Should I Put a Transmission Cooler on my 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche for Towing a 4000lb Trailer?

Updated 09/28/2010 | Published 09/27/2010

Question:

novice in the trailer game, co-workers said i should get a tranny cooler. Trailer is 4000 lbs+- , i have a 2004 chevy avalanche w/5.3ltr motor. Id rather go larger than smaller. What tranny cooler should i go with, can i self install im no mechanic but i can make it through a tool box o.k. do they include hook up instructions? thanks,

asked by: dominick g

Expert Reply:

I strongly recommend you get a transmission cooler to prevent damage to your 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche.

Transmission coolers are universal fit items, what you will need to do is find out how much room you have to work with in front of your radiator and find a transmission cooler that will fit your application.

This particular cooler measures 12 inches tall, by 11 inches wide and is 7/8 of an inch thick. Check your truck and make sure you have enough space in front of your radiator and if you do then this cooler would work for you.

If you are mechanically inclined at all you should have no problem installing a transmission cooler. When installing a transmission cooler like Derale Transmission Cooler, # D13504, it does not matter which side is intake and which is output. You do not have to bypass the factory cooler if you do not want to. If you want to keep both, the path of the fluid needs to be transmission to factory cooler, then to Derale cooler, then back to the transmission.

If you choose to run the transmission cooler in-line after the original transmission cooler you will need a Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM, part # D13035. This will snap into the original coolers output fitting to allow you to run the coolant line from it without having to cut or flare the original fitting on the factory cooler.

We have a video of a different cooler being installed on a 2006 Honda CR-V. You may not have to take off the front bumper cover to install on your vehicle. We mostly did it for purposes of the video so that we can clearly show what is being done. I have added a link to the video below so you can review the process.