1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Transmission coolers

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by 2021venture, Jul 19, 2023.

  1. Jul 19, 2023 at 5:49 AM
    #1
    2021venture

    2021venture [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    841
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    Maybe I am wrong but it doesn't seem many people are running an auxillary transmission coolers. Extra cooling of the fluid seems like it would benefit everyone running bigger tires, adding weight or towing. I have one on my g1 Tacoma for the extra fluid capacity and cooling. 20 years old and no issues. Heat with ATF is bad and I don't think the extra cooler has any downsides. Am I missing anything?
     
    LadeDruck likes this.
  2. Jul 19, 2023 at 11:15 AM
    #2
    Startrek

    Startrek New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2021
    Member:
    #21187
    Messages:
    388
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2012
    There is no interest to prolong life of the T4R in the eyes of the first owners. kids just want to have fun. that's the purpose of this forum sponsored by after market manufacturers and fabricators.
     
    Slopemaster likes this.
  3. Jul 19, 2023 at 11:24 AM
    #3
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    2,952
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christian
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium
    The temps don't get that high after adding larger tires and you have warning if you do. Maybe people think it's harder to add than it really is. I do want to eventually add one at one.
     
  4. Jul 19, 2023 at 1:48 PM
    #4
    Dabigono

    Dabigono Just Joined

    Joined:
    Dec 24, 2018
    Member:
    #8196
    Messages:
    4,328
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner
    Although it would be good to add a transmisión cooler, 4Runners don’t really have transmission problems, especially if the fluid is changed once in a while.

    It seems the weakness of of the 4Runner is a rusted frame, lack of power and poor MPG’s.
     
    engineer90 likes this.
  5. Jul 19, 2023 at 2:21 PM
    #5
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    5,451
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s
    I think you’re referring the other 4runner site. This one is more the “midlife crisis” /“discerning appreciator of old-school” owner website. :D. Lots of folks here tend to want to keep their 4runners for a long time.

    Maybe the other website has that type of owner too. But I guess I wouldnt know, since every time I try to go there, my browser usually crashes once all the ads load in lol
     
    java, POWERPLANTHOMER, djb1 and 4 others like this.
  6. Jul 19, 2023 at 3:50 PM
    #6
    Nubes

    Nubes Toyota Addict

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2022
    Member:
    #30260
    Messages:
    193
    Gender:
    Male
    TX
    Vehicle:
    2023 ORP
    Haha try using the uBlock Origin browser extension. Blocks a lot of ads and nonsense.
     
    Harringbr99 likes this.
  7. Jul 19, 2023 at 5:03 PM
    #7
    Nubes

    Nubes Toyota Addict

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2022
    Member:
    #30260
    Messages:
    193
    Gender:
    Male
    TX
    Vehicle:
    2023 ORP
    In addition to that write up here is a video that might also be helpful.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS8rqg1PVwU&list=WL&index=11
     
  8. Jul 19, 2023 at 5:11 PM
    #8
    2021venture

    2021venture [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    841
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    Is anyone monitoring the transmission temps? I will be buying a OBDLINK to make drain/fill and temperature overflow easy. Looking forward to using it for some data on transmission temp in different conditions. The gear hunting bugs me but I want real data on temperature.
     
  9. Jul 19, 2023 at 7:15 PM
    #9
    Glenn Goodlett

    Glenn Goodlett New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2020
    Member:
    #14894
    Messages:
    182
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Glenn
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro
    Paid for
    I've seen my trans temp hit 255 F on a long-grade pulling my 4000Lb travel trailer in 110 F heat. The key is picking a speed and gear where the torque converter is locked. When the TC slips, the temps skyrocket. Also, my trans skid plate immediately made my trans temp a little higher.

    A concern I have is if a trans cooler will not let the trans warm up adequately in freezing temperatures. I have heard, for what that is worth, the radiator trans cooler acts as a warmer in winter.
     
    LadeDruck likes this.
  10. Jul 19, 2023 at 8:17 PM
    #10
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    5,451
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s
    what skidplates do you have?
     
  11. Jul 19, 2023 at 8:20 PM
    #11
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    5,451
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s

    Yeah, need some military grade super locked-down browser for that place.
     
