I HAVE 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 standard cab. While plowing snow this past weekend, I blew a transmission cooling line, the factory originals were intact, no leaks but replaced in 2000, the lines were 12 years old and still good, lil rust.(I replaced them 3 years ago w Dorman lines) Those rotted out completely in 3 years, over the cross member. "Sucha deal"....
Question, Which transmission line pumps hot fluid into the radiator and which is the cooled fluid or return line to the transmission, I installed an additional tranmission line cooler, spliced into the lower radiator tranny line, running it through the extra cooler and back to the transmission. Problem I just noticed the return tranny cooler line is warmer than the bottom of radiator hose, which is the input line for the extra cooler. Can anyone help me, only thing I can think. Run N drive the truck, once stopped, touched both line coming from the tranny, obviously the warmer line would be from the transmission ump, the cooler line is the return to tranny line.
CAN Anyone tell me which is which, before I have to run/drive the truck and climb under, in the snow?

 

Line that goes to the bottom of the radiator is hot fluid from the trans. Trans fluid should be pretty close to the same temp as the radiator hose (lower) when it heads back to the trans. A little warmer isn't an issue, a LOT warmer is. Might wanna get an IR thermometer, and see what temps you are getting.

 

wondering: when mounting you remote filter base did you guys end up pulling the inner fender liner to install the studs the remote will mount on?

 

as i recall.... no, i don't think i removed the plastic liner. i put the filter mount down low, so the filter would be easily accessible. marked 2 holes and drilled from the engine compartment, then used a couple of 1/4 inch bolts.

 

alright I read the post again and I just want to make sure. Flow goes from the bottom lline of the radiator to the tranny?

 

No, the other way.

 

thanks zman; I was curious because if gravity pulled it down through the radiator cavity from the top it wouldn't seem like the fluid would have enough time to cool

 

double check me for tranny filter / cooler connections:
hard line (near truck frame) to "in" on the remote filter
"out" the remote filter "in" the external cooler
"out" the external cooler "in" the lower radiator port

I am assuming go into the lower connection on the external cooler (same principal as trhe radiator cavity) flows in the bottom and out the top?

 

dhvaughan can help you better with that.

 

Bottom line closest to frame goes to In on filter, above steel line goes to cooler, bottom line coming out of radiator goes to Out on filter.

These pics help any?