Transmission Cooler, Opinion Needed...

fastdrvr23 · January 6, 2004

Alright guys, I need an opinion here.

My truck's details are as follows: (4.8L, 4L60E, 3.42 Open, RCSB, 6,000 miles) and I am wondering if I need to install my newly acquired GM Auxillary Transmission cooler. I ordered a "kit" from GM consisting of the cooler itself, 2 lines, and the appropriate hardware. It looks to be the exact thing the dealer would install as a D.I.O.. I can think of other things I need to spend the money on than this cooler, and am contemplating taking it back.

My problem is that I won't ever be doing much towing, other than an occasional 2,500lbs or so, with nothing over 5,000 ever. I plan on changing the fluid every 50K, and probably switching over to redline synthetic at that time. Should my transmission be ok in the long run without the cooler, with such light use? Thanks!

robsawatsky · January 6, 2004

Without a transmission temperature gauge you won't know until it is too late.

It's not the distance or frequency of towing, a single very high overheat event can cost bigtime. I'd recommend the auxiliary cooler on anything over 2000 lbs towing.

JayMan · January 6, 2004

Without a transmission temperature gauge you won't know until it is too late.

It's not the distance or frequency of towing, a single very high overheat event can cost bigtime. I'd recommend the auxiliary cooler on anything over 2000 lbs towing.

Right on. Even if you NEVER tow, just keeping the trans cooler will help it live much longer. It's a no brainer: put it on.

fastdrvr23 · January 6, 2004

I figured these would be the type responses I'd get.

I'm paranoid as hell about this type of stuff, but alot of my gear head buddies keep telling me I don't need a cooler for the type of driving I do... I guess I was just letting them get to me.

Thanks for the input!

My last truck, an 89' C1500 lasted 13 years with the 305/700r4 combo without a problem until ~149,000 miles when the transmission went bad. I installed a cooler pretty late ~100K, and it was probably too late. Of course, this poor truck was my first vehicle and had to put up with my heavy foot and mechanical experimentation of all sorts. Pic here in case you're wondering what it looked like: http://www.msdelta.net/~armstrong/Truck.jpg

Anyways, thanks again guys.

atomoverride · January 6, 2004

I will tell ya, I am going to get one. So I reconmend you ether put it on, or get an extended warrenty.

Shaners · January 6, 2004

If you bought a GM OEM style cooler you spent alot of money. I'm guessing close to $200 bucks.

Take it back, and buy a $50 tranny cooler from the Auto Parts store and then you'll have about $150 to spend on other things.

the bottom line is that any tranny cooler is better than none... (and the aftermarket cooler may actually have more cooling capacity than a factory cooler)

SilveradoWV · January 6, 2004

I was also wondering how much the factory cooler costs?? I know aftermarket ones are pretty cheap and do a good job, but I just hate mounting it, I dont like the zip tie through the radiator install and I usually have to end up fabricating a mount myself. Would just be alot easier to have one that fits a Silverado already, but I guess the Zip tie deal works!

Shaners · January 7, 2004

I had the dealer install one on my '00 1500. It was a nice unit with all pre-formed steel lines. The dealer said the box was something like 6 feet long!!!

I don't remember what I paid for it, but I'm pretty sure it was over $300 installed!!!

1 Bad Burb · January 7, 2004

is a tranny cooler a good idea when u have a s/c'ed truck?

Aj

Chingon · January 7, 2004

I got a B&M cooler for less than $50 from Summit. Works great

iron_786 · January 7, 2004

was thinking of this myself, has there been many tranny problems on the newer silverado's? i aint gonna dish out 300 for a factory job though, thats the price somebody mentioned up there, anybody got a good aftermarked fit they wanna share?

JayMan · January 7, 2004

If you order the truck with the Towing Package, it has the external cooler from the factory. I wouldn't pay $300 to a GM dealer.

My 1984 Ford F-150 special order came with a C6, but "Super Cooling" didn't include an external cooler. Another "better idea" from Ford. Big rip off.

I got a B&M motorhome external cooler, rated 29,000 GVW and self-regulating. Took me about 3 hours to put it in, including taking the grill apart.

My cooler is plumbed so the ATF first goes through the rad cooler, then the B&M external cooler, then back to the trans.

fastdrvr23 · January 9, 2004

I ordered the "kit" from GM, including the cooler, the bolts to mount it to the stock location in front of the radiator, two plastic tabs to secure the bottom of it, and two lines that attach like the current lines running to the radiator from the transmission. I'll post a pic tonight if I can remember to get my camera out of the truck.

A friend of mine works at a the GMC dealership where I got it. I paid $91 total w/tax, with the parts mentioned above, plus 2 quarts of transmission fluid in case I need it.

I was going to go with Hayes, like a I had on my previous truck, but since this one was only a little more, I went with it. I'll try and get those pics and part numbers tonight when I get off work.

fastdrvr23 · January 9, 2004

My cooler is plumbed so the ATF first goes through the rad cooler, then the B&M external cooler, then back to the trans.

That's how this one is set up as well... B&M makes some Good stuff!

I'm just wondering if the connections where the lines meet the radiator are going to require some weird tool or something. I've only had a chance to glance in there since it's been raining, and I know they are some sort of quick connect deal. Hmmm... d**n weather needs to hurry up and clear..