Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

[larry1167]

I recently purchased a 2008 4Runner V6. It has the factory tow package, but Toyota did not install tranny coolers on the V6's in 2008.

I was planning to take the 4Runner to Aamco and have them install the cooler. Can anyone recommend a good tranny cooler I can purchase online? Aamco has a cooler, but I would like to try and save some money and make sure I get a good cooler.

The cooler Aamco has is a "True Cool". Is this a good cooler?

Thanks in advance.

Larry

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

I do not know what weight you are towing but with my 4runner I towed my boat 100 miles of mixed back road driving averaging 55-60 without a hitch or rise in temperature.

As a matter of fat I got 19 mpg on that trip.

If your 4runner has under 60K it is still under powertrain warranty and I would save the money.

 

[larry1167]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

I am pulling 3,500lbs. Limit for the 2008 4Runner V6 is 5,000lbs. I only have 18k miles on the 4Runner, but I don't want to wait until the warranty expires to get the tranny cooler. I would like to get 150-200K miles out of this vehicle so I thought a tranny cooler would help me get there.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

I used to work at a Toyota dealership...... trust me on this and save your money.

You really are not pushing it with weight (or pulling ) and I would see how it performs now. Your 4Runner is not even started to be broken in! Mine is over 100K miles and runs like brand new.

 

[clarkbre]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

I would like to get 150-200K miles out of this vehicle so I thought a tranny cooler would help me get there.

If that's all you want out of your 'yota you should start putting a little sand in the with your oil. They usually only last about 300k.

Seriously though, that is well within your vehicle's towing capacity. I tow with a 2006 with the V8 and it does great. I don't know if the v6's are geared different but I can't imagine they're that bad towing. Out of all the mid sized SUV's on the market your 4runner is on the better end.

 

[larry1167]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

Okay, sounds like the tranny cooler might be overkill. The tranny on my Explorer just took a crap so I am running scared.

Clarkbre- your V8 4Runner probably has a tranny cooler if you have the factory tow package.

Maybe I should just consider a tranny temp gauge. I assume this would be cheaper. Are they easy to install?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

You can buy a decent accessory tranny cooler at any auto parts store for under $50. Takes less than an hour to install it in most vehicles.

Something like this would work fine
http://www.etrailer.com/p-D13502.html

 

[62 pipestone]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

i am a toyota specalest and i install lots of coolers on tundras but only have done 1 or 2 on 4runners. you prob dont NEED a trans cooler unless its lots of hills to git to the water like mountin driveing, but it damn shure would not hurt to have one eather. my opinon is its cheap insurance but as long as you change your fluid every 30K you shuld git 300K out of it.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

A transmission cooler could only be a good idea and a great investment for the future of your vehicle's transmission. The temperature of the transmission fluid is key to it's longevity. Good Luck!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

I did a lot of research, read lots of reviews and car/truck forums before deciding what trans cooler to buy. Hands down, the B&M stacked plate coolers are considered the best. A stacked plate cooler has a few advantages over the typical tube and fin cooler. First, tube/fin coolers require the oil to travel through the entire length of the cooler. This can add considerable resistance and oil starvation in cold climates. Stacked plate coolers allow the oil to pass through the individual plates at once, so the resistance is much lower. Also the B&M has a cold oil bypass design, so in single digit or negative temperatures, the oil has a direct passage from in to out, eliminating oil starvation of the trans oil pump.

Stacked plate coolers are also more efficient, extracting more BTU's in a smaller space. Tube/fin coolers often have little "fingers" inside the tubes to mix the oil as it passes through the tube. This is to prevent the oil from cooling where it is in contact with the tube, and hot in the core. Stacked plate coolers have thin, flat plates where the has more contact with the cooling surface, eliminating the need for mixing devices that add to the coolers restriction of oil flow.

I installed a B&M cooler in my 98 Firebird to extend the life of the trans and trans oil. It was fairly easy, came with all the needed parts, and had good instructions. The Firebird by design made installing a little tricky just because access to the radiator is difficult. In a truck, it should be a walk in the park.

Here is a link to the post about installing the cooler:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=397538

The bottom line is most transmission failure is due to overheating. The oil gets cooked and fails to lube, gums up, and the trans fails shortly after. Keeping the oil cool with a cooler will extend the life of the transmission, even if its a well made transmission like the one in your 4Runner. It won't hurt, and will definitely help prevent trans failure and premature wear.

Stacked Plate Cooler (B&M):

Derale makes good stack plate coolers too.

Tube and Fin:

 

[larry1167]

Re: Tranny cooler for V6 4Runner

Thanks Mark and everyone else. Great information. I live in the foothills, therefore, I am dealing with hills on the way to my local lake. There is a very steep hill leaving my neighborhood. I also plan to tow the boat into the nearby mountains. Due to all this, I am going to go with the safe insurance of a tranny cooler. I will probably sleep better too.

I will definintely get the stacked plate cooler because it gets pretty cold where I live too.