Transmission cooler or not..


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Detectorist
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Transmission cooler or not..

Post by Detectorist »

next week I'll be towing with my stock Astro Van 2000 a 6'X12' Uhaul trailer total weight about 3200lbs. Moving from Largo, Florida to Raleigh NC.

Should I get a transmission cooler installed as a precaution?
2000 White Astro Van 2WD
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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by astrozam »

YES !
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potskie
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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by potskie »

Most Definitely!!!

The 100 smackers and the hour or so to install it as a precaution is a whole lot cheaper than a new tranny.
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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by SafariRob »

I also vote yes even if you never pull a trailer with your van. It's downright spooky how hot the ATF can get in an automatic transmission. If you want to get freaked out, install a transmission temperature gauge before you install the cooler. I think you'll be surprised at the temperature the transmission gets to. I know I sure was.
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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by skippy »

LOL looks like its a defenate YES . if you do the install youir self , do not use the plastic things you push through the radiator !!!!!!! use the metal straps & mount it to the radiator support . that way you don't wind up with leaks in the rad . or the a/c condensor up front .
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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Another vote for a YES! It is a must have for daily driving and an absolute necessity for towing. Here is the stickied thread on installing one yourself. The bottom of page 1 shows a temperature comparison I did on my 2003 AWD in much cooler weather than your Florida to North Carolina trip will be.
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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by Jim in Indy »

Definite yes.
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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by Rebel »

Another yes here.

Hey Rob,,you ever been able to check the difference in temps running aux. cooler only compared to rad. cooler and aux. combo ??
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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by kings-x59 »

And...one final yes.
'89 Astro, 4.3L, TBI. Minor intake and exhaust mods. Rebuilt 700R4 trans (by me). Corvette servo, 0.5" boost valve, police grade 1-2 accumulator spring (shifts fast and solid). B&M stacked plate trans cooler. Bilstein shocks. Belltech sway bars front and back. New head unit, speakers and subwoofer. Needs paint and a new headliner.

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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by Water Boy »

There is no such thing as too big of a stacked plate cooler.

Some of them have a built-in fluid bypass.
Sample....
http://www.transmissioncoolers.us/
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I'm 'tween Canton and Holly Springs (North NorthWest of Atlanta GA)
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Topic author
Detectorist
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Thanks guys, you all are great!

Post by Detectorist »

I'm getting a cooler today.
2000 White Astro Van 2WD
64000 miles
Everything stock

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Re: Thanks guys, you all are great!

Post by Water Boy »

Detectorist wrote:I'm getting a cooler today.
When you do the install ... you are gonna install it right? ... take pics and post 'em here.
I was told getting my beauty sleep was a waste of time.

1990 Astro (Z motor) mostly original @ 343,584 miles (552,944.8488960001 Canadian) (03/2008). Bad startup puff. Starting to spray for skeeters. Gone 06/07/08.
1993 Astro with a bad W motor. Parked next to a chicken coop in Talking Rock GA
I'm 'tween Canton and Holly Springs (North NorthWest of Atlanta GA)
I haul bottled water everyday- between 500 and 2500 pounds (226.796185 and 1,133.980925 Canadian) INSIDE the van.

Topic author
Detectorist
I get chills without my van.
Posts: 52
Joined: Wed May 21, 2008 4:33 pm
Location: Durham, North Carolina

Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by Detectorist »

No, I don't want to mess with it. I'm having uhaul install their heavy duty one along with the wiring for the trailer. I also ordered a 5000lb hitch from etrailers.
2000 White Astro Van 2WD
64000 miles
Everything stock

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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by Spike99 »

Do ensure they installthe LDP (Low Pressure Drop) design Aux cooler. The bigger the better. Especially for a 9x12 enclosed trailer that has mass amount of wind drag as well (wind drap compared to a "tucked behind" utility trailer).

If the 9x12 trailer contains onboard brakes (it should - when being pulled behind your van), also get your U-Haul folks to install a standard 7 pin connector with a brake controller in your van. Many trailers use full electric brakes. I hear the "Tekonsha Prodigy" brake controllers are the best on the market. For more details, surf: http://www.tekonsha.com/prodig.html



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Re: Transmission cooler or not..

Post by LaGrasta »

adding a cooler... at least 25° cooler. You just doubled your tranny's life.
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K&N air filter
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