I have a 2001 GC with a 4.0 and this Spring I will be towing a 2 place trailer with either one or two ATV on it. I'd like to help protect the tranny by installing a trans cooler. Any suggestions as what to buy? Are there different sizes? I'd like a bigger cooler for the most protection. Thoughts? ideas?


RIZ

 

Yes Riz, there are many different sizes of aftermarket coolers and even different shapes. If you're not going off-road with your rig, I suggest one that hangs underneath the radiator so it gets the most air and expels it's heat without heating up the rad. Also, don't eliminate the radiator cooling coils because it helps WARM the tranny in the winter. Just plumb the hot fluid thru the aux cooler first.

Most of the heat in an automatic transmission is created by turbulence of the fluid in the converter cause by slippage. When towing, the inside of the converter is like a blender. Ordinary hydraulic oils begin to break down at around 185*F but trans fluid is specially formulated to resist breakdown up to about 240*F. After a long heavy pull, it's a good idea to change the fluid.