Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transmission lines another idea

[PetesonM]

This is a question I have been looking to ask for some time. First I have a question, what is the thing on the pass side that the transmission lines go to? I am guessing it works with the coolant to warm/cool the transmission fluid. Do I need to keep this in the system?



Now my idea. I have used the big B&M cooler from Summit on a few race oriented cars in the past with very good luck. My idea since these stock lines are so prone to leakage is to run this cooler instead of the factory front mounted cooler and soft lines all the way from the transmission. I would get good lines, either USCG approved or a 'strong' fuel line. I can run them where I want and keep them out of harms way. The pressure will be no problem but will this work for the temperatures these run at when under stress? Has anyone else done this? After I do the Goerand in the next couple weeks I wanted to go through the whole system at that time. Even though Dave says not to worry about the stock cooler being contaminated I am a little worried.

 

[Nate]

For soft lines, I use hydraulic hose.

 

[PetesonM]

I don't know why I didn't think of hydraulic line, that seams like an obvious answer considering a transmission is generally a hydraulic system. My question then is are you using crimped end style hydraulic line or just barbed fittings and raw line. Any good source? You would think I could come up with this since I work for a company that supplies the majority of the tube in the US that goes into hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders. I'll have to talk to some of my customers tomorrow.



What size lines am I looking for? 1/2?

 

[Nate]

Well on the truck, it's all stock.



But on my Jeep I have an addition transmission cooler and also a power steering cooler (off road rig)



What I did is cut the hard line in a convient spot and made a small double flare (with a brake line flaring tool) that way the hose can't slip off. Then I just used a hose clamp.



You could go with actual hydro fittings and everything, that would be cool. I didn't because those fittings add up quick $$ wise.



If I would do anything, I'd keep the stock setup and tie the extra cooler into the system. Mount in under the bed or something, put a small fan on it.



Honestly though, I think our transmission cooling systems are quite adaquite.

 

[Extreme1]

Unless towing heavy, the cooler at the front is adequate. BUT, in the winter (cold temps) the block mounted oil/water heat exchanger warms the trans temps and gets the trans up to temp quicker and keeps it from being too cold. There was a TSB covering this issue.



Note: Twin turbo kits require the removal of the block mounted heat exchanger. This is not a problem but like all other things, when you start turning up the juice, you need to watch everthing.



As for the cooler lines, the latest revs don't leak and they will last as long as your trans. Dave stocks them and has figured out how to keep them from rusting, I'd stick with stock. Have him install the early line from the trans to the block mounted cooler and you'll have the best spot for a gauge sender.

 

[Howard Durand]

Just info:

When the original lines on my 94 started leaking, I had them replaced by the dealer at a horrible cost but they are good lines and have not been a problem since except for the rubber lines between the front cooler and the metal lines. The dealer used cheap 1/4" wide clamps where the hoses attach to the cooler. The installer tightened them until they almost stripped. One of them finally gave up as we were returning home from a trip. We stopped at a rest area to dump the holding tanks where I noticed red oil all over the inside cover of the front fender. It had just started and only about a quart of fluid was lost.

I also have an auxiliary cooler in the line from the front cooler. I had hoses made up by a shop that makes hydraulic lines for the truckers. Nice crimp on fittings. I cut the return line near where it goes into the transmission and bought a fitting for that from a dealer that handles compression fittings for steel lines.