Hey guys,

I want to install an aftermarket ATF cooler on my KJ2.

Can someone answer me:
1. Can I remove the front bar without lifting the car off the ground?
2. When buying an oil cooler, what should I look out for in terms of oil line sizing etc?
3. I plan to buy a bypass thermostat as well and my theory of connection is out from AT -> into OEM radiator cooler -> bypass valve -> external ATF cooler -> bypass valve -> AT
Does this sound right? So the ATF will only go through the external cooler if it is too hot, otherwise it will bypass it.

Thanks

1. Best to so you can easily access the numerous scrivets and bolts. Some are in the front wheel well.
2. Get the largest that will fit behind the bar. Anything in the size of 300mmx300mm will do and line sizing is 8mm diameter or 5/16".
3. Sounds about right. But why bother? I have been running it without a bypass valve for almost 5 years without issues. Having said that, ACT does get colder than Adelaide so a bypass may help it heat up to OT quicker.

Edit: Before you start, visit a Mitsu spares shop and get a dozen or so scrivets. These things are easily damaged and best to use new ones when assembling.

Thanks Vlad,

So any universal ATF cooler with 8mm or 5/16" line sizing will in theory fit?

I want to use a bypass valve as I don't drive the car in summer, just the rest of the year + being in ACT not only are the temperatures lower but the car is generally driven at 80-100km/h with little traffic. Either way it's a peace of mind thing seeing as too cold of ATF apparently is as bad as too hot.

Any more info on scrivets? ie, sizing, part number, cost?

Can't remember the part number of the scrivets. Sorry. Just drive to a dealer and then take one out from the grill section to show the parts person. They do not cost that much. I ended up replacing about 6 of them. Newer ones are a lot easier to insert than ones that are already squashed.

Also, go to Bunnings etc and get yourself a 1m length of 25x3mm aluminium strip for bracing. I mounted left of the centre of the car (passenger side) where one edge is mounted to the centre brace and the other edge is mounted to the aluminium strip (which is bolted to the frame, top and bottom). You will need to shape the strip a little have the cooler sit level with the radiator.

I was going to buy one of these coolers with the mounting hardware included. A member here did that and said he only used the aluminum strips supplied:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/423537_10151090948279207_1891339573_n.jpg

From this (http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101928&page=3&highlight=cooler) thread

Ok. I got my cooler fairly cheap on eBay. Someone bought one but could not use it as is car required active cooling so I bought it off him (local). I then fabricated a strip to go from top to bottom as in the following modified picture:

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab124/vbednikov/Miscellaneous/ATF-Cooler_zps15b7ad57.jpg

Edit: The actual cooler is smaller than the pictured as I couldn't be bothered shifting the stip in the picture. LOL

I was planning on buying the same cooler as in the pic I posted. It's 14,500 BTU I think which should be more than enough and since I know it fits fine it seems like a wise choice to me