Just fitted a trans cooler

[timewaster]

After picking up the new Jayco outback Expanda and heading off up to Moonta last weekend we had the same problem with our previous SR when towinig would either have the A/T light come on up hills or in sand or it would spit out of the breather and spray back underneath the car.

We did no hills or sand just flat roads and towing around 90-100km/h and when I felt the need would slip it into overdrive and I think this is were it had a little spit as when we got home the evidence was under the SR5 no light though.

So off to the local trans guy and he said around $350-$450 depending on mounting, I said I reckon I could give it a go myself so he sent me to his wholesaler to get the biggest one I could fit, so I got one for $120 plus $20 for some extra hose didn't want to start the job and be short of hose and as it turned I needed it.

The size I got was 255mmx280mm running through the car radiator first then through the second cooler, all up took a few hours to fit , I also moved the horns to the side and tidied up the messy wiring after toyota did the indicator up grade to increase the air flow.

We are off again for the weekend so will let you know when we get back to see how it goes with higher temos in SA this weekend.

There is also enough room to fit another the other side if needed.

Christian

[jackolux]

Well I reckon thats bloody great not only wont the new Hi-Lux's stop, ya cant tow anything with em

[timewaster]

I agree with the brakes, all the hilux's we have have 3 new and one second hand over the last 8 years they have all been the same crap brakes, we rely on the campers electric brakes to pull us up.

[camwill69]

TW,
It's funny but I have neither issue. Towed our camper trailer from Broken Hill to Cameron Corner via Silverton and Smithviile House with no issues in 50 degree heat. A/c on full. It's only a track and very sandy.

I find my brakes fine, might drive like a little old lady but ??????.

Regards,
Camwill69

[Stu-k]

Nope no probs either. Tow ton plus for work a lot of the time and have 1.1 ton Ct never seen the light come on.

As for brakes, they need a bit of pedal pressure but don`t overheat so no worries.

[Shrek]

I'm disappointed that the lux has drum rear brakes, but I haven't had any dramas trying to pull up yet. I haven't tried it with a big load yet so I don't know about towing...

[david allan]

the prob with brakes has been made worse if you give ur vehicle a lift.

Do a search on LSPV, heaps of info on this

[rodw]

Timewater, how about posting some pics of what you did? Very much on my list one day...

Rod

[9W6VX]

I have a trans cooler fitted and it's been really good on those long and steep hills.

No more warning light on the dashboard coming on!



Cheers

Brendon

[jackolux]

I have had my trans light come on a couple of time when in the bush driving up tracks in high range so I use low range and its ok

I will be doing the Simpson in June this year and just wondering if I should fit a cooler, not towing anything .

As for the brakes they seem fine until ya put em to the test ,

[timewaster]

Got back after a weekend in clare after towing the new expanda and what a difference in transmission heat, could put my hand on the rad and it was just warm.

May be i am doing something wrong as people have posted they have had no probs with the brakes or the trans overheating, I have to admit with our first sr towing a 1.8t jayco camper in 4h in light sand and had never have driven an auto before i did not realise the trans was slipping so much as the engine sounded fine.

But up hills is where I have had the problems and the manager at toyota wanted to check it out and said it should be standard on these type of vehicles.

Some pics on my profile

[traveller]

If the hilux is rated to tow 2250 kg, it should not have the trans light coming on when towing lighter loads or when sand driving.
Toyota should lower the tow rating or supply and fit a larger trans cooler for people who tow or sand drive.

[seanr72]

As previously mentioned by cam i dont have any brake issues either after all it is a 4WD not a v8 supercar stops pretty good IMO.
As for the trans light the towing capacity is rated for road use not towing a trailer through sand, i plan on fitting a cooler but only as a safety precaution for towing my camper.