Transmission Cooler Upgrade

Has anyone split the difference and just added an electric fan in front for the stock tow-package cooler? I'm in the process of upgrading my non-tow-package truck to factory tow-package specs. I already added the oil cooler, and have a factory trans cooler sitting in the garage waiting for warmer weather. I will be towing a teardrop trailer that is under 2000 pounds loaded, plus some additional stuff in the bed, and will likely be fine with the factory parts. That said, I was thinking about adding a fan to the cooler just-in-case.

 

Interesting, bottom of page 226 of user manual: "To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance when using engine braking, do not use fifth gear (5-speed manual transmission), sixth gear (6-speed manual transmission), or do not put the transmission in D (automatic transmission).

 

Dude that thing is puny you could put a computer fan on it but that's about it. Factory on is the little thing on the rt. it's like 4" tall x 10"long if that.

 

It was designed by the manufacturer and has a ton of R&D in this exact configuration behind it. It also has a bypass circuit for cold weather like we get here in Ohio. Over-cooling can affect transmission performance too, and I'm trying to find a happy medium for occasional light towing. Your set-up is massive overkill for my application and geography.

 

get a big cooler, add in a proper inline fluid thermostat

https://derale.com/products/fluid-coolers/thermostats-1/fluid-control-thermostats/13011-detail

 

Yup, I looked at those too. I just don't need a huge cooler for my application, and I got the factory unit for $100 including shipping. It was gently used by someone else who immediately went big after buying his Taco, and other than some residual fluid inside it looks brand new and came with all the mounts too. The thermostat is $50 by itself, then I would need to buy a cooler, then fab up mounts for everything. I am not afraid to mod my truck - and I have in lots of other ways - it's just not necessary for this situation.

 

How can you tow in 4 if the roads only allow you to get up to 45 mph? It will kick down to 3rd and stay there unless you hit a downhill. I understand using 4 on the highway but it won't work for local towing.

 

You are correct, I should have stated when in the hwy not to use D. Thanks.

 

@RUSSELLTACO