Transmission Cooler Upgrade
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New User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12
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Transmission Cooler Upgrade
I own an 02 powerstroke with 150k on it. Previous owner never towed heavy. I plan on doing some heavy towing but am worried about tran overheating due to the miles on truck. After a bit of research I found out that I can swap my cooler for a 26 row 6.0 cooler or I could get the TRU-COOL 4739-1 TRANSMISSION COOLER which is simply an add on to my original cooler. The trucool is half the price of a 26 row cooler.
Which cooler would be better option for me. Any advice when doing these upgrades?
Which cooler would be better option for me. Any advice when doing these upgrades?
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,812
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
Some do fine with a Tru Cool but I recommend spending the extra C note and going straight to the best setup, the 6.0 cooler. The theory is adding a second cooler to the original can cause too much pressure in the line and the fluid can than bypass the coolers. I had a second cooler with my OE cooler and deleted the bypass. Now with the 6.0 the temps are better controlled. 26 or 31 row cool the same. There are several cooler install threads.
Also get a real transmission temp gauge, the dash gauge is not showing you real numbers. It's more of an idiot light and will show hot only it is too late.
And if the money tree in your back yard is deep green get some tunes for towing, like DP Tuner or PHP etc. You'll get more power but also better shifting strategies on the trans. Possibly a decal tune, like an exhaust brake.
We can help you spend all your loot on that truck.
Also get a real transmission temp gauge, the dash gauge is not showing you real numbers. It's more of an idiot light and will show hot only it is too late.
And if the money tree in your back yard is deep green get some tunes for towing, like DP Tuner or PHP etc. You'll get more power but also better shifting strategies on the trans. Possibly a decal tune, like an exhaust brake.
We can help you spend all your loot on that truck.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 52
From: Southern Colorado
Most people find a used 6.0 cooler to avoid the $$ of a new one. I realize that they can be hard to find used, however, and you might want to be sure the used one is flushed out by a shop before installing it.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
I bought one from o'reilly, cant remember which one, and noticed a big difference while towing my 5th wheel. I did the tandom transmission coolers (for lack of better words). If your familiar with Utah I towed up to Monte Cristo, long up hill climb, and my temps didnt go above 200; last time my alarm on my chip went off at 230 and I pulled over to let it cool before going up further. I was only half way up. I also went over trappers loop without any problems. Just my .02.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 6
From: Marseilles IL
Almost 2 years ago I upgraded to the 6.0 cooler and have never seen temps above 150 after I installed it. I have weighed in at just over 24,00lbs more than a few times. I have only the 6.0 cooler in the factory location. My radiator cooler is disconnected. The 6.0 flows well because it has 1/2" lines. I bought mine new. The way I looked at it was, I'm protecting a $5k transmission, its not the place to try and go the cheap way.
It's a Van Gogh
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,812
Likes: 1,335
From: Elk Grove, CA
I bought one from o'reilly, cant remember which one, and noticed a big difference while towing my 5th wheel. I did the tandom transmission coolers (for lack of better words). If your familiar with Utah I towed up to Monte Cristo, long up hill climb, and my temps didnt go above 200; last time my alarm on my chip went off at 230 and I pulled over to let it cool before going up further. I was only half way up. I also went over trappers loop without any problems. Just my .02.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 594
Likes: 5
From: Full-time RV
My 6.0 cooler kept trans temps in check when I was having a shift solenoid issue. I was heading through the mountains in Missouri on the way to BTS to get the tranny fixed. On uphills, the tranny would try to shift to 3rd from OD but would only succeed in unlocking the TC.
Imagine the heat generated by pulling a 23k load (truck and trailer combined weight) up 4-6% grades in OD with the TC unlocked. When I finally got the truck to Brian, the fluid was still as pink as the day he put it in.
Imagine the heat generated by pulling a 23k load (truck and trailer combined weight) up 4-6% grades in OD with the TC unlocked. When I finally got the truck to Brian, the fluid was still as pink as the day he put it in.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1
From: AL, Reform
Almost 2 years ago I upgraded to the 6.0 cooler and have never seen temps above 150 after I installed it. I have weighed in at just over 24,00lbs more than a few times. I have only the 6.0 cooler in the factory location. My radiator cooler is disconnected. The 6.0 flows well because it has 1/2" lines. I bought mine new. The way I looked at it was, I'm protecting a $5k transmission, its not the place to try and go the cheap way.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Bryson City NC
I have the 2 coolers in series on my truck that seems to work fine here in the mtns.
I put the cooler on for my buddy who had the truck and was pullin a 40ft fiver. The trans was getting warm.
I now have a new tranny which was special built for me and the temps pullin my 34 footer over the hump is no problem! As for chip yes get one !
The tow tunes are awesome and the 80E for my DD just keeps a smile on my face! If you get a chip gauges are a no brainier! If I had to do over again I like the group here would have went with the 6.0 cooler. Good luck and keep us informed.
Smokie
I put the cooler on for my buddy who had the truck and was pullin a 40ft fiver. The trans was getting warm. I now have a new tranny which was special built for me and the temps pullin my 34 footer over the hump is no problem! As for chip yes get one ! The tow tunes are awesome and the 80E for my DD just keeps a smile on my face! If you get a chip gauges are a no brainier! If I had to do over again I like the group here would have went with the 6.0 cooler. Good luck and keep us informed. Smokie
