Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Transmission cooler upgrade

[dspoon]

I want to add a transmission cooler and I would like some opinions on what people are running I do tow heavy. I have heard the electric fan coolers work good any ideas.

 

[HBarlow]

Additional transmission fluid coolers are not common among TDR members. I don't think you'll see much improvement from installing one.

 

[mpaulson]

I added one to my truck after hitting 265 on a holiday. It is an electric one, Derale, it is mounted under the truck behind the transfer case on the drivers side at a bit of an angle to help it catch air. I made the frame and it clamps onto the frame, it has expanded mesh on the under side to protect it from the rocks, and a peice of aluminum window screen ties on over the top of it to prevent rocks from dropping into the fan and shroud. It is self controled and comes on at 180 degrees. I ran a wire to the cab to an led light to let me know when it is going and also a switch so I can manually turn it on if I want or know I'm about to do something that will heat the transmission up. Since having done this, I have not seen over 215 while pulling in the mountains at 24,000# combined.

I don't think that your transmission has as big of a stock cooler as the 6. 7's do and the lock up of the torque converter isn't as effeicent either.

If your a handy man, it is cheap comfort, at least for me I feel better and have more control. From the looks of your sig, you're a gear head like me.

 

[NW_Jim]

I installed a Derale Plate cooler as well with thermostatically controlled fan. Wired very similar to mpaulson. I also run a MagHytec double deep pan with Amsoil synthetic transmission fluid. I have heard that the plate coolers are the best. Mine is installed under the front left corner of the bed on the drivers side. It is the last in line before being routed back to the transmission.

 

[dspoon]

Thanks for the replies I am going to order one today the derale 15950 model jegs has it for 198. 00 hose and fittings to my house I thought that was a good price.

 

[cerberusiam]

Adding an external cooler adds restriction to the transmisison cooling\lube circuit. Unless the OE pressures and restrictions have been addressed it has the potential of doing more harm than good.



The OE cooler is pretty adequate if the transmission is used correctly and the restrictions removed. A simple lockup switch and check valve removal is more effective than extra coolers in most cases.

 

[mpaulson]

Be sure that all the fittings and lines are 1/2" I. D. minumum for sure and no sharp bends in the hoses. I agree with Cerberusiam's concerns, how much harm? I wonder if anyone has done any test on this? I did make a difference in my temps on my truck. Today while city driving with about 8000# behind me, I was up to 170 degrees and at one point the fan kicked in and it went down within minutes. It was only 16c/60f here.

 

[dspoon]

I will find out this weekend and post an update as for the lines on the derale 15950 fan cooler it comes with 1/2 id hose and all the hardware for it. I do agree with some of the post about restrictions but I have to do something it can get pretty hot just the other day backing my camper in a tight up hill spot I saw 250 plus on the gage and yes I have had it checked out and lines flushed when I had my new vb and tc installed bands checked out with everything else ok time will tell.

 

[cerberusiam]

just the other day backing my camper in a tight up hill spot I saw 250 plus on the gage

Its not going to stop it from getting that hot but at least it will help cool it down just idling. That is the one place the extra coolers help a lot but I would get a shift kit in it and remove the check valves to enhance the flow.



There really is no good solution for reverse and pushing weight up a grade. Low range is about the best option. I have ripped linings off reverse bands doing that.

 

[dspoon]

Well I got the derale 15950 fan cooler in the mail today and for the people who are running these coolers were did you mount it?

 

[dspoon]

bump please

 

[JClavett]

i have the same cooler on my 03. i made a bracket and mounted it behind the t-case on the drivers side, inside the frame rail. just make sure you have enough room around it for air flow.