'96 XJ 4.0 here and I'm starting to do enough towing that I'm considering putting in a trans cooler, although I'm not sure if I exactly need to. When I replaced my radiator this summer it had in and out trans fluid lines so I'm wondering if my setup already includes enough cooling that I don't need to add anything.

I originally thought I had a towing package (which I'm assuming would include additional trans cooling) but upon writing Chrysler with my VIN and getting a list of vehicle stats like this...

*J5 Cloth/Vinyl High-Back Bucket Seats
ADA Light Group
AHGP Spring Special Group
APAS Monotone Paint
ARWP Sport Decor Group
AWH Power Equipment Group
BAUS 117 Amp Alternator
BCDS 500 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
BGAS Power Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
CADP High Back Bucket Seats
CDBP Reclining Front Seats

... I didn't see anything like a towing package listed.

Whadda yall think? Do I already have good trans cooling or is there room for additional cooling?

 

If your doing a good bit of towing I'd put another cooler in line with the OEM one. With the recommendations of the guys here I got this one:

https://www.amazon.com/70264-SuperCo.../dp/B000CIIDZE

 

Yep. What he said.


Yes, you have a cooler already. They all do. Yes, if you are doing a lot of towing it's really a good idea to add a cooler.


Ask yourself two questions

1. How much is a cooler?
2. How much is a transmission rebuild?

 

Nice thing about the 96 is the transmission has a port to put in a temp sensor. I tow a 3500lb camper and the trans temp has never gone over 180 degrees. I do have an after market trans cooler, air shocks and most importantly, do not tow in the D4 or overdrive transmission selection...drive in D3 only... I find that 60mph gives the best ride and seems to keep both the engine and tranny cooler.

 

Here is a link to helpful information about the Aisin-Warner, AW4 transmission. Shows cooler lines, part numbers and flow direction. Post 48 explains the temperature port for 1997 and earlier AW4. Thank You to CCKen for posting the following linked info. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/gre...4/#post2810887

 

Thanks this is solid info. And just what I needed too with the item referral. From what I've read the cooler earl links too is much more efficient than the tube type design.

 

I use a 2000 ford ranger cooler as it is compact and pretty thick,it keeps my trans in the 150degrees range when it's 90out side and I'm in town ..rarely gets to 180 on the trail

 

See my post here https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/transmission-cooling-question-174792/#post2550367.

 

Very nice!

 

Yes very nice writeup.

 

Thanks, forgot to mention the detailed writeup. Glad you found it further down the page.

 

If your not using the a.c. condenser u can mount a super duty trans cooler inthe center of the radiator the are about 17"x24" roughly and do fit by bending.g the factory mounts and drilling holes into the upper core support and using bolts to hold it ,they are a plate cooler and work very well,my buddy and I did this on his jeep and keeps it cool running 35" tires and 488 gears,in any terrain and any speed..cooler was about 30$ and he has had no complaints on its performance
This is his build ,89 limited