Transmission Cooler

[Mike G.]

I just bought a pop-up camper and would like to install an Aux. Trans. cooler, I tried a search but could not find any detailed post about installation instructions. I am going to install a B&M SuperCooler 24,000gvw and would like to see how the transmission lines are running and which ones get connected to the inlet and outlet fittings on the cooler. If anyone has a link or information I would be thankful for the info.
I installed this cooler on my Camaro, and it was easy, but I knew what lines to connect. I can figure this out eventually, but just trying to make it a quicker install without all of the guess work.

 

[Antman]

Here is a link to the FJ Forum install- should be very similar.
Installing a Transmission Cooler - instructions with pics - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

 

[CApilot78]

I just bought a pop-up camper and would like to install an Aux. Trans. cooler, I tried a search but could not find any detailed post about installation instructions. I am going to install a B&M SuperCooler 24,000gvw and would like to see how the transmission lines are running and which ones get connected to the inlet and outlet fittings on the cooler. If anyone has a link or information I would be thankful for the info.
I installed this cooler on my Camaro, and it was easy, but I knew what lines to connect. I can figure this out eventually, but just trying to make it a quicker install without all of the guess work.

When you are done, post pics, description, etc. I also have the B&M supercooler, as I am going to be towing a 19ft boat (3800lbs on trailer) to the lake and back, but I haven't installed the cooler yet. So please, post pics and a description when you are finished.

 

[Mike G.]

Thanks for the link!!!
I will be ordering the cooler tomorrow so it may be a week or two before I get to the install, but I will post up the install and some pics. I installed this same cooler on my Camaro and it was really easy to do, it took maybe an hour for the total install. Once you get the lines figured out, the rest is easy.

 

[Antman]

Looking forward to your writeup- I will probably be installing one this summer- and maybe some rear airbags for when I tow my camper.

 

[Titanpat57]

I too would be interested in this.

My question is, if the 4Runner comes equipped to tow...is the cooler really needed?

Would it void any warranty if it was cut in to the tranny lines?

I've always had them, and totally believe in them, and would like the piece of mind knowing it's there.

 

[CApilot78]

I too would be interested in this.

My question is, if the 4Runner comes equipped to tow...is the cooler really needed?

Would it void any warranty if it was cut in to the tranny lines?

I've always had them, and totally believe in them, and would like the piece of mind knowing it's there.

I asked my dealer about the warranty, etc. The 4R does have a cooler in the radiator. The B&M has a thermostatic bypass valve that allows the fluid to bypass the cooler if it is too cool. The dealer I spoke with said they had a customer install one himself and reversed the lines (so the Out on the radiator went into the "out" on the cooler), and he blew up his tranny towing his boat in the mountains. They wouldn't do anything for him.

If you read the manual, it says you aren't supposed to tow over 85 degrees. Well, I guess in AZ, that means no towing from March to November.

So I will hopefully install it correctly and I am pretty confident that if I blow up my tranny my warranty will be voided. I am also going to install a temp gauge, which will allow for monitoring.

Again, not to gripe on Toyota, my but 2006 chevy truck had a built in tranny temp gauge that was displayed on the dash. It also had "instant" and avg MPG.

 

[Mike G.]

I really don`t understand why Toyota did not include an aux. trans. cooler, I feel that if your towing a 2,000lb+ trailer you are going to see some elavated tranny temps, and heat is not good to auto transmissions. I will be towing in Western Md. and there are quite a few hills and mountains to ascend, I can`t wait to get my cooler in when it gets here. I feel that a tow package is not a tow package unless it comes with at least an aux. trans cooler. I don`t buy into the line that if Toyota thought it was needed they would have installed it, I guess they saved some money at my expense.

 

[x67934]

I dragged a 2500lb camper 7,000 miles throughout America this summer. 100 degrees in South Dakota, through the Black hills, and even Rocky Mountain National Park. The T4R did great without an additional transmission cooler. I think you will be fine towing a pop-up. I do highly recommend getting a brake controller.

 

[Mike G.]

I will pay the $70.00 for a cooler for a little piece of mind and long term reliability. I plan on keeping the 4Runner for a long time.

