2001 ATF cooler

JLMAres · #1 07-24-2004, 05:27 PM

I am fixing to tow a 4000 lbs trailer from Texas to Arizona. Is the standard ATF cooler on the 2001 v6 auto enough to handle this or should I consider an after market unit for the job?

suvguy · #2 07-24-2004, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLMAres

I am fixing to tow a 4000 lbs trailer from Texas to Arizona. Is the standard ATF cooler on the 2001 v6 auto enough to handle this or should I consider an after market unit for the job?

You can almost never have too much cooler. Keeping the ATF temps below 200*F is very important for the life of the tranny. Go buy you one of those small stacked plate ATF coolers and stick it up front somewhere.

rheteric · #3 07-26-2004, 08:53 AM

Frankly, although I have no qualms about the 4L30E tranny in day to day driving, I think you're really going to be pushing it on this long drive; not to mention that the vehicle is only rated to tow 3500 lbs in the first place. Mine even gets a little warm on the cowl after driving from Philadelphia to the Jersey shore, without towing a darn thing. I think you should really look into a cooling mod, and be sure to post what you achieve if you do go ahead with it.... I know a lot of people have toyed around with this idea.

JLMAres · #4 07-26-2004, 08:17 PM

I have the v6 so it is rated to 4500 lbs. I called the local Isuzu dealer today and they we pretty unsure about it one tech said to get on the other said I didnt need it. The one who said to get said to be very careful about the installtaion and that to be sure to add ATF afterwards and be careful since most shops would have the equipment to do it properly. I am still under warranty for the tranny so now I am really puzzled as to what to do.

Dober89 · #5 07-26-2004, 08:29 PM

Well a cooler will certainly help you prolong your transmissions life. Is it possible that the dealership could do the install?? The transmission is kind of different to work with because it doesnt have a dipstick for easy filling and it seems like alot of mechanics arent familar with it.

Also you will need to add transmission fluid, lots if you get a big cooler.

JLMAres · #6 07-26-2004, 08:37 PM

They didnt seem interested or even suggest they could do it. I think I am just gonna do stock but go very easy on the beast keeping it under 60 and make it a 2 day drive with a half hour break every 3 to cool.

Dober89 · #7 07-26-2004, 09:17 PM

That would be wise to take it easy and also stop for breaks. Over heating the transmission will cause internal damage but could also pop a gasket and result in a leak.

JLMAres · #8 08-02-2004, 07:27 PM

Just completed the trip and she ran like a pro. helps the aux. fan is directly over the ATF cooler but smooth sailing with the stock equip.

suvguy · #9 08-04-2004, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLMAres

Just completed the trip and she ran like a pro. helps the aux. fan is directly over the ATF cooler but smooth sailing with the stock equip.

Change the fluid and filter and see how much gunk collected on the magnet. What brand fluid did you use for the last fill?

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