Trans Cooler for Converter Lock-Up kit

[Wattie]

Hi people,

just wanting to get some opinions or experiences on External Transmission Cooler System for an up-coming install of Converter Lock Up kit for my 4.8Lt GU patrol.

I have found out that there is a factory fitted, external transmission cooler on my rig and it has been suggested to me that I need a bigger unit for the towing of my caravan. The new bigger Trans Cooler unit costs around $700-ish fitted.

I will be getting the Lock-up kit and scan gauge interface unit fitted at the same time, plus a transmission service. All of this plus the new cooler unit comes to about $2700. Without the new bigger cooler I will save $700. I just replaced my radiator because of the recent over-heating scenario as stated below and that was !6 years from brand new.
So, if there is a end-of-life-cycle period for parts in my vehicle then maybe 'a change is as good as a no-change'.

My question is; 1) Should I fit everything without the new Trans Cooler, and see if my factory cooler can do the same job as the $700 unit, or,

2) Should I just put the bigger unit in. (Which is not a bad thing, but is it a waste of money if the factory unit can do the job?, or,

3) If I go with 1) and find that the factory unit cannot do the job efficiently enough then I can go ahead and put the bigger unit in later. Nothing lost in this option but maybe time and or maybe price rise if its a bit further down the track.

Prior to this I have been towing my caravan as factory supplied with no converter lock-up unit and it has been towing very well without any over heating problems until just recently coming back from Coffin Bay and Pt Lincoln.

So, keen to hear your thoughts

thanks, Wattie

[paulyg]

Only real way to tell is to measure the trans temp, if it gets to hot, you have your answer

[the evil twin]

If it tows OK with the factory cooler and by "without any overheating" then save your $700.

When used appropriately the lock up kit will reduce the tranny temps even further as the Torque Converter will generate less heat

[Wattie]

Yes, I agree with you ET, thanks for your input.

[the evil twin]

Yes, I agree with you ET, thanks for your input.

No worries...

FWIW I had manual lock up selector on a 4L85 auto (behind a 6.5 Chev) in a GU Ute and also on a Patrol RE4 auto (behind a TB42efi) in a GQ Wagon.

With the lock up available both boxes ran at pretty much the engine temp.
The lock up on the RE4 made the biggest difference between "before and after" temps pretty much as expected as the 4L85 is rated to much higher specs