How do I know if I need this on my truck. I have a 2002 dodge 1500. I am not sure if it has the towing package, but I can only assume (purchased used)I do because the tow hitch looks factory. Is this something I should invest in? I pull a 18ft CC boat about 50 miles every weekend. I am also planning to pull the boat to port A this spring. If I need this, how hard is it to put on?

Here's a link from a 4x4 website of a guy that put one on his Toyota, complete with photos.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runner/tech/trancooler/

Call your local deal and talk to the service writer or mgr, Give him the vin and he can tell you everything about the truck.

Personally, I would install one anyways. If you don't already have one.

Do all cars and trucks have some type of transmission cooler? I looked and I do have a cooler that has hoses running to the transmission. Is the aftermarket a bigger cooler?

If you add an aftermarket run it in series with your factory cooler if it is the type that is in the radiator tank. Run it through the radiator first then through add on cooler then to the trans. Also a "stacked plate" cooler is more efficient than the tube type and are available at Pep Boy's of all places, had a good selection of Hayden coolers with all the fittings necessary to avoid cutting into the factory lines. Easy install....

If you have a factory trans cooler on your truck you don't need to add another. If you trans is getting hot while towing you need to have it checked to make sure its going into "lockup" while towing. Very important!!

If all you have is the factory cooler that is mounted in the radiator tank, yes you do need to add another cooler for towing if you expect to keep down your trans temp.

Why do you say that if all you have is the cooler inside the radiator that you need to get another one? Do they not work as well, Just curious because that is what is on mine. We havent had any problems with it though.

matt

Ok Adkins, I was refering to having the factory EXTERNAL trans oil cool will provide sufficient cooling for your transmission.

redchevy, usually towing packages on trucks include a external trans oil cooler to help cool the trans fluid. If your towing a boat or trailer you power train all work harder. With just the cooler in the radiator will not offer enough cooling power in the heat of the summer. If you don't have one I would suggest you get one to extend the life of your transmission. The hotter it runs the shorter the life of the fluid and your transmission if you don't stay on top of your fluid condition.

Because you are only cooling your transmission fluid with 210 degree anti-freeze. Very easy to figure out. If you run it through your radiator then through a stacked plate cooler mounted in front of the ac condensor it drops your trans temp to between 160/180 degrees verified by my trans oil temp gauge......My fluid always stays bright red and gets changed annually, 242,000 miles & still kicking.

I change mine every 25,000 and it is still bright red and dont smell burnt, and I have 210000 mile with no problems, but it sounds like cheap insurance to me, will have to give one a try.

matt

I see my truck has the cooler on the out side of the transmission. It is about 6x14 or so. I do not have the type that runs through the radiator. Speaking of trans. fluid, what is up with Mopars new fluid? Why can't I purchase this at the autopart store?

Creed, the ATF +4 is only avail. from the dealer. Mopar still has a strangle hold on the patent so they can make more money. From the factory your trucks tranny lines will go throught the radiator then the cooler. If it doesn't then changes have been done and you need to have it going through radiator. In the winter time your trans fluid can get cool enough where lock up will not come in and that will lead to problems, and Dodges have a known problem with the TCC material failing plugging the cooler and causing severe damage.

If your using the radiator type cooler ditch it and get an external from the parts house, big difference I use a 12" tall 24" wide cooler on the race car..