Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Transmission Lines

[TPotter]

I have a major leak on one of the steel lines, seems to be where the steel line goes into the large nut. Anyone had this problem and is there an easy fix?

 

[Joe G.]

If you still have the plastic quick disconnect fittings you will need to either replace the cooler lines or install compression fittings on the lines you have. The plastic fittings eventually get hard from the heat and come loose. There are two types, both are junk.



It is more work to replace the fittings than replacing the cooler lines but it's a LOT cheaper. There are four of them, two in the side of the transmission and two in the cooler that is under the exhaust manifold. The lines are 1/2" OD. The fittings in the transmission are 1/4" NPT. The ones on the cooler are the next size smaller. Three of the fittings are easy. Just cut the flange for the plastic fittings off. The forward fitting on the transmission requires a short NPT nipple fitting in the side of the trans because when the flange is cut off the temp sensor rubs the side of the transmission.

 

[Howard Durand]

I think the original lines on my truck were aluminum.

I followed TDR's recommendation of using Weatherhead compression fittings to replace the stock quick disconnect fittings.

One of them failed at a real bad time. Lost a lot of fluid and had to have the truck towed to the dealer where the lines were replaced with the new steel ones equipped with flare fittings.



Towing plus parts plus labor came to $700. 00



If you can handle it, buy the new lines and install them yourself.

I have a real distaste for compression fittings on anything but copper.

It takes a special one for steel and I don't think anything works well on aluminum.

 

[Joe G.]

Check the lines with a magnet. Mine are steel on my '95. If the compression fittings are put on without cutting off the flanges for the plastic fittings they will fail. I tried that and it didn't work very long. I cut the flanges off. The compression fittings have worked very well for about 150K miles since then.



New lines are best of course.

 

[BDech]

I did the compression fittings and have not had a problem

just dont forget the 2 fittings near the cooler in the front. thier is a total of six I think i spent 40 bucks . Dave Goerands was going to give me a great deal on the lines(bought my transmission from him) and it was still over 300 bucks