whats a tranny cooler do...besides cool?

[4x4Runner09]

I noticed people have TRD Transmission coolers. Thai has one under his mods.

SO what it is and what exactly does it do?
Worth getting and why would I need one?

Thanks a ton in advance...

 

[Thai]

4x4,

Tranny cooler is an automatic transmission cooler. It keeps the automatic tranny temperature cool. It is needed if you plan to tow often or off-road often...actually, it is mainly for towing...i am not sure about off-roading. It is usually mounted in front of the radiator, which means it is located in front, just behind your bumper.

I don't tow anything. However, i do off-road. Some people feel that if you idle your car often, then it is a wise idea to get a tranny cooler. In addition, there is no harm in having it. Most people will agree that even if you do not tow, the tranny cooler will help prolong your transmission life.

You can either use TRD cooler or Hayden cooler found at your local auto store. I believe TRD cooler is made by Hayden. However, i chose TRD because the mounting brackets and installation instructions are made specifically for the 4Runner. You pay for simplicity!

With the Hayden, you need to fabricate your own brackets. However, it is cheap to buy. The Hayden cooler should cost around $50-70, as compared to $190 for the TRD.

In conclusion, if you are good at installing things, then get the Hayden cooler. However, if you have little imagination (like me), then spend $$ to get the TRD cooler.

I HIGHLY recommend the tranny cooler!

 

[4x4Runner09]

So Thai, can you tell its there? Any difference in performance? Would it be MORE important to get if you live in hotter weather?

 

[Thai]

4x4,

Nope, i cannot tell if it is there or not...however, i am sure my automatic tranny knows!

In hotter climate, i think the auto tranny is a good thing. There has been a few debate about the role of the cooler in cold climate areas...maybe too much cooling of the auto tranny??? However, even in these cold climates, if you tow, you need the cooler.

If you live in CA, i would get it. No harm. Only good. Of course, as more miles you rack on your 4runner, the more you need it. So, if your 4Runner is still new, then you have plenty of time to decide. For me, it was one of the first thing i got for my new 4runner...to prevent trouble down the road.

Hope this helps. Go for it...get one!

 

[White4runner]

Doesn't the V8 come with a tranny cooler?

 

[Thai]

Yes, i believe the 4th gen 4runner V8 models come with a tranny cooler. It is located in front of the radiator.

 

[waskillywabbit]

Tranny Cooler

The TRD tranny cooler is rumored to be made by Hayden and the Hayden model #1678 is around $50, about $150 cheaper. Check out the full write-up with pics on my website.

Hope this helps!

:arrow:

Brian

 

[reynaldo65]

I have 2006 SR5 4X4 with towing package. DO I have the trans cooler? Oil Cooler?

thanks
Rey

 

[Uneek]

I have 2006 SR5 4X4 with towing package. DO I have the trans cooler? Oil Cooler?

thanks
Rey

Transmission fluid cooler inside the radiator, yes.

The auxilary external transmission fluid cooler in front of the radiator, no--V8 only.

Oil cooler, I'm not sure. On my '05 Tacoma, same engine, there's a cooler mounted above the oil filter mount/catch with coolant lines connected to it. This setup isn't present in my 4Runner.

 

[MikesToy]

It's better to have when needed than not have when needed.

 

[ALLEGRO]

As mentioned in various posts above, there are some pros and cons for a tranny cooler.

First, every 4Runner has a tranny cooler located in the radiator. Actually not much to it, but is does allow for some heat-transfer when the tranny temps get above 200'. This is the "norm" for all automatic trannys in all cars.

Under heavy-load conditions, the fluid in the tranny is the friction point for positive movement of the vehicle and can really get hot. This is when an external cooler is necessary and useful. Located in front of the radiator and in clean air, it allows for the fluid to be cooled in the radiator (somewhat) and then cooled again in the air-to-fluid cooler.

Another pro to the cooler is it allows for a slightly increased volume of fluid in the system. Where temperature is important, volume of fluid can also be a savior.

Cons, well there is only one real con. Auto trannys need to run at a set temperature for everything to work properly. As stated, too high is bad, and so is too cool. Some coolers incorporate a valve that is temperature sensitive that deletes the external cooler in cold tempertures, and then opens when needed. Most are just "looped" and operate constantly.

Tranny coolers = GOOD