transmission cooler

[jyguy915]

Hi i have a 95 v6 auto passport, and i am thinking of ordering a transmission cooler for my car. I have 90k on it right now, is there any point of getting one now since i have high mileage now? I wont be towing anything anytime soon, but maybe later in the future. I do drive up mountain terrain often and occasonial long distance trip. The main reason why i want to get one is to extend the life of my transmisson, since its only 45 dollar for one, I dont see any harm in getting one. Thanks

[amigo-2k]

If you are not towing things for long distances or things no more the 2000lbs, I think it is a waste.

[rodeo02]

No doubt about it. For normal passenger service, regular ATF swaps are all that's needed for the 4L30E to live a long and happy life.

Joel

[jyguy915]

Originally Posted by rodeo02

No doubt about it. For normal passenger service, regular ATF swaps are all that's needed for the 4L30E to live a long and happy life.

Joel

What about for low speed off roading during the hot summer?
thanks for the replies?

[mwt878991]

I totally disagree. A transmission cooler is a good idea in any auto tranny.

Mike

[Ramblin Fever]

I'm still kind of up & arms about this as well. I have 150k on my '97 auto; regular 30k flushes have done wonders and have never had an issue - even with pulling a heavy boat on many occasions.

However, I have since installed slightly bigger tires, and still do a lot of mountain driving as well. I have had 2 Rodeo's with this tranny well over 100k miles that did and still do a lot of towing, mild off-roading, and LONG highway trips

At the end of this month, I'm thinking about just having a temp guage wired to the cab for the transmission fluid, then if, come spring/summer I still feel I need one, then I'll look into it.

90K miles, and you're thinking you have high mileage??

Nah, these 3.2L's can go forever; just definitely keep up on the 25-30k transmission fluid change-outs.

I have heard the 4L30-E tranny's can be questionable, however, and they are real susceptable to frying if ran low on fluid, or infrequent maintenance.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by mwt878991

I totally disagree. A transmission cooler is a good idea in any auto tranny.

Mike

They are fine provided they are installed well, using reliable fittings and hardware. Rubber hose, brass hose barbs, hose clamps, zip ties, etc.. do not cut it & that's how most are. You have to inspect them regularly. I've seen many AT's pump themselves dry due to an aftermarket cooler leak. Many AT's can take being run out of ATF. The 4L30E will not.

Joel

[mwt878991]

I guess anything is bad if you half ass it.

Mike

[Ramblin Fever]

I have also heard of some ATF coolers freezing, per say, and not allowing any ATF fluid into the tranny.

Personally, I would install a ATF temp gauge, watch it and then decide, you may not ever need a ATF cooler.

We have an auto in a Dodge Diesel quad-cab, that we were seriously thinking about putting a cooler on, but for now we're just going by the aftermarket temp gauge on the ATF.

IMHO, a diesel puts a lot more stress on an auto then our Rodeo's/Trooper's do, different design, yes, but still haven't needed a cooler yet.

Gearing down, when needed for a higher rpm will help keep a tranny cooler as well; and also don't forget regular coolant/radiator flushes as well. As that same coolant keeps your tranny cool too - overheated engine = overheated tranny as well.