Stacked Plate Transmission Cooler For 1999 Dodge Durango 4X4

Updated 10/07/2013 | Published 10/04/2013

Products Featured in This Question

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

(887)

$96.43

Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings for Dodge

(1)

$27.93

Derale 34-Row, High-Performance, Stacked-Plate Cooler with -10 AN Fittings - Class V

(4)

$410.14

Question:

Have a 1999 Dodge Durango 4x4 5.9L360cu.in. and will be towing travel trailer about 7000lbs around the country. The question is, is this trans cooler going to be efficent enough for the job or should I be looking at a different type or model?

asked by: Joe

Helpful Expert Reply:

The installation of a transmission cooler will help cool the temperature of the transmission fluid on your 1999 Dodge Durango. Transmission coolers are not vehicle specific, so finding the location where it will work well and measuring to make certain it will fit is very important. A transmission cooler should be mounted in front of the radiator and AC condenser, if possible. I have linked you to a couple of help articles about transmission coolers.

I would recommend the Derale 34-Row, High-Performance, Stacked-Plate Cooler, part # D53410. This cooler measures 13 in Wide x 12-1/16 in tall x 2 in deep. Stacked plate coolers are the most efficient available. I would also recommend the Bracket Kit for Derale High Performance Stacked-Plate Coolers, part # D50020. This kit comes with 4 brackets that have 4 holes in each for multiple mounting positions. The hardware is included.

You will also need the Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings for 1999 Dodge Durango, part # D13034. These adapter fittings attach to the lines you currently have on your transmission.

I did some research and it appears your Durango has a towing capacity of 7300 lbs if it has the 3.92 rear axle ratio. Based on that you may want to consider a weight distribution system. Weight distribution is a good idea any time the trailer weighs at least 50 percent or more of the tow vehicle. In your situation it should qualify because your Durango probably weighs around 4500 lbs. So I do recommend a weight distribution system for you.

To select a system you will go by the total tongue weight. This is calculated by taking the tongue weight of the trailer when loaded and ready to tow and adding to that the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle.

So if the trailer weighs 7000 pounds and there is nothing in the truck bed. Typically the tongue weight of a trailer is 10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. That would put the tongue weight at 700 to 1050 pounds. Based on this I recommend a system that is rated for 600 to 1200 pounds tongue weight or a system that maxes out at 1200 pounds.

I would also recommend a system that comes with sway control. Sway control is important to prevent sway by forcing the tow vehicle and the trailer to ride in a straight line.

I recommend the Strait-Line Weight Distribution, # RP66084. This system is rated for 600 to 1200 pounds tongue weight. It also comes with dual-cam sway control which stops sway before it starts.