Transmission Cooler

[coachtcardoso]

Does anyone have any input re: a transmission cooler?
Where to purchase, difficulty of install, type to get/avoid, how necessary?

I have a 2006 tundra double cab 4.7 v8. I was looking at brake controllers and this topic was mentioned.

[North of 49°]

My truck towed our old hybrid just fine without struggling, but when we upgraded to our heavier 24FBS, I felt that having a transmission cooler wouldn't hurt. Coincidentally, the truck was also due for a transmission service, so I just took it to a reputable transmission shop and had it all done at the same time. It cost a few hundred dollars including the service, but if you're handy, you could probably do it yourself. It's a bit beyond my skill, so I paid to have it done, and they put in a stacked plate cooler rated for 16,000 lb GVW. It's probably not 100% necessary if you're towing well below your limits, but finding out you're wrong would be a lot more expensive.

[canadiankid]

What are you towing? As mentioned the closer to maxed out the more necessary it is. Have you found a break controller?

[rkresge]

Originally Posted by North of 49°

My truck towed our old hybrid just fine without struggling, but when we upgraded to our heavier 24FBS, I felt that having a transmission cooler wouldn't hurt. Coincidentally, the truck was also due for a transmission service, so I just took it to a reputable transmission shop and had it all done at the same time. It cost a few hundred dollars including the service, but if you're handy, you could probably do it yourself. It's a bit beyond my skill, so I paid to have it done, and they put in a stacked plate cooler rated for 16,000 lb GVW. It's probably not 100% necessary if you're towing well below your limits, but finding out you're wrong would be a lot more expensive.

X2 - we went to a local transmission shop.

[coachtcardoso]

Originally Posted by canadiankid

What are you towing? As mentioned the closer to maxed out the more necessary it is. Have you found a break controller?

I will be towing a JayFeather 26bhsw. It will be over 6k lbs loaded and my limit is 6800 lbs. Very close to it's limit.

I'm considering a P3 brake controller. Amazon has the lowest price (so far) and I love their return policy. I've watched installation videos on etrailer.com and it seems within my skill set.

[canadiankid]

Does your truck have a tranny temp gauge? I have a year old P3 that I'm no longer using. Got a new truck with factory break controller, wonder what shipping would cost.

[jestoy7]

Etrailer also has great vids on tranny cooler installs. Used it on my Odyssey.

[MadDad]

*** for the P3.

[Gone campin]

I like the P3 controller better than others I have had.


I would recommend a stack plate type cooler. Whoever installs it, make sure they know what they are doing - a line blowing off can empty a transmission very quickly (maybe before you see the smoke) and it will be toast...

[rgchak]

I use Hayden coolers on my Bronco (oil, trans and P/S). It's a simple job of installing with hand tools. I do recommend using a flare nut wrench when removing the fitting from the radiator. You can get a set of wrenches from Harbor Freight for around $10. If you don't have a trans. temp gauge I recommend installing one at the same time, again not a hard job.