Transmission Cooler Installation Location on a 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500

Published 01/31/2013

Products Featured in This Question

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

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$120.43

Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings for GM

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Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM

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

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$107.51

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

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$91.94

Question:

I have been looking at the factory transmission lines on the truck. The lower transmission line on the radiator is the cool or return line? If this is correct, then the lower factor transmission line has a rubber hose about 6 inches away from the fitting on the radiator. This factory hose makes it flexible for insulation i would assume. My question is can this hose be cut so a barb or your snap in tube fitting # 13035 be used to connect the secondary cooler ? If this type of installation can be done, it would make the install very easy. Another option i would think is using the 5/16 transmission fitting cooler line to 3/8 barb # 13031. And install them where you cut the steel line. Using this compression fitting allows you to install without flaring the factory line? I pull about 3000 lbs everyday. and thinking about installing the 13502 cooler below the factory radiator. The bumper on the truck has a cut out to allow air flow. In this area with cutting the rubber cover, the cooler would get fresh air and not pass the air on to the stock radiator. Air flow would be passed under the truck. Do you think this is a good place for the cooler? And do you think 13502 would be a good choice?

asked by: Scott B

Expert Reply:

Your 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 most likely has the GM 6L80 transmission. On this transmission, the bottom line on the transmission should be the return line (based on some research I did online for this transmission).

You should be able to install the transmission cooler like you have described provided you have enough hose to reach.

If you install it at the steel lines then you can use a hose fitting, # D13018 for the 4.3 liter or # D13035 for any of the larger motors, so you will not have to cut and flare lines.

As long as the cooler can get air flow and it is not in a place where road debris can get kicked up and hit it then it will be fine. Generally we recommend using the largest cooler that you can in the space available. The # D13502 is on the small side at 11 by 7-1/4 by 7/8 inches. For larger vehicles and since you tow often I would go with the larger # D13503. It is an inch and a half taller so it has a little more cooling efficiency.

I have included a link to our FAQ article on transmission coolers for you.