Transmission cooler vs just using radiator 2005 Unlimited

[pittsburgh]

Its time to replace the radiator in my 2005 TJ Unlimited, I have an auto transmission and I was considering installing a transmission cooler since I ll have the transmission lines unhooked and the radiator out anyway. I was wondering if any of you guys here have done this and if it was worth it? Also, how many of you are running synthetic fluid in your drive train and what brand do you like?

Thanks
Keith

 

[comptiger5000]

The in-rad cooler is pretty worthless, IMO. In my ZJ, I've got it bypassed and just run a big stacked plate cooler up front.

The issue with the in-rad cooler is this: when you have the most cooling need, it has the least to offer and vice versa. It sits in the cold tank of the rad, so cruising down the highway under a light load in cold weather, there's tons of cooling capacity (and the trans isn't making much heat). But romping on the throttle on a hot summer day at lower speeds, the rad will be much hotter, so the cooler has a lot less ability to remove heat (and the trans is making a lot more heat).

 

[Mitch502]

Get a cooler. I should have installed a cooler on the ZJ while I was replacing the radiator. Now I have to finagle a way to make it fit...

 

[pittsburgh]

The cooler by-passes the radiator all together right? Do you guys have any recommendations on where and what brand to purchase?

 

[tarditi]

It's never a bad idea to have a dedicated cooler, unless you don't have room for it... They leave it out because they don't expect much towing and it saves $ in assembly costs at the factory.

 

[Zeep]

I've read on other forums where late model TJ's should all be running some type of cooler. Search Jeepforum for lots of info.
BTW, ATF4, which is the proper fluid for your trans, is full synthetic!

 

[locrwln]

Run both. I did on mine with a temp gauge as well. And as stated above, AT4 only. Those transmissions need all of the help they can get.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/88041-Jack-s-quot-new-quot-2006-LJ-Rubicon/page8
.
Jack

 

[Thean]

Id run the PSC cooler kit. The bracket is pretty simple and uses derale plate style coolers. It is not a bad kit for the money.
Whatever you do, do not run a zip tie type cooler where you run the zip ties through the radiator or condensor.

 

[Mitch502]

Id run the PSC cooler kit. The bracket is pretty simple and uses derale plate style coolers. It is not a bad kit for the money.
Whatever you do, do not run a zip tie type cooler where you run the zip ties through the radiator or condensor.

Ew, yea, don't use that...or the ones that just push into the fins...

I have a factory one I pulled at the junkyard I'm going to use...

 

[Kevin108]

I'm in VA and have NEVER regretting putting a big, fat trans cooler in. I've always used an inexpensive Hayden cooler rated 10,000 lbs or greater. Most recently I used http://smile.amazon.com/Hayden-Automotive-516-Performance-Transmission/dp/B000C3BBEY

 

[PhulesAU]

Inline or stand alone, just do it!!!

 

[pittsburgh]

Id run the PSC cooler kit. The bracket is pretty simple and uses derale plate style coolers. It is not a bad kit for the money.
Whatever you do, do not run a zip tie type cooler where you run the zip ties through the radiator or condensor.

Seems like this is the cleanest kit for install with the bracket and it is reasonably priced.