Installation of Largest Transmission Cooler on a 2011 Dodge Nitro

Question:

There is no listed transmission cooler for the 2011 Dodge Nitro on your site, just the 2010. The 2010 says this will fit: Derale Transmission Cooler Code: 8000 Series D13503, so i would expect this will fit my 2011. I know the 9000 series D13613 is a bit overkill, but if I can do it why not add the cooling efficiency. Will the D13613s work in my vehicle? Thanks for the information. Have a great day.

asked by: Pete

Expert Reply:

As far as transmission coolers go, you cannot cool transmission fluid too much, so installing the largest cooler that the space on your 2011 Dodge Nitro will allow is perfectly fine and will benefit your transmission the most. Ideally you want the transmission fluid to be between 160 and 200 degrees for the best operation and longest life from the transmission.

Transmission coolers are a universal fit item, so as long as you have space in front of your air conditioning condenser, or between your air conditioning condenser and your radiator, you can put whatever size transmission cooler you want on your 2011 Dodge Nitro.

The Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, part # D13613, you have referenced is a Class IV cooler, which means it is designed for vehicles that will tow up to 12,000 lbs. It measures 11 inches wide x 8-7/8 inches tall x 1-1/4 inches deep. The Derale cooler will come with a complete mounting kit and a radiator adapter that will fit the Dodge Nitro with a 5/16 inch transmission line.

You will want to route the transmission fluid through the factory transmission cooler first, and then through the Derale cooler # D13613, and finally back to your transmission. So the Derale cooler will be added after the factory transmission cooler in the radiator.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on transmission coolers.

expert reply by: Jeff D