Tranny cooler install How-To
Courtesy of Jeremy S.
Midwest NRG
Parts list:
6' 3/8" tranny fluid line (avail at any auto parts store)
4 3/8" hose clamps
B&M Tranny cooler part # 70265 of Carparts.com
2 3/8" to 1/2" fittings (1/2 pipe thread to 3/8" barb)
Teflon tape
Zip ties
Tranny Fluid (Mopar only!)
First remove the radiator suport brackets (10mm), radiator fans bolts (10mm), ground support bar (10mm and 8mm), also remove the upper coolant hose (be sure to have something handy to catch and block spilling fluid from radiator.
Next remove and unhook the radiator fans. If you have a aftermarket battery tray you may only need to remove the drivers side fan.
Now you want to remove the stock fluid return line. There are 2 1/4' hose clamps that need to be removed. It seems that once they are removed, the hose gets stuck on the radiator connections. I used a sharp utility knife to cut it off. I wouldn't pull to much on it in fear of it breaking. Don't worry about fluid loss, there will be little if any.
Now, tape and screw in the fittings into the tranny cooler. Be sure not to overtighten them. Next, I simply mounted the cooler to the "H" infront of the radiator using zip ties. It isVERY sturdy. But yes, I will be redoing that eventually.
Next you hook up the tranny lines to the fittings to your now mounted cooler. DONT CUT THE HOSE! Slide the hose onto the fittings and clamp them down securely. Run the hose through the hole where the stock battery cooler was and zip tie them together to keep em neat. Dont worry the edges are rounded over from the factory. So cutting the lines doesn't look like a hazard.
Finally, measure up the hose and make the proper cuts. Hook up to the stock fittings and clamp securely. It doesn't matter what one goes where since the cooler is being installed in series anyway.
Now put the radiator hose back on the radiator and fire the car up. Look for leaks at the fittings. Also, check the tranny fluid level while the car is running. You will need to add very little fluid.
Reassemble in reverse. Make sure that you reconnect all the fans and test for proper operation. Run the car until it gets hot and check for coolant flow to make sure there is no "air pockets" in the line.
You will notice (in my opinion) better, smoother and more consistent shifting especially at the track and on road trips. We all know that a cool tranny is a longer lasting tranny.
Jeremy S.
