Oem Trans Cooler Upgrade On 99-07 1500?

[Chevrolet1]

Has anyone with a 99 - 07 (old body) 1500 and factory tow package ever upgraded the factory trans cooler to a higher capacity GM cooler (e.g. from a 2500)? I have absolutely no plans to tow more than my truck's capacity, but wondering if a version of this cooler from a heavier duty GM truck would directly connect to the existing trans cooler lines (I could modify the mounting as needed). In the Texas heat, you can't over-cool a trans.

[txab]

Just install an aftermarket cooler. You'll spend less money.

[gm4yrs]

Check out Tru-cool 40k. If you already have an external trans cooler, you can use the lines. The pass side of the line is cut, rotate 90* and reconnect with a line coupler, Napa has one that will work.

[wavery]

You may want to consider just adding a pusher fan to the current cooler. It makes a big difference. Cheap & easy.

[Chevrolet1]

Just install an aftermarket cooler. You'll spend less money.

 

I've definitely considered an aftermarket model (e.g. Hayden RapidCool for up to 10K lbs), but really prefer the factory hard lines over hose.

[Vortec-Z71]

GM makes a kit for your truck with everything you need. It is GM Part # 12497071 and runs about $80.

 

 

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?s...number=12497071

[Chevrolet1]

GM makes a kit for your truck with everything you need. It is GM Part # 12497071 and runs about $80.

 

 

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?s...number=12497071

 

That appears to be what's on the truck (already have factory tow package). I'm wondering about upgrading it to a larger sized cooler that would "bolt on" (or close to it). For example, a 99-07 Silverado/Sierra cooler from a 2500HD.

[southcarolinasteamdude]

replaced oem radiator ...was only 7/8" single core , with huge one from Advance Stores dropped temp to 200 with a 195 t stat ,,,Bypassed radiator cooling ( reasoned it would increase trans oil that in cool weather runs 140 to a starting temp of 200 ) installed a heavy duty one with fan ,,,,,,,,,,, so far so good will check back in when july gets here ...... Hey I finally was talked in to synthetic ,,,,,,, guy who built my trans asked why I had a problem ,,,I replied what happens if I have to add when on the road ....Answer///// it will blend no problem I later saw 18 wheeler a complete road tractor drained of all lubes and Amasoil hey works for me shifts better and yes the gas milage is better ......... Try it however if not a rebuild you have to have it flushed cost me $ 60 to change over when I had mine rebuilt .

[Chris]

Factory lines have leak points when they start to age. Heres what to do, full steel braided teflon hose with a beastly cooler

[02suburbanZ71]

Factory lines have leak points when they start to age. Heres what to do, full steel braided teflon hose with a beastly cooler

Will you have to add a little extra fluid if you switch from oem cooler to a trucool 45K?

[Chris]

Maybe. I didnt go with Trucool. The setup i installed holds like an extra 1.15 quarts in the cooler

[Chris]

Also the largest Trucool is 40k. It is a lot smaller than mine. Mine is a double pass and 1.5" thicker than the Trucool. Also i see where you got 45k. The coolers are normally rated by GVW not BTU.

[02suburbanZ71]

So yours cools better than the 40. Does yours have the thermal bypass? How does that work

[Chris]

No thermal bypass. Most the Trucool installs I have seen are the unit without the bypass. If it gets to the point of bypass, I will put cardboard in front of the cooler or tie the lines together and cap off the cooler. That was one reason I wanted AN fittings. Hydraulics was my prior career field. I live in a warm climate and it is mid december and 65 degrees during the day. Bypassing isnt much of a concern

[02suburbanZ71]

If i swap coolers to a cooler with bypass will it automatically bypass the cooler, how will the cooler know its too cold and bypass itself? What cooler do you have