Trans cooler

[orangecrush]

Adding a trans cooler soon - should I keep the radiator lines and route through the cooler or block the old radiator lines and run aftermarket cooler only ? I've read that radiator can heat trans fluid (or at least is not as efficient) as a stand-alone cooler ? If vote is to keep radiator lines functioning - how do I route (in-out path) Thanks

 

[70Duster440]

Factory equipped cars will coolers were routed through the radiator cooler first. Most aftermarket manufacturers will tell you to do the same. (BeCool advises to put it before the rad cooler - so you'll get differing opinions).

Some people run just an external cooler and bypass the rad cooler altogether. It's a matter of preference.

Most cooler kits involve cutting and splicing rubber hose into lines. Basically you want to come out of the front fitting on the trans to one of the fittings on the radiator (either), then come out of the radiator, through the external cooler, and back to the rear fitting on the trans.

 

[65 Dartman]

I've always run the in-radiator cooler first then the external cooler.

 

[Mrmopartech]

Ok,lets start a big fight.A automatic tranny to run correctly needs the oil to be at 160-180 tops to survive.The problem is heat that brakes down oil and then fails the cooling and lube properties that the tranny needs.If you never intend to drive your tranny in the winter,or cold areas,Do not run the lines into the rad to try and be cooled,it won,t happen.They do this to keep the tranny oil warm in the winter and not cause shifting problems.If you know your motor runs at 180-200 on the highway,why would you want to run the oil into some thing that makes it hotter than what it needs to,makes no sence.You run the lines to the cooler mounted in front of the rad and thats it.Blow out the cooling rad in the rad tank to clear the old oil out and leave it.You will find the tranny will last and live longer and tranny will shift more consistant,as the oil will be cooler and stay in its temperature zone that it was intended for,mrmopartech

 

[70Duster440]

I knew it wouldn't be long before someone chimed in with a strong opinion against using the rad cooler.

MrMoparTech, how would your recommend sizing an external cooler that is adequate but not overkill to do the job on it's own? (Assuming no towing but maybe a looser converter than stock)

 

[yellowdartdave]

Remember how Mother Mopar did the Police Package tranny coolers----
Thru the rad 1st and then thru the aux. cooler.
My dad's 68 Coronet cop car was the same way and so is my Dakota R/T.

 

[rebeldart]

Never heard MrMoparTech's angle regarding heating the fluid in the winter vs cooling (or attempting to) in the summer. With a user name like MrMoparTech he must know what he speaks of (speaks with confidence if nothing else) Anyone else chime in ? I'd like to know what size as well if running only the aftermarket.