Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Neat little transmission oil cooler

[y-knot]

Decided to add a auxiliary automatic transmission oil cooler to the truck just in case I should need it. The stock transmission would on occasion run a little warm in stop and go traffic and while backing up, somewhere in the 190 to 220 range depending on the task. I switched to the ATS unit and so far have not had it in a situation where it would run hotter then 180, but thought a little bit of preventive measures would be much cheaper then repair cost.

I purchased a B&M HyTec cooler which has the fan and thermo switch in place, it also comes with two 3/8" NPT Fe-male connectors. Looking around the Dodge for a convenient, yet protected mounting place seemed useless, there is no room up front and the engine bay is already over crowded. Under the truck next to the trany seemed better, but was out in the open and subject to damage. So I looked elsewhere and found a great spot behind the transfer case, it is protected and still in the slip stream. I fashioned a mount out of 3/4" steel tubing, which bolts to the skid plate under the transfer case. I also used a sheet of 18G flattened expanded metal to further protect the cooler from road Debra, yet still allow sufficient air transfer. For lines I went with the Russell pro flex #8 AN lines and fittings, they simply splice into the return line on the transmission. There I will use flair connectors to secure the lines to the steel factory cooler lines on the transmission.

This is a couple of pictures I took of the skid plate with my mount and cooler attached. I have 75% of the work done, but do not know when I will get it installed on the truck, maybe next week? Really I just have to bolt the plate back on, 4 bolts hold it in place. Then cut into the return line and flair the fitting on and the run a 12V line to the fan, not that much really to do.



This is the bottom view of the transfer skid plate with the cooler and mount attached.

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This is the cooler a little closer up, you can see the mount and how the expanded metal keeps the cooler safe.



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And this is shows what it would look like as it would be sitting on the truck



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[Howard Durand]

Beautiful work.



Where did you get the lines and fittings? Were they made to order?

I made a cooler similar to yours ( but not as nice looking) and put it under the pickup bed just behind the cab on the driver's side. I used rubber hydraulic hose and pressed on fittings.

I like the looks and protection you have with the steel braid.

 

[y-knot]

Howard D,

Thanks, It turned out nice. I did manage to get everything mounted up and it went in very easy. Just install the 4 bolts that hold the skid plate on and connect the two lines.

The lines I made up, they are Russell pro Flex Stainless Steel ,and will take an enormous amount of abuse. They are overkill, but that is what I would think most would want on such an important piece. The cooler will reduce transmission temps by 20-30 degrees, and that is without the fan kicking on. Just the ticket for people that tow or haul heavy loads, the cooler will give the transmission longer life and the owners peace of mind.

I took a picture of it mounted under the truck, but it's not a great shot sorry. For anyone interested, I will be offering this set-up after the first of the year. I will package the "Super Cooler" as an all inclusive pre-assembled and ready to install automatic transmission cooler. It will include everything needed for the installation, so all you do is drill three holes in your transfer case skid plate and connect the two cooler lines. The "Super Cooler " is one of the easiest up-grades to add, I will pre-assemble the lines, fittings, electrical connections, mounting hardware and everything else that can be pre-arranged making it extremely easy for anyone to install. Just follow the instructions and you can not go wrong.



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Installed under truck

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[ndurbin]

One hitch in the setup that I see since your going to sell them. What about the trucks (like mine) that have no skid plate under the transfer case?



Nathan

 

[Howard Durand]

There is a good location under the cab on the driver's side to mount a supplemental cooler. I think y-knot's assembly could easily be adapted to it.

That is where I put mine, not back of the cab as stated in my earlier post.

The lines can be easily routed over the frame and back to the cooler.



Where do you get the stainless steel armored lines and fittings? The hoses I am using are good lines with pressed on fittings but they could be damaged under certain conditions.

 

[Snow man]

Excellent work! I ended up using a tru cool since im twin turbo'd and lost my stock cooler. I like how you did yours, I thought about putting mine there ,I like your guard,simple,good looking,easy to install,uses easy to find materials,and effective.

 

[y-knot]

Ndurbin,

Great observation! I Too wonder about all those without a transfer skid plate, or The 2WD group, they need the benefits of the Super Cooler as well. I Use the same mount pictured with out the kicked down mount for the transfer case, instead it will lay flat and get tucked up next to the frame. To mount the 2WD version you only need to screw in five (5) self tapping SS screws, the screws and bit will be included with the kit. Both offer great protection and easy installation. The kit will come 100% ready for installation, all hoses will be made and all fittings sealed and installed. The cooler will be pre mounted to its mount, and everything needed to complete the installation, with exception to the drill, will be furnished. There will be several options like taped spot for transmission oil temperature, and custom colors, within reason.