Vehicle- 93 Dakota 4x4 automatic v6 177k miles


I was doing some research on transmission coolers and read that it really helps keep the transmission cooled down and refreshes the tranny fluid for extra life. As I mentioned in another thread that my transmission likes to act up in cold winter weather and I was just wondering if a transmission cooler could improve my trucks shifting or fluid movement?

Oh, lately I been smelling a burning rubber smell coming from between the bed and cab, so maybe my tranny is overheating causing bad shifting.


questions


1. Would you recommend a transmission cooler and if so what brand would you recommend.

2. Does anybody here have a transmission cooler on their Dakota and if so was it easy to install?


Thanks

 

I fixed the auto tranny issues alltogether on my truck by installing a 5 speed, so I can't reccomend a specific brand of cooler cause I never had one, but I would definately recommend a transmission cooler! I heard from more than 1 person that the number 1 cause of the auto transmissions in dodge trucks dying is because of overheating because the factory cooler can't cool it.

 

A cooler will not fix the problem. But it is very easy to install. Any brand will work.

 

I have also heard that overheating if the number one cause of failure in these transmissions. One shop I called even said they wouldn't warranty the rebuilt transmissions going into a Dodge truck unless they saw that the vehicle had or would have a cooler installed. As far as brand I don't think I have ever heard anyone recommending one over another. But I would consider it a necessity if I ever had an automatic transmission without one.

 

+1 to what dbilik said. Theres a shop in my area too that won't warrenty them unless the truck has an auxilary cooler.

 

if you can swap a 5-speed for an auto thats the best route. if not your looking at a rebuild. my tranny slipped bad but i never smelled it unless i took the dipstick out out and actually sniffed the fluid. a auto tranny fluid cooler kept mine going for 7 years and counting. most people run the tranny lines directly to the cooler, i ran mine through the rad first then the cooler.

 

I would think it cost more to swap out a automatic and install a manual transmission.

So anyway the transmission coolers are very inexpensive and the reason I'm thinking about installing one is because maybe it will improve transmission fluid circulation. On the other hand it's 15 degrees outside and maybe a cooler isn't the best investment for cold climate areas.

 

long term , the standard is better and cheaper. the only problem is the 5 speed is made in france by the same company that makes the standard for the chev 4 bangers.

 

well how hard r u wheeling if you do any you should have one and colder weather does not keep any thing from heating up just takes longer and you need to protect from that insatll is easy unhook from rad hook to cooler drpending wear you mount you may need a fan

 

Some people even recommend to do in parallel not series to prevent back pressure.