Trans Cooler install.

[vinmaker]

My 2013 Tahoe did not come with an extra tranny cooler (no tow package) and after reading all the treads I could find here I think I am gonna try to tackle the job. I looked at a few videos done by etrailer and I think it is fairly straight forward.

The cooler recommended by etrailer is only about $50 bucks. Seems like a cheap add on for the added protection to cool the temp down. I know I will not tow more. Just wanted to keep the temp down on the hills and summer highway driving.

I am going to wait until the weather gets better and then I am going to order it up and tackle the job.

I will try to post some pics as well.

This forum rocks!!!

Would anyone care to add any Sage advice?

Vin.

[f5moab]

Stacked plate or tube and fin cooler? Stacked fin gives more cooling BTUs per size.
They are easy to install. The hardest part is the access to the front of the radiator. On my Hummer it took over an hour to access that area and two people to lift off the Winch/plate/steel bumper combination, but I bet on my Silverado, it would take about fifteen minutes.

Just take your time and makes sure to top off the trans fluid after install.

[wana65stang]

When you cut your OEM cooler line to TEE in the aux cooler make sure you flare the ends to give the clamp something to bite into.

[Randoon]

This is the e-trailer trans cooler I installed behind the factory cooler in our 1999 GMC 1500. Trans temp has never gotten over 172 degrees pulling our Flagstaff 8528, approaching 8,000 lbs. loaded. I don't see photos here but I did put them in as attachments. We'll see if they show up when I submit this.

[beerjay]

Originally Posted by vinmaker

My 2013 Tahoe did not come with an extra tranny cooler (no tow package) Vin.

My Suburban had the tow package and all the related stuff. The build sheet I checked with the dealer said the aux trans cooler was not installed. The difference is significant though. Tow rating without cooler 5400 lbs. With cooler 7900 lbs.

When they installed the cooler the tubing back to the differential was leaking so it needed replacement. That made it a $1K+ job due to the fitting, or at least that was what I was told ...

[raspivey]

That had less to do with the trans cooler and more to do with the rear end ratio that came with the heavier tow package. Don't think adding that cooler gave you 2500 lbs more tow rating. I've got a 2012 Tahoe LTZ with the heavy tow package. It's 8500 lbs. instead of...can't exactly remember, but that package included a bigger radiator, trans cooler, 3.42 gears instead of the 3.08 and a few other little things.

I installed one on my trailblazer before it got hit head on by a drunk last month. Extremely easy to do and worth the insurance. I'd say to go as big as you can fit in there...you can't overcool trans fluid.

[beerjay]

Originally Posted by raspivey

That had less to do with the trans cooler and more to do with the rear end ratio that came with the heavier tow package. Don't think adding that cooler gave you 2500 lbs more tow rating.

2009 CHEVROLET/GMC Suburban/Yukon XL 1500 4WD 5.3L V8 5400 requires 3.42 axle ratio
2009 CHEVROLET/GMC Suburban/Yukon XL 1500 4WD 5.3L V8 7900 requires 3.42 axle ratio requires Cooling package
2009 CHEVROLET/GMC Suburban/Yukon XL 1500 4WD 6.0L V8 7900

From here. And also confirmed by GM.


BTW I used to have a Trailblazer. Ok pulling a pop-up but no fun. Underpowered I6 and short wheelbase.

[f5moab]

On trucks, the cooling package includes an external air transfer trans cooler (added to the internal radiator cooler) and an external oil cooler.

And yes, per a GM trans engineer I had as a neighbor back in MI, trans fluid works best at above about 140 F. And some auxiliary trans coolers, such as the B&M 70264, has a low temp bypass, to allow trans fluid to bypass the cooler until it reaches approx. 140 or so degrees F. But that info was in regard to the newer trans fluid.

[northstar1960]

Originally Posted by f5moab

On trucks, the cooling package includes an external air transfer trans cooler (added to the internal radiator cooler) and an external oil cooler.

And yes, per a GM trans engineer I had as a neighbor back in MI, trans fluid works best at above about 140 F. And some auxiliary trans coolers, such as the B&M 70264, has a low temp bypass, to allow trans fluid to bypass the cooler until it reaches approx. 140 or so degrees F. But that info was in regard to the newer trans fluid.

The book on my 2500 hd says trans temps between 100 and 165 are optimal . maybe the real new trucks have the warmer feture . not on mine that's for sure . I have the 2 coolers that came with the tow package . 1 radiator ,2nd external , and a 3rd external i added . never reaches 140 W/O being loaded . trying to keep temps in the 165 range towing. At 275 trans shuts down in protection mode .you can't cool them enough

[vinmaker]

Originally Posted by raspivey

That had less to do with the trans cooler and more to do with the rear end ratio that came with the heavier tow package. Don't think adding that cooler gave you 2500 lbs more tow rating. I've got a 2012 Tahoe LTZ with the heavy tow package. It's 8500 lbs. instead of...can't exactly remember, but that package included a bigger radiator, trans cooler, 3.42 gears instead of the 3.08 and a few other little things.

I installed one on my trailblazer before it got hit head on by a drunk last month. Extremely easy to do and worth the insurance. I'd say to go as big as you can fit in there...you can't overcool trans fluid.

That is basically my understanding of my situation. I do not have the 3.42 gears that I would need to get more towing. My Tahoe is only rated to tow 5,200 lbs. With my pop up, I pretty much max it out if not overload her.

I am lucky that I can easily attach the new cooler into the existing lines without any cutting.

You guys have me wondering if I should try to fit two coolers onto the front. Would this adversely affect my water/engine temp? I do my longest towing during the summer months and as you all say, cool tranny fluid is good.

Vin.