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Aftermarket Transmission Cooler

211lostlake

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211lostlake Enthusiast

211lostlake

Posted
Posted

I have a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 "Texas Edition" that comes with an OEM transmission cooler. I tow a "loaded" travel trailer weight of about 6,000 - 6,500 pounds. On the highway, my transmission temperature hovers around 170-180 during the heat of the day. However, if I get into traffic or in the mountains, it goes to 200, with the highest I've seen of 209. My brother suggested that I replace the OEM transmission cooler with a higher quality, aftermarket cooler, as the temperature shouldn't be more than twice the ambient temperature.

 

My questions are:

 

Has anyone replaced the OEM transmission cooler, and if so, what temperatures do you see while towing?

 

Any recommendations regarding a "better than OEM" transmission cooler?

birdman7389 Enthusiast

birdman7389

Posted
Posted

I just spent tons of time researching this. I have a '10 withe the 5.3 and 3.42, and the small stock cooler as well.

 

It comes down to this:

 

For the easiest, no hassle way to replace the stock cooler with a larger, quality cooler....

 

http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/gm-drivetrain-suspension-22/tru-cool-40k-gvw-transmission-cooler-install-thread-470284/

 

Get this cooler (I just...hours ago ordered one)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tru-Cool-OC-47391-/230736506164?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35b8f7ad34&vxp=mtr

 

Trucool MAX 40Kgvw, thats the cheapest you will find it...

 

Get two of these...

Dorman 800-605

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RNB-800-605/

from your vendor of choice

they will snap on to your stock lines, and thread right in to the fittings on the cooler

 

Then use 1 3/8" compression splice to rotate the passenger side hardline as shown here

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/budhayes3/100_0632.jpg

 

I'll be doing this next week or so.....lots of info out there on the 40k trucool install

  • 2 weeks later...
211lostlake Enthusiast

211lostlake

Posted
  • Author
Posted

OK, for the record, I'd like to provide an update. Being a not-so-handy guy, I decided to pay someone to install a new transmission cooler and fan. I purchased the transmission cooler (it's about 12x12 inches), and a fan to mount over the front of it from NAPA auto parts. The cooler cost $150, and the fan cost $140. I then took it to a local transmission shop, and they installed both for $200. Rather than replace my existing cooler, they just added the new cooler along with the fan. They installed a toggle switch near my steering wheel to turn on/off when I deem necessary. For an extra $40, a thermostat could have been added, but I preferred the switch.

 

I just got back from towing for 10 hours in mixed traffic (through rush-hour Houston), and also hills in the Fredericksburg, TX, area and the truck performed flawlessly. The highest temperature I saw was 174F and that was in stop & go traffic in New Braunfels. The overwhelming majority of the trip, my transmission stayed in the 150's. My camper was 6,500 pounds loaded, and I had a wife & three kids, along with bikes, grill, and more in the bed of the truck.

 

In round numbers, I now run about 20 degrees cooler than before, and don't worry a bit about transmission temperature.

 

Thanks to all for the posts. I wish I were more mechanically inclined, but it's just not in me.

  • 2 weeks later...
birdman7389 Enthusiast

birdman7389

Posted
Posted

Well damn, Glad it worked. I'm starting my trucool install right meow, I'll still post pics or make a how-to for anyone that is interested.

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