Trans Cooler

larryf · October 28, 2007

I plan to replace the trans cooler that came with the tow package with a larger one on my 05 1500 5.3. Can someone tell me what the fittings are on the trans cooler that came with the tow package?

larryf · October 31, 2007

OK, let me ask a different way.

The factory trans cooler is mounted behind the grill and has the two fluid lines comming down for a few inches then into a connection to the lines that run to the trans. Can someone tell me what the fittings are for this connection? I would like to do this with out cutting the lines.

Krambo · October 31, 2007

Well, my stock cooler was held on with a mutant "e" clip of sorts. The actual "nut" on the cooler is not a nut, do not try to loosen it. Since my poor fully built 65E is under alot of heat stress, I went with a HUGE 40,000 GVW True-cool cooler with a cold weather bypass however the B&M cooler is most likely a nice upgrade for you:

B&M coolers

I am assuming this is what you are looking to do? I thank Dave Carins for the pictures. This install is for 70274 - B&M SuperCooler rated at 29,200 BTU 11"x11"x1-1/2" (has female 1/2 NPT fittings).

If you are wishing to do the solid lines, you have some custom work to do. From the cooler, it took an Edelman 210860 (1/2 male NTP to 3/8 female NTP) and then an Edelman 124660 (3/8 male NTP to 3/8 inverted flare). An adapter to do it in one step was unavailable however if you check McMaster-Carr, they may have one in there. Cut the stock tubes with a small tubing cutter and then flare the ends. Use the left over piece of tubing to be the new route up to the top fitting on the cooler. The cooler is obviously mounted on its side to reduce the amount of custom tubing needed. You will need to fabricate some mounting strips to mount the cooler to the framework of the trucks front end. I assume since you are looking to do hard linies, fabbing up some brackets will be a walk in the park for you.

Did this help any???

larryf · November 3, 2007

Did this help any???

Thank, that helped a bunch. I will use your information and pictures.

Larry

Krambo · November 5, 2007

No problem. Be sure to post your results so others can benefit!

C & A s Dad · November 6, 2007

Kevin, that is a really nice install on that cooler. I also used a 11 5/8" x 11" stacked plate cooler. However I ended up using a 3/4" thick model instead of the 1 1/2" thick model. The cold weather by pass is a great idea for a cooler this size for anyone living or traveling in cold climates.

Larry, if you will PM me with your E mail address, I will be happy to send you some pics of mine installed. My install is very similar as Kevins but I did not use fixed lines. I simply removed the e clips from the OE lines and installed trans cooler hose over the existing lines without cutting them. My pics will give you some good detail on my routing. I do not have a photo bucket acct so I cannot post them here.

I really like Kevin's fixed lines but I have no issue using a good quality cooler hose. Your OE lines have rubber hose in them and I have installed and run aux trans coolers on at least 7 vehicles and have never had an issue with the hose.

Krambo · November 6, 2007

Actually th pictures are from a friend named Dave Carins of his SSS tranny cooler install. If you look at my sig, you can see the intercooler for the supercharger in my grill, just behind it there is a huge tranny cooler that is the same size as the intercooler I used barbed fittings and heavy duty tranny line hose. I have dual clamps holding the lines on however it has always made me nervous...

I have a billet cold weather bypass valve I can sell you. It has never been used and has a 130* thermostat built in so that the tranny will be at normal operating temps in the winter and in the summer, it will allow fluid flow so it stays cool. just an option for ya...

C & A s Dad · November 7, 2007

Don't worry about the trans cooler hoses. As long as you do not have them bent in too sharp of an angle or have them rubbing on a sharp edge, they will last a long time. I have never had one leak or burst.