Recommended Transmission and Engine Oil Cooler for 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche

Updated 03/29/2017 | Published 03/28/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(868)

$120.43

Derale Plate-Fin Engine Oil Cooler Kit w/ Adjustable Sandwich Adapter (Multiple Threads) - Class V

(15)

$201.96

Derale Combination Transmission and Engine Oil Cooler with Multiple Threads

(17)

$244.37

Question:

Curious about 2004 Avalanche w/5.3. What is real difference between a Transmission cooler like Item # D13504 and Engine Oil cooler like Item # D15405. I am trying to figure out if I need both, one over the other, etc.? I understand that one hooks to transmission line and the other appears to use oil lines...but what is benefit of one over other, etc.? Thank you! I use my truck to tow a Travel Trailer and burned through some oil and noticed high temps on my longer or hilly trips.

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

A Transmission Cooler like the Derale # D13504 referenced in your question will work to cool the transmission fluid in your 2004 Chevrolet Colorado. Doing this will help to extend the life of your transmission, as the vast majority of transmission failures are due to overheating. The unit is 11 inches wide x 12 inches tall x 7/8 inches deep, so you will just want to make sure you have enough space under the hood for installation.

An Engine Oil Cooler on the other hand, such as the Derale Plate-Fin # D15405 also mentioned in your question, will work to cool your engine's oil. An engine functions best when the oil is between 180 and 200 degrees. It looks like the engine filter thread size in your Chevrolet Avalanche is 13/16 inches x 16, so this system is compatible and will work great. This engine oil cooler will help to prolong the life of the engine oil, reducing the number of necessary changes. This unit is 9-7/8 inches wide x 9-1/2 inches tall x 1-1/4 inches deep.

We do also have coolers available that work as both, such as the Derale Combination Transmission and Engine Oil Cooler # D15902. This will keep both the engine and transmission cool with just a single system. I have attached a video demonstration on this product for you to look at.

While you can certainly install both types of coolers at once, I recommend going with a transmission cooler first. Generally, the transmission's operating temperature is a more important factor to consider, depending on the amount of stress you are putting on the Avalanche. An engine oil cooler can be added further down the line if you feel additional engine cooling is needed.

I have attached a couple of articles on Transmission Coolers and Engine Oil Coolers for you to check out. These will offer some more details on each type of system as well as describe their ideal mounting locations.