Transmission cooler installed

Wanted to let you guys know, I recently installed a "plate and fin" Hayden transmission cooler in my '04 TB LT, as I tow a boat in the summer and "sleds" in the winter. Pretty easy DIY project with one warning. The connector that attaches the transmission lines to the radiator header has the dual requirement of attaching the lines and sealing the antifreeze inside the radiator. You will require a connector from Hayden (#195 or #196 -can't remember which) to tap into the lines as it exits the radiator. I would recommend this upgrade to anyone who tows, as it will add many miles to the original transmission for only about $60. I also makes flushing the trans. oil very easy.

What motor do you have & do you have the EXT or the smaller version?

I have the EXT with the V8 & I really don't know if I already have a trans cooler or not from the factory.......probably something I should try to find out since I will be towing with it soon.

fzflyer- thanks for the info on the radiator connectors. I am going to add a trans cooler to my 2003 TB LS this spring as we will be towing a new travel trailer this year. I was checking out where I wanted to mount it (have not bought one yet) and noticed that there is an external oil cooler in front of the ac radiator. At first I figured it was a factory installed trans cooler but looking closer at it, it appears to be in line between the power steering pump and the steering column. Does yours have this also? I have not found any mention of a PS cooler yet in the Chevy specs.

I have the standard TB (non-EXT) with the I6, so not sure about the V8 option in the EXT. I did a little research on the I6 and do not think GM offered the Trans. cooler option even when all the "trailering options" were there in '04. I also did a second take on the PS Cooler and where the lines were running prior to purchasing the trans. cooler, as did a neighbor when he saw me installing. I ended up placing the trans. cooler on the drivers side in front of the Condenser as that is shortest path from the "outlet" of the Radiator Header. A few other things to consider, 1)To avoid nullify your warranty and make sure the maximum cooling is obtained, make sure the trans. cooler is "downstream" of the fluid going thru the radiator header, 2)Per Hayden, you cannot "over-cool" the transmission, however, you do need to realize that the transmission fluid will "gel" in sub-zero temperature, so warming up the vehicle prior to driving is necessary in these conditions.

I will be towing a Bass Tracker everyother weekend during fishing season. Should I spend the money on a Transmition cooler? Would it be benifital in my situation?

I found out that the TB I have is equipped with a transmission cooler from the GM factory, so I suggest you call the dealership and ask them to check with GM using your VIN code to find out if your TB has a Transmission cooler before spending the money.

I found out that the TB I have is equipped with a transmission cooler from the GM factory, so I suggest you call the dealership and ask them to check with GM using your VIN code to find out if your TB has a Transmission cooler before spending the money.

Black Pearl - I see that you have the EXT version. Do you also have the V8 option?

My TB is the 6 cyl version and it rides nice.

Wanted to let you guys know, I recently installed a "plate and fin" Hayden transmission cooler in my '04 TB LT, as I tow a boat in the summer and "sleds" in the winter. Pretty easy DIY project with one warning. The connector that attaches the transmission lines to the radiator header has the dual requirement of attaching the lines and sealing the antifreeze inside the radiator. You will require a connector from Hayden (#195 or #196 -can't remember which) to tap into the lines as it exits the radiator. I would recommend this upgrade to anyone who tows, as it will add many miles to the original transmission for only about $60. I also makes flushing the trans. oil very easy.


i also installed a "plate and fin" tranny cooler. i am curious how it makes flushing the trans. oil easy. i was just getting ready to take mine into the shop for that, is this something i could do? thanks