 

[PUBES]

Toyota is a nice driving truck. Its fine for everyday use. But for towing, not so much. I kick myself in the ass for getting rid of my Chevy. I'll buy another Chevy before another Toyota anyday.
I believe a truck should be tough and handle like a truck, not be wussy and handle like a car.
Toyotas are for posers who want to drive a truck cause they think it makes they like cool.
My stock Tahoe would out tow any FourRunner.

 

[Mike G.]

That`s wonderful!!

 

[thebwlife]

Toyota is a nice driving truck. Its fine for everyday use. But for towing, not so much. I kick myself in the ass for getting rid of my Chevy. I'll buy another Chevy before another Toyota anyday.
I believe a truck should be tough and handle like a truck, not be wussy and handle like a car.
Toyotas are for posers who want to drive a truck cause they think it makes they like cool.
My stock Tahoe would out tow any FourRunner.

Get a new chevy and go to there forum, problem solved.

 

[Antman]

Toyota is a nice driving truck. Its fine for everyday use. But for towing, not so much. I kick myself in the ass for getting rid of my Chevy. I'll buy another Chevy before another Toyota anyday.
I believe a truck should be tough and handle like a truck, not be wussy and handle like a car.
Toyotas are for posers who want to drive a truck cause they think it makes they like cool.
My stock Tahoe would out tow any FourRunner.

Hey! I have an idea!! You and your...PUBES...could always join the Tahoe Forum and tell war stories about your greatest breakdowns, and the way the dealer screwed you over. Go Chevy!!!!!!!!! Sounds like FUN!! :hello:

 

[Gstick]

Toyota is a nice driving truck. Its fine for everyday use. But for towing, not so much. I kick myself in the ass for getting rid of my Chevy. I'll buy another Chevy before another Toyota anyday.
I believe a truck should be tough and handle like a truck, not be wussy and handle like a car.
Toyotas are for posers who want to drive a truck cause they think it makes they like cool.
My stock Tahoe would out tow any FourRunner.

You can stick your "Government Motors" up your Alice Cooper look-a-like rectum. GM quality has dropped like a lead loaf, and people like you buy into the media propaganda. News bulletin "Einstein". If the US gov owns 51% of GM, you better believe they will do anything to TRY & make "GM" the worlds largest auto manufacturer. Including lying and witch hunting foreign auto manufacturers. FACT ! They will NEVER produce the quality of Japanese vehicles.

 

[Antman]

Alice Cooper look-a-like rectum...LMAO

 

[Mike G.]

I finally installed the tranny cooler today, it took a couple of hours because I was really anal about everything being right. It was a pretty easy install.
Model#70264

Mounted the cooler pretty much in the center of the radiator. Used the zip ties to mount it, I have used them on numerous vehicles and never had a problem. The fan blows directly onto the cooler from the opposite side.

The factory actually marks the lines (Always double check). The red/pink line is coming from the trans.(Hot) and feeds into the radiator. The blue line is coming out of the radiator (Cooler) and will go into the B&M aux. cooler. The lines in this picture are located on the passenger side of the radiator near the top just under the over flow. Both of the lines feed into the bottom of the radiator.

The two lines pictured here are located on the passenger side of the engine block on the bottom. The red stuff is just some red paint I used to mark the line (Hot Line from Trans.) The line located just above is the return line to the trans. this line is coming from the aux. cooler.

 

[Antman]

Did you lose any tranny fluid during the install? Thanks for the pics and writeup!!

 

[GrantK]

Mike, It looks sweet!

I'm looking forward to a road report. Any change in mileage, general engine temps, change to A/C efficiency, towing report, etc.

 

[Mike G.]

I lost a very small amount of fluid, I was able to catch most of it in a small pile of paper towels. I don`t expect any big changes in anything, the trans. temps will probably be 15-25deg. cooler. That does not sound like much, but when you are towing that makes a big difference. Heat and RPM`s are what kill auto transmissions, from what I hear the trans. in the new 4Runner is a stout piece. At least I will have some piece of mind when towing my pop-up in the mountains.
I will leave off the skid plate and all of the covers for a few days so that I can check for leaks, I had to do an oil change anyway so it was a good time to do it.

I wish I had a trans. temp gauge to see the difference and keep tabs on the temps., I don`t understand why a company outfits a truck for towing and does not add an aux. trans. cooler and gauge.