Can the Factory Transmission Cooler be Bypassed on a 2005 Chevy Tahoe

Updated 09/11/2015 | Published 09/10/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient

(867)

$120.43

Derale Temperature Gauge Kit for Transmission or Engine Oil

(13)

$83.55

Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ NPT Inlets - Class V - Extra Efficient

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$111.18

Question:

I have a 05 Tahoe 5.3 2 wheel drive, I have a phobia of radiator failure and transmission being scrapped due to coolant mixture. From past experience with a Ford product I have read about this happening on the Tahoe also. my question is will the external radiator cooler be sufficient if I bypass the radiator completely ? Thanks

asked by: Leland

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you choose to bypass the factory transmission cooler on your 2005 Chevy Tahoe then I recommend a large cooler that will fit and the most efficient design. If it were me I would go with cooler kit # D13614. It is rated ad a Class V, extra efficient, which would definitely work better than the factory cooler.

Remember that you will need to plug the factory cooler inlet and outlet if you bypass it with this method. I have linked a video review of this cooler and a link to our help article on transmission coolers for you.

Since you will be bypassing the factory cooler it would be a good idea to also get a separate gauge to monitor the fluid temperature, # D13009.

expert reply by: Michael H