Should I Add or Replace the Transmission Cooler for 1998 Dodge Ram Pickup with 5.9L V8

Updated 03/10/2020 | Published 03/09/2020

Question:

I need to pull a 25foot camper 7500 lbs in the mountains. I have to stop and let the transmission cool while ascending passes. Is it best to add a secondary cooler or just a larger cooler. I would appreciate your recommendation. Thank you

asked by: Jess C

Expert Reply:

It is most likely that your truck already has 2 coolers for the transmission fluid to go being the radiator followed by an auxiliary cooler. Once the transmission fluid goes through both of those and then back into the transmission, if your transmission is still overheating I recommend replacing that auxiliary cooler with a bigger one and the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler part # D13504 is a great option. The plate-fin type cooler is a great option over others because the fluid spreads out along the finned chambers to help it cool faster. It also has a furnace-brazed aluminum construction and 3/4" wide turbulator plates for more efficient cooling of the fluid.

Replacing the auxiliary cooler in my opinion is better than adding another because with another cooler, you are just adding more lines, taking up more space, and giving the fluid a longer way to travel to get all the way back to the transmission. There is also more connections which increases the chance of a failure.

I attached a video review for your reference. Have fun camping!

expert reply by: Colin H