trans oil cooler

[jim-bob]

..don't know if this is correct section, but wondering if there is such a thing as a trans oil cooing radiator KIT that can be installed on a 1500 4x4 to help the tranny when towing..I'll be pulling a dual axle trailer with elec brakes with a 3000lb tractor with bucket and bush hog but not very often or long trips..I've looked at alot of used 2500 4x4's but don't want the height they all have or long whl base and probably never will "haul" any heavy loads in the bed.. Can anyone advise me..Thanks

[jim-bob]

Originally Posted by jim-bob

..don't know if this is correct section, but wondering if there is such a thing as a trans oil cooing radiator KIT that can be installed on a 1500 4x4 to help the tranny when towing..I'll be pulling a dual axle trailer with elec brakes with a 3000lb tractor with bucket and bush hog but not very often or long trips..I've looked at alot of used 2500 4x4's but don't want the height they all have or long whl base and probably never will "haul" any heavy loads in the bed.. Can anyone advise me..Thanks

..Well..this must be one of those "stupid question" that can't be answered..

['63GENIII]

Most auto parts stores will sell a cooler "kit" for what I'm guessing is an automatic that you have. I like to run mine in line with the stock cooler that runs through the radiator so that the engine can bring the trans up to operating temp and then the cooler will give the additional cooling needed. I think there are a couple of different designs when it comes to coolers now. I think there is a tube type and a "plate" type. Not sure which is better. Ive run them both. Maybe someone will chime in here on that. We pull a boat that weighs about the same as you're tractor and trailer with our 1/2 ton Yukon and it does just fine. The trips average about 4 hours each way and we've been doing it for years. The big difference for me when I tow with the 3/4 t vs. the Yukon is the brakes. My old '63 stops way better loaded than the 1/2 ton.

[jim-bob]

Originally Posted by '63GENIII

Most auto parts stores will sell a cooler "kit" for what I'm guessing is an automatic that you have. I like to run mine in line with the stock cooler that runs through the radiator so that the engine can bring the trans up to operating temp and then the cooler will give the additional cooling needed. I think there are a couple of different designs when it comes to coolers now. I think there is a tube type and a "plate" type. Not sure which is better. Ive run them both. Maybe someone will chime in here on that. We pull a boat that weighs about the same as you're tractor and trailer with our 1/2 ton Yukon and it does just fine. The trips average about 4 hours each way and we've been doing it for years. The big difference for me when I tow with the 3/4 t vs. the Yukon is the brakes. My old '63 stops way better loaded than the 1/2 ton.

''thanks for replying 63GEN.. what I have now is '88 C1500 auto.w/350 engine 2WD..I had an elect brake switch installed and it works the trailer brakes very well but I'm concerned about the old tranny.. I only use my truck when I have to and really rely on my SIL's F250..I'm tired of waiting on him when I need to go so I want something of my own..As I said I really don't want to go to the 3/4 tons if i can "fix" up a 1/2 ton..I also want a 4x4.
Thanks again!

[jim-bob]

..oh yeah 63gen..that in-line cooler you put on the yukon..was that for a 3/4 ton originally..Is that what I shop for?

['63GENIII]

The one on the Yukon is a factory "tow package" one but doesn't seem too much different than one you would find at say Napa or one of the other parts houses. Most of the ones that I see now are in the trailer / towing section. If you go to a decent parts place, they can probably point you in the right direction.

[dougo]

I installed the biggest transmission cooler I could find for my burb. In fact I went with one that is for RVs, the radiator (which is installed near engine's radiator) is larger than a standard radiator cooler.

If you go this route, make sure the coolent lines are not too close to the engine block, headers, or exhaust manifolds - otherwise you will not benefit as much (lines will heat up).

I have a 2500, 4x4, 454, turbo 400 - and this set up solved my transmission overheating problem. I tow 3-4000 pounds.
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[jim-bob]

..I really appreciate all this info..thanks fellows..

[Stocker]

I've read that an aux. trans cooler should be plumbed so the fluid goes through the cooler first, then through the OEM radiator cooler and then to the transmission. This is because trans fluid should operate within a particular temperature range, and it's possible for it to become over-cooled. If that occurs, sending it through the radiator (after the aux cooler) lets engine coolant warm it back up to the correct temperature.

[76k10]

Originally Posted by Stocker

I've read that an aux. trans cooler should be plumbed so the fluid goes through the cooler first, then through the OEM radiator cooler and then to the transmission. This is because trans fluid should operate within a particular temperature range, and it's possible for it to become over-cooled. If that occurs, sending it through the radiator (after the aux cooler) lets engine coolant warm it back up to the correct temperature.

There are better things to worry about in life than overcooling your transmission fluid. I have a 71 Buick that I installed the biggest trans cooler I could find with a fan and it is plumbed by itself with the fan running all the time. Even in the winter, the fluid going through it is still plenty hot.

[Stocker]

Originally Posted by 76k10

There are better things to worry about in life than overcooling your transmission fluid. I have a 71 Buick that I installed the biggest trans cooler I could find with a fan and it is plumbed by itself with the fan running all the time. Even in the winter, the fluid going through it is still plenty hot.

Just passing along some info I picked up over the years, fwiw.... It doesn't matter to me how anyone takes it.

[jim-bob]

Originally Posted by Stocker

I've read that an aux. trans cooler should be plumbed so the fluid goes through the cooler first, then through the OEM radiator cooler and then to the transmission. This is because trans fluid should operate within a particular temperature range, and it's possible for it to become over-cooled. If that occurs, sending it through the radiator (after the aux cooler) lets engine coolant warm it back up to the correct temperature.

..thanks stocker..i need and certainly appreciate all the info I can get..
I'm hoping that when I go to get something that they know as much as you guys..