Purpose-built upgrade solutions that keep automatic transmissions cool, controlled and reliable under Australian loads.
Factory automatic transmissions are designed for everyday driving, but towing heavy caravans, touring long distances and tackling demanding off-road conditions can place significantly more heat and load through the transmission. Our purpose-built transmission upgrades improve cooling, shift control, torque converter operation and overall reliability, helping your 4WD perform more consistently under load. With automatic transmission experience dating back to 1975, we recommend upgrade solutions based on the vehicle, transmission, tyre size, towing weight and how the vehicle is used.
- Automatic transmission specialists since 1975
- Vehicle assessment and honest advice before any upgrade is recommended
- Purpose-built upgrades for towing, touring and off-road use
- Clear, upfront pricing before work begins
- All work completed in-house at our Buderim workshop
Why Factory Automatic Transmissions Struggle Under Load
Heat is one of the leading causes of automatic transmission wear. Towing heavy loads, fitting larger tyres, driving through soft sand, climbing long hills and increasing engine power can all place additional load through the transmission and raise fluid temperatures. Sustained high temperatures break down the transmission fluid and reduce its ability to protect the internal clutches and components.
Many popular towing and 4WD vehicles have limited factory cooling and control capacity for these demanding conditions. Transmission upgrades help address this with increased cooling, improved hydraulic control, reduced slip and shift strategies better suited to the vehicle’s use. Installed before damage occurs, the right upgrades can help prevent premature wear and reduce the risk of costly transmission repairs or reconditioning.
Our Transmission Upgrade Solutions
Transmission Cooling System Upgrades
Deep Sump Installations
Valve Body Upgrades
Torque Converter Lock-Up Control
Controlling when the torque converter locks reduces slip and heat generation. For suitable towing vehicles, lock-up control can also improve engine braking, temperature management and drivability under load.
Transmission Remapping
Temperature Monitoring
A transmission temperature gauge shows what the transmission is doing under load, allowing rising temperatures to be identified early before excessive heat causes fluid breakdown, wear or damage.
Matched To Your Vehicle And How You Use It
We carry out transmission upgrades across popular towing and heavy-use vehicles, including Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Isuzu, Mazda, Holden, Chevrolet, Ram and Volkswagen Amarok applications. The right upgrade combination depends on the transmission, vehicle setup, loads carried and driving conditions, which is why every recommendation begins with an assessment of the vehicle and a discussion about how it is used.
Our advice is honest in both directions. Where one targeted upgrade will achieve the required result, that is what we recommend. Where the transmission already shows signs of internal wear or damage, upgrades alone will not repair it, and we will explain the appropriate next step
A Clear, Step-by-Step Upgrade Process
01 Enquiry and Vehicle Information
02 Recommendations and Upfront Quote
The recommended upgrade work is clearly explained, with an upfront quote provided before the vehicle is booked in.
03 Pre-Work Assessment
On the day of the booking, we road test and assess the transmission’s operation to confirm there are no obvious faults or concerns that could affect the planned upgrade work.
04 Upgrade Work and Communication
The approved upgrades are completed in-house at our Buderim workshop. Should we identify anything outside the quoted scope, we contact you promptly, explain the findings and obtain approval before carrying out additional work.
05 Final Checks and Handover
The vehicle undergoes final quality checks and a road test before handover. We explain the work completed, how the upgrades operate and any recommendations for ongoing use or maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an automatic transmission cooler for towing?
Which transmission upgrades offer the best value for a tow vehicle?
For many tow vehicles, the best results come from combining improved heat management with better transmission control. An upgraded cooler helps remove heat, while lock-up control, valve body upgrades or transmission remapping can reduce slip and improve operation under load. The right combination depends on the vehicle, transmission and how it is used.
Will transmission upgrades change how my vehicle drives day to day?
Can you upgrade the transmission in my specific vehicle?
We perform transmission upgrades across many popular towing and heavy-use vehicles, including Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Isuzu, Mazda, Holden, Chevrolet, Ram and Volkswagen Amarok applications, along with selected other makes. Contact us with your vehicle details and intended use, and we can confirm which upgrades are available for your transmission.
Should I upgrade a transmission that is already showing problems?
Talk to the transmission specialists about the right upgrades for your vehicle.
Call Ron Hill Automatics in Buderim on (07) 5443 4444 for honest advice and upfront pricing.