OEM transmission oil cooler

Howdy,

I've read the thread about the transmission oil cooler sold by genuinecoolingsystem.com, and am aware of this aftermarket option.

Was wondering if anyone has gone the OEM route? Is it possible to get the OEM transmission cooler on 2018 and earlier Tundras and install it on a 2019-2021 Tundra?
Are the parts available? Are they compatible with the 2019-2021 models?

Curious if anyone done this, and can provide feedback and also list of parts (and their price).

Also, my dealer said they would not install anything aftermarket. Anyone knows a dealer in mid-Atlantic/Northeast region that would install the genuinecoolingsystem kit?

Thank you!

 

Just go aftermarket.

The new setup had the trans cooler deleted due to switch in HVAC refrigerant.

OE cooler utilized the condensor for cooling.

 

Nick's kits also has way more cooling capacity than the stock setups do, which is always good!

 

this is the answer you seek.

I had a local shop put mine on. & they were impressed that it went on so well.

 

You'll need to replace your A/C condenser with a 2010-2018 A/C condenser that has the integrated ATF cooler. Unless you source it from a junkyard, this part is more expensive than Nick's complete aftermarket kit. Though the only thing aftermarket in his kit is the heat exchanger and mounting bracket, everything else is OEM.

You'd still need the thermostat, hard lines, flex lines and hose clamps; then you'll need to recharge the A/C system. I would expect this to cost quite a bit more than the aftermarket kit if you paid a dealer to do this, if they would even agree to.

Installing Nick's kit yourself isn't bad if you're not afraid to work on your truck. I would think a good transmission shop could help you, but I don't know of any in that region.

 

The install really isnt bad. The hardest part for me was leveling the truck for the fluid level check as I am in a hilly area with a sloped driveway and my garage is packed, and squeezing those front lines to the hard lines since the angle was bad.

 

If you're doubting the aftermarket parts - Toyota uses Setrab Oil Coolers in the Lexus LFA. They are quality.

 

The earlier Tundras, up to mid 2010, had a standalone trans cooler. I'm not sure if it would fit or not but think some of the old mounting points were gone.

 

Yeah Nicks kits are basically OEM, since all the important parts used are factory Toyota, except for the actual cooler, which is bigger (equals more cooling) and IMO just as good as the OEM.

 

I went ahead and ordered my kit (Nick's). I tow all summer long, and my temps were reasonable last summer, but I'd rather just put in the cooler and not feel like I always need to be watching them. I'm unconvinced that it's really necessary, so for me it's a "piece of mind" kind of thing.

I will hope that all of you who say "the install is pretty easy" are correct.

 

Let us know how you make out once you receive everything. I’m thinking about adding one myself. I only tow about 2500lbs a couple times a month. About 4 hours round trip over a 8-12 hour span

 

Will do. I'm hoping the install will be a fun project. It doesn't sound too technically difficult. Just one step at a time...

 

Haven't heard of any but it hasnt been much time since they dropped the cooler

 

I deleted my OEM and installed aftermarket unit.
Much better performance.

 

Is Nicks cooler bracket made of steel or alum?

 

I believe it's powdercoated steel. His kits are awesome. He now provides a 10% forum discount. I have had mine installed for 2 years now.

Edit....it is steel.

 

Have you seen measurable drops in temperature? Just wondering why to swap out the stock setup.

 

Would you mind helping me out? I need to replace the condenser in my 2008 5.7 WITH tow package. I have called a whopping 4 Toyota dealers. 2 giving me one part number and the other two are giving me a conflicting part number.

Here are the two pn’s I have:
88460-0C101
&
88350-0C010

I would greatly appreciate anyone’s feedback as to which is the correct condenser.

 

If I remember correctly, 2008 model year 5.7L w/ tow package had a dedicated transmission cooler, NOT an integrated AC condensor and transmission cooler. You can check by opening your hood and looking for a smaller heat exchanger on the passenger side directly behind the grille. This would eliminate 88350-0C010 from your parts list.

It's possible you need 88460-AZ007, it is also listed as compatible with your truck. Do you have your condenser out of the truck? I can't remember if Toyota puts the part numbers on these.

