Transmission cooler

[sporter]

Have you ever had a Subaru dealer install one? I understand from these posts that Subaru doesn't offer an OEM cooler but wondered if they would install an aftermarket unit? Cost?

[canuck37]

I did - I was not comfortable doing it myself, due to physical disability that limits me some anymore. Cost about $150. Bought cooler online - total costs for everything was less than $200. Worth it as far as I am concerned.

[mbaksic]

Have you ever had a Subaru dealer install one? I understand from these posts that Subaru doesn't offer an OEM cooler but wondered if they would install an aftermarket unit? Cost?

Hey Sporter,

Take a look at the post here on Towing With the Baja. Its a few pages back. I installed an aftermarket trans cooler. It was a PITA, but it works. I figure that it has saved the trans from overheating everytime I tow my ATV's.

Mike

[davecoon13]

I know that larger U-Haul dealers sell and install them. They can order one that will fit the Baja. They custom manufacture their own line of transmission coolers.

[kidjoe]

I believe japanparts sells a STI transmission cooler.

[Trucklet]

Unless you are stuck on the dealer doing the job, any competent garage should be able to nstall this for a reasonable price. Having done this myelf a few months ago, I can say it's fairly simple if you get a decent kit. I went with this one http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/merch ... u-cool-lpd and it fit nicely. I did not need to purchase any other parts to install and did the install in about 2 hours (going very carefully and slowly). Without a transmission temperature gauge, it's hard to say for sure how much it really helps. I just know I feel a lot better when towing with an extra cooler, whether it's a factory cooler on a full size truck, or aftermarket on the Baja. Cheap protection.

[sporter]

Thanks Trucklet, which unit did you buy?

[Trucklet]

Thanks Trucklet, which unit did you buy?

I went with the 4452. But that's just me. Although the 4454 is larger and the price difference is negligible, I was concerned about mounting space, so opted for the slightly smaller unit. At a GVWR of 14,500lbs, I think this is more than adequate for a Baja. I followed the instructions included with the unit without any problems and mounted the unit on the front of the radiator passenger side. It may just be marketing, but I liked the description of this unit with the low pressure drop and design that allows the trans fluid to bypass the cooler until it warms up. Important if you live where it gets cold in the winter. As always, YMMV.

[sporter]

Thanks for all the tips. I had it done at U-Haul today, $125.00 total.