Member - Stephen M (NSW) replied:

Hi prado-wolf, the best place would be an auto transmission place. I am getting a price for mine tomorrow. Rang them last friday and he was flat out so he was going to get a price together for me for supply and fitment of cooler plus including a full service on the transmission and I was suppose to ring him back saturday but was too busy, will let you know on the price I get to what you get. Regards Steve M

F4Phantom replied:

Toyota are a bunch of cheap skates, they never shut up about free air, something no other company have even mentioned for a decade, and they have not made stuff like this included in the deal. I will probably cop flak for this but my hack tdi pajero has a tranny cooler stock, along with a pwr steer cooler and dual batt system. I know not all of this is a must but the tranny cooler is in my books for a vehicle sold as doing these kind of duties.

arofs1 replied:

I have a 2001 Prado 3.4 auto and also was not happy with the transmission temperature when towing the van. After research with RACQ, Toyota and two transmission specialists, all advised not to try and fit an additional cooler, as it would cause a ripple effect of other problems.

The advise given to me was to change the transmission oil more regularly if towing. I have done this for several years and have had no problems. It is easy to empty and refil the oil yourself to save money if you wish, but be very careful not to cross thread the auto sump plug, which I am told is a common problem with DIY's and very expensive to fix.

Dave Thomson replied:

Ive been towing a 1.5 Jayco with mine over 10,000 K's and no prob's at all, I did ask about fitting an OTC but was told it would'nt need it as the box is more than up to the job, have to say I've done some serious hills and it's done just fine,
regards,
Dave

Member - Stephen M (NSW) replied:

Hi there prado-wolf, rang the transmission place back, the reply was "not needed" he has the exact same prado as myself and he tows a van behind his and said he's never had any problems with his and secondly there is stuff all room to fit, not sure on yours but I have an electric fan infront of the radiator (maybe for duel air being a grande). He just said to check fluid, colour should be bright pink if not needs a service and then just keep an eye on it when towing heavy loads and if colour changes its time for another change but he is talking after doing high klms (distance). t
There is no service schedule for the transmission by toyota. He said should be done every 40k like most transmission's. I have 160 on mine and never been done so still getting a Full service done which involves removing the pan so filter, magnets etc can be changed checked etc. $130 including parts. A general service which is just fluid changed is $90. He said you can tell if its ever been done as Toyota use a sealant as a gasket he replaces with I think he said a cork gasket but I am going to ask him to replace with sealant again dont want any leaks or seepage through a cork gasket. Regards Steve M