Yeah, that is leading me to thinking it is something other than coolers. I drove through Nevada in 100 degree temps and weigh in at 7k lbs and had no issues with heat. On UA 2017, we took backroads to crown king, steep dirt roads in 115+ degree heat and I didnt hit 250. I could get up to 210-220 but not 250. In the sand, if I really really pushed it in high range I could get it up to 220 in 80 degree heat but that was hammering on it when I should be in low range. My setup wasnt fool proof, I had to watch temps in certain scenarios but for a general off the shelf, cheap cooler, it was pretty good.I'm starting to think it's that. My motor isn't anything insane, and my jeep isn't some super heavy tank. Way back when I bought this thing, I drove home on the freeway about 400 miles, through LA, over hills, etc. It cruised 65 on the freeway the whole way.
Here's a shot from the drive back then. Trans temp is low, engine temp low. It's happy. That was on 37s and nothing else drivetrain-wise has changed.
Side note- one of the reasons I liked the 700r4 at first was its overdrive. I averaged 14 - 15 mpg on that drive.
I don't think it would do that now without a struggle. So... Do 40's really make that much of a difference? Or did I mortally wound my tranny when the relay running my tranny cooler fans died and I had to limp it back to camp with 250* fluid temps in 95* weather? Can torque converters get damaged by high heat?
At the risk of sounding like a boring old man, I really like this thing. It cost way too much money, but it drives amazing, gets decent milage for its size and was extremely easy to tow with.
My wife wants an expedition. I think towing the hummer would be at like 9k. Probably pushing the limit on suspension and rear diff. I know the motor and trans can handle it. I think max tow package on those things is around 9k.