  12. Jul 19, 2023 at 8:23 PM
    #12
    Doglover2003

    Doglover2003 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2016
    Member:
    #2655
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    '18 ORP w/KDSS
    My thoughts on the tranny cooler. After going up a switchback mountain road at 10% grade, the tranny temps climbed quickly that reached to 229 F at one point. This was in 95 degrees weather btw. I installed a Derale tranny cooler and drove up the same mountain road and in hotter weather... 105 F my tranny temp stayed at 190 F throughout the trip up the switchback road. On cooler days of 70-80 degrees F I see 170-180 F it's worth every penny imo since heat is the number #1 killer of transmission.

    This was on a fully loaded down 5th gen 4Runner with RTT, full steel skids, drawers, sliders, camp gear, etc...
     
  13. Jul 19, 2023 at 9:37 PM
    #13
    Nubes

    Nubes Toyota Addict

    Joined:
    Dec 26, 2022
    Member:
    #30260
    Messages:
    193
    Gender:
    Male
    TX
    Vehicle:
    2023 ORP
    I'm planning on installing a B&M 70268 in preparation of getting a camper. It is about twice the cost of the Derale 13503 but it is a stacked plate design instead of plate and fin which is supposed to be better. The B&M also has a low temperature bypass so it does not cool the trans fluid too much in cold weather which is the main reason I'm going with it.
     
    djb1 likes this.
  14. Jul 20, 2023 at 5:01 AM
    #14
    2021venture

    2021venture [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    841
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    Any thoughts how much ambient temp affects the transmission temp? I am in Texas so heat is my concern more than cold. I am big believer in fresh fluid periodically.

    Apples to Apples same rig on same use case terrain would the transmission temp in the mountains at 70 degrees be similar as in southwest at 100 degrees?

    I think ambient temp for ATF makes more of an impact than motor oil. I plan on keeping the rig for awhile so always looking at best long term decisions.
     
  15. Jul 20, 2023 at 5:26 AM
    #15
    Glenn Goodlett

    Glenn Goodlett New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2020
    Member:
    #14894
    Messages:
    182
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Glenn
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro
    Paid for
    RCI aluminum full set.
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2023
    java likes this.
  16. Jul 20, 2023 at 5:31 AM
    #16
    Glenn Goodlett

    Glenn Goodlett New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2020
    Member:
    #14894
    Messages:
    182
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Glenn
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro
    Paid for
    I notice that my trans temps get to about 165 F in the winter and 205 F in the summer during normal driving. I live in the west Mojave Desert, so winters aren't too cold and summer temps are 110 F now.
     
  17. Jul 20, 2023 at 5:40 AM
    #17
    2021venture

    2021venture [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    841
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    I have the RCI full set in aluminum going for some weight savings. I don't think weight or material will change the ATF temp. Guessing it's an un intended consequence of the skids reducing air flow on pan.
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2023
    McSpazatron likes this.
  18. Jul 20, 2023 at 8:51 PM
    #18
    nova

    nova New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2022
    Member:
    #28359
    Messages:
    556
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    mike
    Prescott Valley - Arizona
    Vehicle:
    slightly modified LE
    4.88, Air lockers, 35 Toyo MTs, C4 body armor, +2 LT, etc
    I haven’t done a side by side comparison, but the well designed skids provide portals for air flow.

    Good luck!
    Mike
     
  19. Jul 20, 2023 at 8:58 PM
    #19
    whippersnapper02

    whippersnapper02 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2019
    Member:
    #8982
    Messages:
    2,952
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Christian
    Vehicle:
    2019 4Runner TRD Offroad Premium
    djb1 and Doglover2003 like this.
  20. Jul 20, 2023 at 10:50 PM
    #20
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    5,451
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s
    I have to get my carscanner app to measure pre and post temps once I get my skids plates, but I think even with airflow venting…you’re going from completely uncovered to covered. So some affect on temps has to happen.
     
