Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 6.0 Liter

Updated 10/24/2012 | Published 10/22/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(867)

$120.43

Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings for GM

(46)

$17.16

Derale Series 7000 Tube-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/ Hose Barb Inlets - Class IV - Standard

(22)

$101.83

Question:

I looked through the grill of my 3/4 ton yukon xl and it looks like it has a small transmission cooler already. i would guess about 9in by 5 inches. or so. when going on long sustained hill, i feel that my transmission oil temperature got too high.. i dont remember an exact number. i was trying to figure out is the best solution for me a D13504 as a replacement for my stock cooler? or should i do something else? This is towing a 6k pound travel trainer over the cascade mountains I-90 pass in washington state. What other parts would i need?

asked by: Cole

Expert Reply:

Adding a supplemental cooler is a good idea, but you do not have to replace the factory one unless there is something wrong with it. You can add an additional cooler to work with the factory cooler for the optimum amount of cooling. When looking at transmission coolers I recommend going with the largest one that will fit in the available space in the engine compartment.

There are 3 main locations a cooler can go: the most efficient is in front of the air conditioner condenser core/directly behind the grille; between the A/C condenser core and radiator; and the least efficient place is behind the radiator.

Cooler # D13105 is one of the largest. It measures 16-5/8 inches wide, 12-5/8 inches tall, and 3/4 inches thick. The flow of the transmission fluid would go from the transmission, to the factory cooler, then to the supplemental cooler, and back to the transmission. I also recommend the GM fitting # D13018 so you do not have to cut and flare lines.

I have incldued some links on transmission coolers for you to view.

expert reply by: Michael H