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Transmission Cooler Recommendation for 2011 Scion xB  

Question:

I have been towing a pop up camper with my 2011 Scion xB. I installed a curt trailer hitch, performance anti sway bar, Trd shocks, struts and springs and airlift 1000 air bags in back springs. When not towing I use an ir thermometer on the trans pan and it measures 180 to 190 f. When I towed recently an 1100 lb pop up camper for two hours carefully it measured 200 - 205 on the pan. I towed not in overdrive. I recently tried towing in overdrive being careful to not shift around much and after 20 mins it measured 190 f on the pan. Should I get a transmission cooler? I read that stacked plates are the best. Can you recommend one? Is this a diy job? I installed my brakes and my shocks, struts and springs by myself. Should I install a temp gauge ? Should I install anything else? Should I install a thermostat? Or do they come with their own thermostat? Or is it unnecessary with the u241e transmission? I have done 3 drain and fills on the trans in a row. I use synthetic oil. I plan on doing a trans drain and fill with every oil change. I read that you couldnt recommend the xb as a tow vehicle. I have decided that it makes a decent tow vehicle with the modifications that I have made so far. The biggest limitation in my opinion was the soft springs and shocks and the lack of an anti sway bar. The airbags are wonderful. I am on the fence with the trans cooler. I see a lower temp while towing in overdrive while being careful to not downshift. I was told to never drive in overdrive- I am not sure about that. If you strongly feel I should have a trans cooler- can you recommend one? Thanks

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Expert Reply:

Transmission temperatures at 190 when towing really are pretty good. You can install a cooler to get them even lower if you like though.

For you sized vehicle the part # D13502 would be a great option which would be very efficient. Stacked plate coolers are the best but realistically would be a bit overkill for your needs. Transmission coolers aren't too hard to install either.

The fluid path needs to flow from transmission, to factory cooler, to your new Derale cooler and back to the transmission.

Disconnect the return line from the transmission and using the fittings and clamps, connect it to one of the tubes on the Derale cooler. From the other tube on the Derale cooler, route the new line back to the return port on your transmission. I have included links to some FAQ articles on transmission coolers for you.

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Jameson C

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