So I started leaking trans fluid and investigated to find that I have a busted fitting going into the radiator in the driver's side below the main coolant line. I got it off easy enough but am having trouble finding a replacement. Can I get something like this at a hardware store? Can't seem to find the part on rock auto or any other of my go to stores.

 

Ah is that the quick connect bit that is screwed into the radiator? Cut the lines, plug the radiator. Install a ZJ or similar transmission cooler from the junk yard.

I found a ac/fuel coupler like that with the same thread pitch in the plumbing isle at the hardware store. There might be one at the junkyard you can pull too.

 

I'd probably just solder or braze over the hole. There really isn't much pressure in the line.

 

Yeah for real you could just find any old fitting that screws in there and clamp the hose to it.

 

I'll go check the hardware store. The problem with this one is that it was rubbing on the frame so I need to find one with a 90 turn that's shorter.

 

I saw how tight that bend was when I fixed mine and did the external cooler mod. Might last longer.

 

I had the same issue and I replaced the whole line from radiator to transmission, if you do go that route the new line from Orileys was about $35 after tax and then you also need to buy a Dorman connector pictured to replace the connector at the transmission, trust me on this one for $9 it will save you a huge pain. The Orileys line worked but was definetly not the exact line I had as it bent out a little farther.

 

Is that the 2 little whitish plastic tabs that go into the side of the trans, inserting the steel lines??...I have a spare trans, but those looked trashed as pressure has been placed on the steel lines during removal & transport

Be handy to have if I eventually need to replace a trans !

edit...at ease...I put the Part num in Google...should have done that 1st lol

 

Looks like that's the fitting going into the transmission. I need the one going into the radiator.

 

I searched high and low for an official part but i can only find them inside radiators on ebay. The new radiators have that part built in. Legit though, browse the plumbing section and Lego the fittings til you find what works. Or weld it. Or cool the trans without the radiator.

 

It's more of a temperature regulator than a cooler, I wouldn't just put a ZJ cooler on it and blank it off from the radiator. When the trans is cool, it heats the ATF up with the engine coolant, as it gets hotter it cools it down alongside the small radiator at the front.

In terms of clearance, when I replaced my radiator it was touching so I just put a few slits in the body where it was catching. I believe my connection is on the other side to yours though as the RHD rad is different. Mine was rubbing underneath the battery tray.

It's under low pressure there so a soldered over patch of copper would probably do the job if you can't find a replacement.

 

This is bad advice IMO. Transmission needs to operate within a certain temperature range. Running the trans fluid through the radiator warms the fluid when its cold. Deleting that circuit and running an external cooler will be a poor choice for anyone who sees colder weather.