Transmision Cooler

[mtzgr777]

Another good member on this forum [Paul Wall] suggested I get a transmission cooler. I live in Connecticut, near Paul in MA (who has one installed) and was wondering If it would really benefit me to have this installed on my '96? Does anyone who has this installed see a major difference or longer transmission life? I'm leaning toward getting it, just seeing how important it really is, and how long I should hold off before getting it...?

[maxnix]

Depends on how long you want your transmission to last. It all about avoiding thermal spikes. It is a cheap and cost effective modification.

Read Q45tech's early posts.

[Q451990]

It does appear that the later design of having two transmission "coolers" in the end tanks of the radiator greatly increased transmission life. That started with the 1994 mid run revision. Different gearing and other design changes may also be responsible for the greater life.

The reason I put "coolers" in quotes, is that when the ambient temperature is high, they actually act as heaters, since the ATF (typically) is cooler going into the end tanks than the coolant that surrounds the tank.

Ideally, you would be able to switch between an external cooler in the summer months, and OEM system in the winter, but most choose the stacked plate B&M design that has cold fluid bypass the cooler and return to the A/T without going through the cooling portion of the unit.

In your colder climate, I'm not sure that you'll see as much of a benefit as we do in warmer climates - but it's still a good idea.

Heath