 

Thank you! I found out this morning that I don’t need the “integrated cooler” which was part number 88350-0C010 wahoo!

Now between 88460-AZ007 and
88460-0C101, is there a difference between the two? Here is the front end of my truck

 

Bit overwhelmed with no seeming consensus on this issue. I'm close to buying my first Tundra, specifically to tow my TT, ~6k lbs cross-country a couple times. Have my eye on a great 2020, then talked to a "Tundra guy" at an RV park who told me about the transmission cooler issue in later models. I talked to a Toyota mechanic (not dealer) today and he said I wouldn't have any issue towing with the 2020. He also said adding an after-market cooler was an overall bad idea for general functioning. I am completely lost now. Help?

 

You won't find a consensus on this issue - only endless opinions, noise and arguing about what everyone thinks is right. You can only do your research and decide what is best for you.

Adding an aftermarket cooler is not a bad idea for general functioning so long as you use an OEM transmission thermostat and the install is done correctly; i.e. the transmission fluid level check is done correctly, the fluid inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger(cooler) are connected correctly to the in/out lines of the transmission, etc.

Genuine cooling systems makes this extremely easy should you decide to add a cooler: https://genuinecoolingsystems.com/. It uses completely OEM parts from past model year Tundras aside from the Setrab cooler and custom mounting bracket. If you doubt the use of a Setrab unit because it is aftermarket, Toyota used Setrab oil coolers in the Lexus LFA. If you don't know what that car is, it is the best car Toyota has ever made.

 

So true! Thank you for your reply, and information.

 

We all know what opinions are like, and this is a really bad one.

Just one guy's experience: I was seeing pan temps in the 220s just driving empty on long Tennessee grades. I put an external cooler on immediately. Now, they take forever to get above 195 (the temp my thermostat opens).

It's just one extra thing that helps keep those temps from running away from you while towing or hauling. It's not a difficult mod; just order the OEM thermostat and hard lines from a 2018 and then get some hoses and a radiator to mount up front. @Genuine Cooling Systems sells kits. The only technical part is adding transmission fluid and doing a fluid level check at the proper temperature, but that's still not very difficult at all.

The transmission in the 2019-2021 Tundra is the exact same transmission that was designed to run with an external cooler on the previous tow package-equipped trucks. Toyota just closed off the cooler loop, put a thermostat-shaped plate in the way on the '19-'21 trucks, and called it good.

If you trade in and out of vehicles every few years, it's probably not a big deal. These transmissions are pretty stout, and those of us in the pro-cooler crowd are not expecting to see failures within the warranty period (although there are a few out there if you look for them).

If you want to keep your truck forever, it's a no-brainer.

 

well said.

now for the controversial comment:
and if you live in a "Africa hot" area like Houston, pin the thermostat open an you will max at 175 degrees.

I plan on keeping this 2020 for a long time.

A cool trans is a happy trans.

 

Installing the cooler on my 2020 was one of the best decisions and mods I made for towing, with the other being RAS HD install.

The only caveat is that the cooler needs to be installed correctly. For the mechanically inclined and patient, it’s not too bad.

 

With some of the dealers offering 25% off and free shipping, the 2 hoses, the tube and the T-Stat come out to about $291 shipped.
What other parts would be needed or is it worth the cost to order the Genuine Cooling System for $1299?
Seems like this could be bought out for a fraction of the cost but the mounting bracket would be a factor.
Does anyone know the OEM part number for the coolers 2018 and older?

 

I looked up my order receipt from late 2020. Hopefully these parts haven't gone up in price too much.

The thermostat is now $193 at Ourisman Toyota of Richmond. This used to be McGeorge Toyota, and they always had the best prices online. If you're out West, you might be able to beat them after shipping from a closer dealer that has decent prices.

Aside from that list above, all you need is hoses, a radiator, and a way to mount it to your truck up front.

 

Well that mechanic is being a dipstick. Adding a cooler, if installed properly, will not hurt the truck in any way. Disregard that part of the opinion he gave.

Whether or not the towing will be fine in a 2020 without a cooler is what you'll never get a consensus on.

 

What cooler did you use?