Radiator and Trans Cooler Question - '96 1HDFT HDJ81

[verseddreams]

Cross cross-posting this from the 80-series forum because I wanted some insight from you guys also:

I'll be replacing my radiator this month and I've been looking through several threads about what radiators to use as a replacement for the '96 HDJ81. There seems to be conflicting answers on almost every thread I look at. Some say to get the 3FE radiator or other ones that drop in but are only manual transmission and then run your own trans cooler that bypasses it. Others suggest different radiators that fit with a little bit of help from custom brackets etc.

My question is this: what radiator drops in with little to no modifications into a 1996 HDJ81 with a 1HDFT that still maintains the OEM trans oil heat exchange inside the radiator? The current radiator in the cruiser is part number 16400-17060, but they are discontinued, and I can't find any for sale anywhere or I would get this.

Two other options that I looked at that retain the trans oil heat exchange (I believe so) are:

JR2222J Radiator suitable for 80 Series 1HZ 1HD-T 1HD-FT Automatic Transmission - HD Automotive

JR2222J Radiator suitable for 80 Series 1HZ 1HD-T 1HD-FT Automatic Transmission

go.skimresources.com

and

Toyota 16400-17031 (1640017031) RADIATOR ASSY

Toyota 16400-17031 (1640017031) RADIATOR ASSY. New & genuine Japanese car parts. Fast shipping. Low prices. Request a quote from Amayama Trading Co. online.

go.skimresources.com

Are these pretty much direct fits?

Lastly, I've read that the A442F is prone to overheating, and many people supplement their cooling with an auxiliary cooler.
How necessary is this if never towing a trailer? Most that would be towed is a small boat rarely. Along with this, this vehicle will see several long-haul trips where we drive for several hours, and there will be times when it is on steep climbs when we head out to the mountains.

For the trans cooler, I've been looking at the Derale fan coolers so that I can mount in inside the frame, leaving in front of the radiator open for an intercooler down the line.
At the same time of servicing and changing all of these things, I will also be getting a new thermostat, fan clutch, and coolant + trans temp gauge.

Just wanted to hear everyone's opinions about those two radiators or if they have a link to the 16400-17060, and what everyone thought about the trans cooler.

 

[duece71]

I don’t have my notes in front of me but I think I went with the -17031 unit (it has the trans fluid heater/cooler in the bottom with the fluid lines) and I got a universal Wholesale Automatics trans fluid cooler and mounted it in front of the condenser on the right side. Used gates green stripe hose to connect it all together.
There are radiators for manual transmissions without the heater/cooler lines. You could use one of those but you would have to rig up your own cooler. I think I got the rad from Amayama but they don’t seem to have one. Yoshi parts does have the -17031 radiator for $583. Valley Hybrids/Cruiser Brothers in Stockton CA is a dealer for WA and I ordered the transmission cooler from them.

 

[verseddreams]

I don’t have my notes in front of me but I think I went with the -17031 unit (it has the trans fluid heater/cooler in the bottom with the fluid lines) and I got a universal Wholesale Automatics trans fluid cooler and mounted it in front of the condenser on the right side. Used gates green stripe hose to connect it all together.
There are radiators for manual transmissions without the heater/cooler lines. You could use one of those but you would have to rig up your own cooler. I think I got the rad from Amayama but they don’t seem to have one. Yoshi parts does have the -17031 radiator for $583. Valley Hybrids/Cruiser Brothers in Stockton CA is a dealer for WA and I ordered the transmission cooler from them.

It looks like Amayama has the 17031 in stock. About ~$800 total after shipping.

Have you noticed a great reduction in trans temp with the cooler? Any plans of getting an intercooler in the future? How would you change your trans cooler approach if you planned to mount a front intercooler?

 

[duece71]

It looks like Amayama has the 17031 in stock. About ~$800 total after shipping.

Have you noticed a great reduction in trans temp with the cooler? Any plans of getting an intercooler in the future? How would you change your trans cooler approach if you planned to mount a front intercooler?

I have some pictures I can post or it’s on the thread “what did you do to your 80 series”. An intercooler someday is in the plans, researching now (front mount vs over the engine). The WA set has 2 plates that can be separated if need be and mounted side by side in front of the condenser. That’s what I will probably do if I get a front mount intercooler. I never knew what the trans fluid temp was until I got the gauge set up. I never saw the “AT temp” indicator light come on but then again, I live at 900’ ASL and do not tow with my truck. It’s nice to be able to see what the tranny fluid temp is now. I haven’t seen the temp climb above 150F. Interested to see what the temp will be in warmer summer weather.