid plate set.
I'm sure a cooler wouldn't hurt. Higher tow capacity models with the A750 all have one. Probably more necessary if you have aftermarket skid plates that block the cooling air flow paths designed into the OEM skid plate set.
Cadesun
New member
I pulled a ~5,000lbs boat and trailer from Michigan to Wisconsin and would not recommend it. I didn't use a tranny cooler and everything was fine but I can't even imagine what that weight is gonna do to your truck in the mountains. Braking and control will be very difficult. Bottom line, the 4runner is not the right tool for the job.
Being a flatlander I suppose I don't fully appreciate the "driving in the mountains" aspect. I did stay at a Motel 6 so I should be a pro right? Seriously, I have driven to western PA and back so I'm not completely unfamiliar with steep grades. I assumed a Tekonsha brake controller, properly loaded trailer, properly cooled transmission and 2 starbucks double-shot energy drinks from the nearest pilot gas station would be enough.
Also, just from an engineering p.o.v., I highly doubt the Toyota engineers designed these trucks with a 1:1 safety factor... If the manual says 5000lbs towing or 13,xxx lbs for the total weight of the total moving mass including the squishy thing in the front seat, I'm willing to bet 14,500lbs (minimum) would be where things actually may start breaking... Some of the frame components are made from 100MPA HS steel.... its just a tank!
Also, just from an engineering p.o.v., I highly doubt the Toyota engineers designed these trucks with a 1:1 safety factor... If the manual says 5000lbs towing or 13,xxx lbs for the total weight of the total moving mass including the squishy thing in the front seat, I'm willing to bet 14,500lbs (minimum) would be where things actually may start breaking... Some of the frame components are made from 100MPA HS steel.... its just a tank!
