Anyone installed a Transmission Cooler?

dirtdonkey · 06-10-2005, 08:58 PM

Has anyone installed an aftermarket transmission cooler. I'm just looking for suggestions. Everything in the truck appears to be fairly heavy duty but I've read several comments on Trans temperatures being rather high when pulling heavy loads. I just want to avoid that situation and would rather take some advice instead of having to be the explorer.

bestatchess · 06-10-2005, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtdonkey

Has anyone installed an aftermarket transmission cooler. I'm just looking for suggestions. Everything in the truck appears to be fairly heavy duty but I've read several comments on Trans temperatures being rather high when pulling heavy loads. I just want to avoid that situation and would rather take some advice instead of having to be the explorer.

1. It comes with a transmission cooler. If you have the Big Tow package you also have a temp gage.

2. All the posts I have seen regarding high temps resulted from trying to tow in too high of a gear.

scr38 · 06-10-2005, 11:13 PM

In fact it has two transmission coolers. One in the radiator tank and the other is a air cooler mounted between the radiator and the A/C condenser.

ptgarcia · 06-13-2005, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtdonkey

Has anyone installed an aftermarket transmission cooler. I'm just looking for suggestions. Everything in the truck appears to be fairly heavy duty but I've read several comments on Trans temperatures being rather high when pulling heavy loads. I just want to avoid that situation and would rather take some advice instead of having to be the explorer.

I think I tow one of the larger loads on this site (8000-lb travel trailer) and my tranny never showed signs of getting hot on our last trip to Malibu. I have the Big Tow and towed in 4th gear with the tow mode on.

blueskys · 06-14-2005, 06:16 PM

I found out that B&M makes a transmission temperature gage kit for about 50 bucks. It looks like quality.

Part number 80212.

SickWhip · 06-15-2005, 06:54 AM

Where would you mount it? I have a 2x4 so that knob on the stereo console would probably work ok.

blueskys · 06-17-2005, 09:45 PM

That knob is really a plastic plate. It pulls out. My B&M 2 1/16 gauge fit in it perfectly. I bought a 2 1/16 drill hole saw at Ace Hardware and hand turned it from the inside. Then I clipped the extra plastic off the B&M retaining ring and snapped it all together. It looks better than factory! I am halfway through the installation. I need to know which steel transmission line is the return from the cooler. This kit seems made for the XE Titan. Or any non-4wd without the Tow package.

SickWhip · 06-18-2005, 07:42 AM

Keep us posted!

ned946 · 06-20-2005, 07:57 PM

B&M fan driven cooler.
The fan hasn't kicked in yet (I have about 2000 miles on w/ the fan).
I tow a 26foot trailer.

ned946 · 06-20-2005, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptgarcia

I think I tow one of the larger loads on this site (8000-lb travel trailer) and my tranny never showed signs of getting hot on our last trip to Malibu. I have the Big Tow and towed in 4th gear with the tow mode on.

What's the tongue weight on that baby?

ptgarcia · 06-21-2005, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ned946

What's the tongue weight on that baby?

I don't know, but I'm guessing its kind of low percentage wise, maybe 800-900 lbs. It feels kind of light while towing.

mrmason · 06-21-2005, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueskys

That knob is really a plastic plate. It pulls out. My B&M 2 1/16 gauge fit in it perfectly. I bought a 2 1/16 drill hole saw at Ace Hardware and hand turned it from the inside. Then I clipped the extra plastic off the B&M retaining ring and snapped it all together. It looks better than factory! I am halfway through the installation. I need to know which steel transmission line is the return from the cooler. This kit seems made for the XE Titan. Or any non-4wd without the Tow package.

blueskys,
I installed a Cyberdyne LED trans temp gauge last August. I put it on the output line going to the cooler. Those steel lines are 10 mm, NOT 3/8". Make sure you have the correct fittings BEFORE you cut the line, because they are hard to find.

blueskys · 06-21-2005, 06:56 PM

I am SOoooo glad you told me that! I would have never guessed they are metric.That would have certainly ruined my Mexico road trip this weekend.
The power of forums comes through.

scr38 · 06-21-2005, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueskys

I need to know which steel transmission line is the return from the cooler.

The line that connects to the front (closet to front of truck) fitting on the transmission is the return line from the cooler.

blueskys · 06-22-2005, 07:50 AM

I appreciate the info. Now, I have to find a place that has a 10 mm T fitting.

Good thing I am not pulling anything to San Carlos, this weekend.