  21. Jul 20, 2023 at 11:24 PM
    #21
    blksubykid

    blksubykid New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2021
    Member:
    #23606
    Messages:
    176
    Gender:
    Male
    I monitor trans temps on scangauge II. I'm really heavy, regeared, and tuned on 34” MTs and ive seen temps easily climb to +220F on long grades and really hot days. I once left it in 2wd on a fairly easy switch back trail and my trans temp skyrocketed quick. I since installed a trans cooler and my temps haven’t reached 200F but I manually shift and keep it in 4th to lock the TC on long grades

    6820E2F1-62FE-405F-AE17-1474142C3512.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2023
    Harringbr99 and 2021venture[OP] like this.
  22. Jul 23, 2023 at 4:31 PM
    #22
    matoolie

    matoolie Taking it a day at a time

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2021
    Member:
    #19314
    Messages:
    232
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Vehicle:
    2021 Lunar Pro
    I be added a cooler to my previous and current 4runner. I don’t tow other than small utility trailer occasionally, but I did experience heat soaking in a 2-3 hour traffic jam in 95 degree heat on my previous 5th Gen. Low air flow and hot temps I saw the transmission slowly creep up and got in 195 range. So I added one and did same on my current one. As stated above, when the converter is not locked, is when temps tend to soar. Good to put transmission in sport mode (think what is called) and manually control the shifts to keep converter locked. I do that when going up grades on highway. Just yesterday cruising at 75mph on highway in 90 degree heat see about 165F consistently. Heat is the enemy of transmissions.
     
  23. Jul 24, 2023 at 7:34 AM
    #23
    sympley76

    sympley76 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2022
    Member:
    #28774
    Messages:
    306
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4Runner Limited
    Which trans cooler is the best of the best for our 4Runner?
     
  24. Jul 24, 2023 at 8:14 AM
    #24
    2021venture

    2021venture [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    841
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
  25. Jul 24, 2023 at 9:32 AM
    #25
    matoolie

    matoolie Taking it a day at a time

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2021
    Member:
    #19314
    Messages:
    232
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Vehicle:
    2021 Lunar Pro
    I put a B&M 70264 in my '14 Limited in 2016 and no issues to this day.
    I have a Hayden 678 in my '21 for 2 years with no issues so far.
     
  26. Jul 24, 2023 at 9:53 AM
    #26
    blksubykid

    blksubykid New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2021
    Member:
    #23606
    Messages:
    176
    Gender:
    Male
    I don’t know there is a “best” but I am also running the B&M 70264
     
  27. Jul 24, 2023 at 9:56 AM
    #27
    2021venture

    2021venture [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    841
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    I am leaning towards B&M because of stacked plate and low temp bypass. Gets solid Amazon reviews.
     
  28. Jul 24, 2023 at 1:19 PM
    #28
    sympley76

    sympley76 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2022
    Member:
    #28774
    Messages:
    306
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4Runner Limited
    Looked around various sites and it seems there is no 4 Runner specific trans. cooler they are all kind of universal and mention it fits 90% of vehicles. Is it safe to assume it will fit or do we need some kind of spcial adapters, etc to install.
     
  29. Jul 24, 2023 at 1:23 PM
    #29
    2021venture

    2021venture [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 15, 2023
    Member:
    #30658
    Messages:
    841
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture
    Elka 2.5, Apache Offroad UCA, durobumps, RCI full skids, RSG sliders, 10 lb Powertank, Maxtrax, Hi lift jack, Westscott Designs modular roof rack and ladder, ARB rear diff breather relocate, ECGS bushing upgrade, c4 low profile bumper, Baja designs S8 lightbar, warn evo winch, factor 55 ultrahook, 80% off-road rear bumper, 4.56 regear
    I don't think anything special needed. Worst case maybe some extra tubing or tubing nipples. If it fits in the space I don't anticipate a problem. Just routing existing ATF tubing into the in/out of the auxillary cooler.
     
  30. Jul 24, 2023 at 9:29 PM
    #30
    MountainWanderer

    MountainWanderer New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2023
    Member:
    #31011
    Messages:
    42
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD Off-Road Premium
    Thanks for advice, can you explain how to manage the shifts to keep the converter locked? Also how do you know what the temp is?
     

Products Discussed in

To Top