I just replaced my radiator and I used a couple small punch/pick tools to get the tabs to release the tranny cooler line from the radiator. I do not remember seeing any o-rings fall out in the original setup, but the new radiator came with two o-rings. I thought one might go on the new cooler adapter that screws into the low spot on the radiator, but it seemed too big to do any good. I skipped installing any o-rings and now I am pretty sure I have a small leak right there.

Is that all I need to do is install one or both of the loose o-rings on the adapter and then re-insert it into the quick connect fitting? I don't think i damaged the fitting during dis-assembly, but if i did, is there a way to bypass that quick connection effectively? I have read of people cutting the quick connector out and using a flexible hose and hose clamps which sounded like a fine idea, but other people said that was not a long term fix. Also, is the flexible part of the cooler line hose even the right size to fit over the adapter that is screwed into the radiator?

Thanks a lot for any help.

 

If you use a rubber tranny line with good clamps it will out last all the know nothings that say it wont last, they will be dead before it starts to leak or anything. g/l ( been on mine for 2 years no issues)

 

x2

When I first got my jeep my tranny lines leaked like all hell from almost every one of those stock connections.

Cut em all off with a small pipe cutter and used the high temp/high pressure tranny lines and slid it over the tubes. a few good clamps and every leak was fixed

I put a piece of hose over the area you are talking about and it worked fine. I just cleaned the metal tube, lubed it with some tranz fluid and slid the rubber over it as far as I could, In some places I think I have 2 or 3 inches of overlap. I also used 2 hose clamps on the connections.

In my world a few cents at the parts store to give me some overkill is worth every penny, especially if it means i dont lose a trans line on the trail

Mine have also been on for years and working great. Not a single leak . . . from there

 

That's how I fixed mine. About a year and counting with no problems.

 

Cut them off with a rotating pipe/tubing cutter to make a nice cut and flare the ends. Use new 3/8" transmission hose and connect with fuel injection clamps (14-16mm). They are much stronger than the POS quick connects. It's not uncommon for those quick connects to blow apart at the hose crimp area when they get old.

I replaced them when they start to leak or I have to take them apart- down to only one left on the rig.

 

Thank you all for the replies and advice. I will let you know how it turns out.

 

Wow, that was a real PITA. I ended up having to lift the radiator up a few inches to get the cooler line connector back on the radiator since the new one stuck out more than the original and is now wedged against the side of the flat part of the vehicle where the air intake housing rests. I am actually glad though since I found out why the screws on top of the radiator did not stick through the holes in the grille reinforcement panel. It turns out that the screws coming out of the top of the new radiator were too long and so the panel was just resting on top of the screws instead of on the rubber bumpers.

I can't imagine that tranny cooler line fix you guys just suggested ever leaking unless a mouse eats through the new line. I double hose clamped transmission side connection after sliding the hose over the metal line about 3 or 4 inches and I only single clamped the connection at the radiator adapter since it fit so tight having to go over the o-ring-like hump in the adapter.

Thanks again everyone.

 

Responding to old thread, but wanted to share...
Went through similar issue, replaced radiator yesterday (CSF 2 row all metal), put the lower tranny coolant line back on but did not have parts kit for quick connect. I got it on, although PIA, but not 100% confident in it yet. Went to Chrysler/Jeep dealer and they sold me kit for ~ $27. Part number 83504447. haven't installed it yet, but it looks correct. Will keep it in XJ with some tools incase that line lets go on the road. RockAuto.com shows it as well (now that I have the actual part number from Chrysler) DORMAN 800750 {#83504447} Transmission Line Connector Repair

 

I used Dorman 800-082 which was labeled fuel injector quick disconnects. But is is the perfect size fitting.