Trans Oil Coolers

solarjustin · July 17, 2007

So I think I have decided on a hayden Rapid-Cool tranys oil cooler for my 2004 4.8L, but I was just wanted to know what kinds and size everyone else is using. (expessically you guys with the 4.8L). My truck does not have the trans temp gague and I don't really want to replace my gauge cluster, but also don't want to have to add a pod to my A piller, so I want to get a trany coooler that is sized right for my truck.

Thanks

C & A s Dad · July 17, 2007

Justin, is Rapid Cool what they call their Stacked Plate cooler?

Also, to suggest a size, I would really like to know what you are towing, how much it weighs and what kind of climate you live in.

If you will provide me with this info, I will be happy to make a recommendation.

Of course, if you are just looking for a little extra protection and are really not planning to load your truck, you cannot go wrong with the OE size, which is approx 5" x 11" x 3/4". It will do an adequate job in most cases but will allow temps in the 220s and 230s or possibly even higher if you are really tuggin in some hills with a nice load.

solarjustin · July 17, 2007

I live in Iowa so the winters can get as cold as -5 to -10, though this is not an every day thing. I don't plan on towing every day during the summer. I plan on getting a camper in a year so so, but this october will be using my father-in-laws camper that weighs 3000lbs empty and loaded be about 5000 lbs. So I want the protection I need to two 5,000 lbs but don't want to trany to be too cold in the winter.

I wish i had a the tran temp gauge, but don't want replace my gauge cluster or add a pod to my A-piller. Wish I could find a kit to add a temp gauge to the stock gauge cluster.

Thanks

cmoore74 · July 17, 2007

Trey should answer on the size recommendation as he's got the experience, but 5000 lbs is no small load.

As far as tranny temp a much better option is an Aeroforce Interceptor. It will read tranny temp from the stock sensor and a whole lot more for about the same price as a tranny temp guage and the sensor.

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/

Do a search. That are a lot of people on here who have them and love them.

C & A s Dad · July 17, 2007

Justin, with the info that you have provided, I would recommend something close to the stock cooler size. You would be safe to step it up one notch which I believe would be 7" tall x 11" wide by 3/4" thick.

As far a monitoring temps. I have the Interceptor and love it. You do not have to mount it on your A pillar but it is the most conv place.

You can also add a manual temp gauge but you only have two options as where to put the sensor, drill a hole in your pan or you can add it to your rtn line. Just know if you place the sensor in your line you have to ground the sensor as the lines are not grounded. There is a plug in the drivers side of the trans but it is a dead port meaning the fluid flows here but it does not circulate and your reading will not be accurate. Really when it is all said and done, the Interceptor is your best option if you want to monitor your temps.

One last thing, I would suggest you replace your fluid with a good synthetic. You can even use the new Dexron VI and it is a full synthetic I understand. There are some good instructions on Amsoil's website as to how to completely replace all your fluid. While you are installing the cooler would be an excellent time to do this. It would add approx an hour or so to your job.

solarjustin · July 17, 2007

Thanks for the advice. I'm still not sure what size I will go with. I found this guide http://www.haydenauto.com/catalogs/hayden/...oil-coolers.pdf and shows a 11" x 7.5" to be good for up to 2500lbs and then the 11"x9.5" to be good up to 5000lbs. But I guess the one though is that the owners manual states 6100lbs limit for my truck with the 4.8L and it came with no trans cooler so going with the one sized for 2500lbs would be added protection, but then again I'm not sure. I have to be the only guy that is asking so many questions about this.

C & A s Dad · July 17, 2007

The problem is the OE and the aftermarket suppliers such as Hayden do not seem to agree on the need of or the size of an aux cooler. The aftermarket believes that reducing the temps to a point will help the trans last much longer. The OE's warning light does not come on until 250 degrees, the aftermarket feels this is too late and temps this high are alreayd causing damage.

I would go with the 677 if I were you. This is a little larger than OE and will not overcool you on those -5 degree days.

I just measured my old OE unit and the core is 11" by 4 & 3/8"s. The 11 x 5 1/2 would serve you well.

solarjustin · July 17, 2007

Thanks for the help. I think I will go with the 677 since I don't pull a camper every day. And they are cheap enough if I need to go bigger down the road I'm only out $50.