Transmission cooler

[shift96]

How do I know if I have one? I have an 02 TRD SR5 V6. Didn't come with a hitch or trailer plug but it has a green fan clutch. It also has a cooler mounted in front of the radiator but it seems to have only A/C lines going to and from it. Any thoughts? I want to pull a 6x10 enclosed trailer that weighs about 1100 or 1200 lbs empty and will only have about 500lbs loaded in it when I do pull it and dont want to burn up the trans

[tacomaman06]

Originally Posted by shift96

How do I know if I have one? I have an 02 TRD SR5 V6. Didn't come with a hitch or trailer plug but it has a green fan clutch. It also has a cooler mounted in front of the radiator but it seems to have only A/C lines going to and from it. Any thoughts? I want to pull a 6x10 enclosed trailer that weighs about 1100 or 1200 lbs empty and will only have about 500lbs loaded in it when I do pull it and dont want to burn up the trans

im pretty most of the tacomas have a small cooler built in, but if you are gonna be pulling, you are on the right track. you need an auxiliary cooler installed. you can find them by perma-cool or b&m.....they both make good ones, and they are relatively easy to install, and they dont cost alot.. just remember...the bigger,the better, but you gotta make sure there is room for it. the other cooler you see is the oil cooler if im not mistaken. im also gonna get a cooler casue i plan i towing, and anyway to keep the tranny cool is a good idea.

[barron64]

You will be fine with the stock setup. I believe that model was rated to tow a 5K load so you are well below that. You already have a built in tranny cooler in the bottom of the radiator tank anyway. You can add an additional cooler in line if you really want but it is kind of a pain to do on that model. Not much room for the extra cooler or lines. I had an 04 DC 4x4 that I added an extra cooler to so I am speaking from experience.

[shift96]

Originally Posted by barron64

You will be fine with the stock setup. I believe that model was rated to tow a 5K load so you are well below that. You already have a built in tranny cooler in the bottom of the radiator tank anyway. You can add an additional cooler in line if you really want but it is kind of a pain to do on that model. Not much room for the extra cooler or lines. I had an 04 DC 4x4 that I added an extra cooler to so I am speaking from experience.

Yeah that is what I was thinking. If I have learned anything from having a Taco (and a 93 for 9 years and 300,000 miles on it) is that Toyota has got it covered. Why would they rate the truck to tow 5K load and not have the tranny to handle it. I expect that from Ford but not ToyotaThanks for the help to everyone

[The Phoenix]

Originally Posted by shift96

Yeah that is what I was thinking. If I have learned anything from having a Taco (and a 93 for 9 years and 300,000 miles on it) is that Toyota has got it covered. Why would they rate the truck to tow 5K load and not have the tranny to handle it. I expect that from Ford but not ToyotaThanks for the help to everyone

Visit IPT Performance Transmissions Torque Converters and Transmission Parts for Ford, GM, Chrysler, and Import vehicles in Wayne. They can upgrade your valve body if you want. You will NEVER wear that sucker out. I'd go with the amsoil flush as well.

[kathyricks]

Originally Posted by shift96

dont want to burn up the trans

To keep the transmission cool when towing, simply keep the transmission in Direct Drive
(3rd gear for a 4-speed transmission and 4th gear for a 5 speed transmission) and limit your speed to 55-63 MPH on the level and 45-55 MPH when going uphill. I agree with the others who say you don't need an extra cooler - you can see this for yourself by pulling the transmssion dipstick after 50 miles of towing in Direct Drive at 55 MPH - the fluid on the dipstick will likely be only warm, but not scalding hot.

Towing is overdrive is bad because the transmission will up and downshift more often and the torque converter clutch will unlock and lock more often = extra wear and heat. Towing in overdrive also usually increases fuel consumption.

[Marazzito]

Originally Posted by barron64

You will be fine with the stock setup. I believe that model was rated to tow a 5K load so you are well below that. You already have a built in tranny cooler in the bottom of the radiator tank anyway. You can add an additional cooler in line if you really want but it is kind of a pain to do on that model. Not much room for the extra cooler or lines. I had an 04 DC 4x4 that I added an extra cooler to so I am speaking from experience.

5,000 lbs with the tow package which adds a tranny cooler. I believe it is only 3,500 with out!

[Arb1977]

First gen Tacos come with a auto tranny come with a cooler at the bottom as part of the radiator. I would add a secondary cooler on top of that. Non tow package Tacos are rated for 3500 lbs and tow package Tacos are rated for 5000 lbs. A way to tell if you have a tow package is look at the fan clutch the base will be green or orange. Green=tow package, orange=no tow package. The green fan clutch is alittle bit more heavy duty compaired to the orange clutch. Every Taco comes with a tranny cooler regardless if you have a tow package or not.

[shift96]

Good info. I have the green ran clutch.