Transmission cooler??

[newtofords]

I work with a delivery driver who swears that after he got a transmission cooler on his silverado he hasn't had to do any maintenance on his auto tranny. He now has 420,000 miles.

What do you think he means? Is is some kind of external device that someone cools the transmission fluid? Is this an option on our trucks? where can we get it, how does it work, and is it worth the cost?

I'm clueless.

 

[ELVATO]

I've seen transmission coolers at Advanced Auto parts, but I doubt they fit our trucks.

http://www.autoanything.com/coolers/65A3046A0A0.aspx?from_search=1

I think this fits both 1997-2006 Expeditions (?)

Apparently, they are supposed to extend the life of your transmission by keeping it cool. Recommended for people who tow, street performance.

 

[green03]

The cooler you keep the fluid the longer the transmission's soft parts will last (seals and whatnot). The trans cooler lines are low pressure so you usually just cut the hard line and attach rubber hose to that spot with hose clamps. I recommend cutting the outlet of the factory cooler (in the radiator) running that to the new auxiliary cooler so it knocks down the temp a bit before it reaches the big new cooler. Most coolers are universal and use zip straps that allow the the trans cooler to hang in front of (on) the condenser.
Matt R

 

[pronstar]

In addition to the inadequate (IMHO) factory cooler, I run a Derale tranny cooler with a fan that switches on automatically when temps start to climb.

http://www.derale.com/atomic-cool.html

x2 to what Green says.
Not sure about 420K miles on the same fluid...I'd never go so long without a change.

Since I don't rack up huge mileage, I change mine every two years.

 

[newtofords]

I was unclear before. He did change his fluid, but he did not have to have anything replaced or rebuilt.

 

[pronstar]

A cooler will definitely help extend the life of any automatic tranny. And to answer your initial question, they are pretty cheap, and are easy to install...well worth it.

I think the one that I have was around $150, it's not gigantic but it has a fan. A large cooler without a fan should be around $100. Smaller ones are a bit less.

 

[newtofords]

Thanks for all the info! I saved the link to the $150 with fan cooler.
I will probably end up getting it for city driving.

 

[lakmflx]

Doesn't anyone else think that 420k on a tranny that hasn't been rebuilt yet is amazing? All i can say is wow and hope mine lasts thats long.

 

[Grasshopper]

A plate cooler is better than a tube and fin cooler. I have a 28K lb. B&M plate cooler on my tbird.

One thing to remember, a super-large cooler may not be a good thing in colder climates. It could run too cold.

I don't tow much with the Expy (family vehicle) so I won't need to upgrade anytime soon. I changed the tranny fluid on it a while back after 45-60K miles and it was clear and red...not dirty at all. These new tranny's do really well.

 

[Randy]

I've had the tranny fluid "exchanged" at the local Jiffy Lube - they plug in hoses and run it into the 'magic box' and then back into the truck. Not so sure i'm comfortable with that. Where do you suggest i take it for servicing? I just rolled past 100K.

 

[pronstar]

Any garage can drop the pan, clean the filter and drain the fluid out.

Should cost around $200 or so, fluid and labor.

This is what I do, I'm not a fan of the powered fluid-exhange machines.

 

[green03]

if you really have old fluid the only way is to powerflush or at least drain the converter with the filter change if possible. There is alot of fluid in the converter. All the machine does is exchange the fluid, it doesn't run any more pressure than the natural return pressure of the coolant lines. There is alot of crap that gets past the factory filter that needs to get out of the fluid if there are alot of miles...
Just my 2 cents.....
Matt R

 

[Grasshopper]

Yeah, anytime you change the fluid, the filter needs to be changed too. And like it was mentioned earlier, drain the converter too.

You could take a Mercon bath once yourself and then have a drain plug installed so that changing the fluid will be much easier next time. ;-)

 

[01BlkDisciple]

Originally posted by tbird9768
A plate cooler is better than a tube and fin cooler. I have a 28K lb. B&M plate cooler on my tbird.

Same here. B&M on my tbird w/4.6 auto. Works great, planning on maybe doing the same w/the expo. Only drive it on the weekends, but still a good accessory.

 

[johnnystar]

trany cooler

I got a eddie bauer, it has been wired for brake box, as well as the several attachments for different trailer configs. etc. So seems to have a good towing package. How do i know whether or not it has a trany cooler or not?

 

[PaisanNYC]

Mine said it came with a heavy duty tranny and heavy duty radiator with a tranny cooler. Dont know how well it works though. I have the 9,000lb towing package on my XLT.

 

[pronstar]

Tow package includes a tranny cooler, though IMHO it's pretty small and borderline adequate.

Lots of folks add an additional cooler.

 

[johnnystar]

I think mines rated at 7000lbs. I had a 6000lb boat on the back yesterday and couldnt really tell. So Im happy so far.