Transmission Cooler for a Texas 2009 Chevy Silverado with 7.5 Inch Lift and 35 Inch Tires

Updated 08/15/2014 | Published 08/14/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(867)

$91.16

Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM

(269)

$16.69

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

(22)

$105.52

Question:

My truck is reaching 195 degree trans temp under normal drivingnot towing in Texas 95-105 degrees average air temp. I know it needs to be re-geared to match the tire size, but I was thinking of adding a larger trans cooler until I can save up the $$$ to change the gears. on long highway drives it can reach up to 220 degrees in this Texas heat. My question, is will this be beneficial to help me keep from damaging the transmission? sidenote I am fixing to purchase a programmer as well to adjust shift points and also firm up the shifts. also, would i remove the current trans cooler and replace with this one, or add the new one inline from the stock cooler?

asked by: J.D.

Expert Reply:

You will definitely benefit from a supplemental transmission cooler. The lower the fluid temperature the longer the transmission life. You will want to keep it under 200 degrees. Ideally you will get the largest cooler that will fit in the available space on your 2009 Chevy Silverado. Since there is generally ample space under the hood of a truck space shouldn't be an issue.

That is why I recommend # D13105. It measures 16-5/8 inches wide, 12-5/8 inches tall, and 3/4 inches deep.

You would not use this cooler to replace the factory one. You would use it as a supplemental cooler. The fluid will go from the transmission cooler, to the factory cooler, then to the supplemental cooler, and back to the transmission.

To avoid having to cut and flare lines I also recommend fitting # D13035.

I have also included a link to the right to the programmers that will fit your truck. You just need to select the engine size where indicated on that page to see the options that will fit.

expert reply by: Michael H