Transmission temp gauge

[Powerwagontim]

I have a 2002 Silverado, 4x4 extended cab, 4800 V-8.
I plan on two trips this spring and summer, 2500 miles both ways, both trips pulling a trailer with a load which will max out the towing capacity. It has been suggested to me to install a transmission temp guage and an additional transmission oil cooler. I havent stuck my head in to see if it is already equipped with one. I assume I am just looking to see if the radiator has transmission lines going into it. If it does have an integral cooler, is it worthwhile adding an additional one, or does the add on unit replace the existing cooler? Lastly, can an aftermarket 2" round gauge be installed in the dash in the spot set aside for the factory gauge? I have heard differing opinions where to connect into the transmission for an aftermarket gauge.
Thanks in advance for any help, Tim

[Slowprocess]

You most likely do not have a external tranny unit. If you do, you could see it through the grill mounted in front of the radiator. I had to install a permacool tranny cooler on my truck with the addition of the stall and shift kit. If you are planning to tow alot, I would suggest getting one. I had someone put mine on, but the instructions will pretty much tell you what to do.
You could get the Denali/Escalade cluster for your tranny temp. gauge. The cluster comes with a tranny temp. gauge where the delete is on our trucks -plus you get a 120mph speedo. The cluster is a direct fit and just plugs in and you have your gauge plus better looking cluster. And you won't have to run wires or lines or tap into any lines. The only drawback to doing this is the odometer; the new one starts back at 0 miles so if you want your odometer to be accurate you will need to get someone qualified to set your mileage back or either put a sticker on the inside of your door telling the mileage before you switched the clusters. I can't wait until I get one of these clusters. I really need to keep an eye on my tranny temp, and I would like to see it everytime I drop the needle past 120.

[Powerwagontim]

Hi Slowprocess,
So, if I understand you correctly, the only thing I am missing is the gauge? The harnesses, senders or sensors etc. are already there? If so, whty not a silverado cluster with the gauge? Is the other cluster equipped with the gauge as a standard feature, making it easier to locate? Any idea what they cost?
Thanks for the info, Tim

[Powerwagontim]

Ok, I looked on ebay and found the gauge cluster and the seller confirms what you said about the sensors being in place. The local Chevy dealer told me that none of that stuff was there and it would cost a fortune to install it. So much for him.
Next question is a transmision cooler. I have looked around at them, stacked plate seems like the way to go. Is it possible to put too large a cooler on and get the temp below proper operating levels? or do you just put on as big a cooler as you can afford?
Thanks in advance, Tim

[NUCLEUS.ONE]

I've seen replacement Caddy clusters on gm parts direct for $219. A guy who replaced his on hios sierra also said the trans temp sending units are there, just not connected to anything. I think the dealer can reset the mileage, but they're probably very expensive. I think the HD/Diesel Silverados have a temp gauge factory. Can anyone else back this up or correct me? If anyone has swapped a cluster, post up your experiences/tips.

[Slowprocess]

My friends that install the caddy cluster say they are functional and its a simple plug and play. Just remember to get the entire cluster instead of just the face. As far as the tranny cooler goes, any cooler will work just fine. It wouldn't hurt to go with a huge one, but it's just overkill if you don't have a huge stall or a shift kit. It really doesn't matter what size you get or what brand, I went with the permacool and I haven't been disapppointed yet. B&M also makes a very nice one.

[Powerwagontim]

Hi again,
Well, I installed the gauge cluster today. What was GM thinking when they went to all the effort to install the sensors and all of the wiring but stopped short of actually giving us the gauge? That has to be the easiest mod I have ever done. As you said, slowprocess, its plug and play. I had a second Chevy dealed tell me if I installed the new cluster the truck would start, run ten seconds and quit, not to run again until the computer was reprogrammed. He was also wrong. What is with these dealers?
I have a transmission oil cooler coming next week. I will plumb it in series with the radiator cooler. