Supplementary Transmission Cooler for 2004 Silverado 1500 LT That Has a Factory External Cooler

Updated 04/03/2014 | Published 04/02/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(867)

$120.43

Derale Temperature Gauge Kit for Transmission or Engine Oil

(13)

$83.55

Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM

(269)

$16.69

Derale Transmission Pan Cooler for GM 4L80E

(28)

$256.57

Question:

I have a 2004 Silverado 1500 LT 5.3ltr 4X4 and it appears it already has an external cooler instaled from the factory. Im about to take a 32 foot bumper pull camper to Washington State from OK. So I am concidering adding to the cooling abilities of the system with this cooler. I was going to do it like to Yukon video when I noticed what appears to be a smaller version this cooler installed from the factory. What are your thoughts on assing to the system, I bought the truck used and dont want to risk the transmission on the rockies?

asked by: Brian C

Helpful Expert Reply:

It is possible that your 2004 Silverado 1500 has an external transmission cooler from the factory; it is also possible that the previous owner installed an aftermarket unit. Some auto makers place a tranny cooler inside the radiator. You can confirm that the unit you are seeing is indeed a stand-alone tranny cooler by following its lines back to the transmission case and you can certainly add on a second cooler for your transmission if you wish and this would indeed be a good idea for your upcoming trip through the Rockies.

Coolers are not vehicle-specific; you can install a cooler as large as the space you have available for one.
The best location is in front of the A/C condenser where the cooler will receive maximum air flow, but other placement is permissible. There are even coolers offered that mount to the frame rail, coolers that replace the transmission pan and even fan-powered units that can mount anywhere without loss of cooling performance (since they do not rely on passive air flow).

The link provided will show you a range of coolers for your 5.3L Silverado, including the Derale unit you referenced, part # D13504. This Class IV plate-fin cooler would be an excellent choice, as long as it can fit in front of your A/C condenser, since it offers high-efficiency cooling. If you have space for this 11 x 12 x 7/8-inch cooler (plus room for the hoses to make nice gentle curves - not sharp bends that could block fluid flow) then this is a fine choice. You will also need hose fitting # D13035.

If your Silverado has the 4L80E transmission you have the option of using a pan cooler, # D14207 from Derale, which can drop your tranny temperature by as much as 50-degrees and which allows use of an optional temperature gauge kit # D13009 if you like.

I have linked two articles on coolers that might be helpful to you as you decide your preferences.