So I picked up an oil cooler radiator for free from a friend, Im planning on using it for either an engine oil cooler or a tranny cooler. I do not tow very often but maybe 3-4 times a year. So in the wise wisdom of the fourum, which should I use it for? Engine or trans? pros/cons?

 

Assuming that your engine is still cooling well and if it wasn't I would look for other problems 1st since stock you shouldn't need an oil cooler.

The main foe of an auto tranny is heat. I would go with a tranny cooler. Tranny pressures are much higher than oil. I think that some oil coolers are not recommended for tranny use since they are made for that pressure. Be sure to use high quality hoses to connect it into the system. Transmission rubber hose is made for the pressure, they are much thicker than fuel or general rubber hoses but are harder to find and cost more. Make sure that if plumb the additional tranny cooler after the radiator if yours has a small tranny section to it.

Geoff

 

Is it an automatic or manual transmission? If its an auto I would agree, go for the tranny cooling. If its a manual, neither one is all that necessary so just take your pick.

 

For sure a trans cooler, I could have used one today. I was up in the snow and my trans temp light came on. Just had a recent trans service but was pushing my way up in some deep snow, blazing a new trail in the fresh white stuff. I figured I should turn around instead of hurting my trans. Trans cooler is next for me I think.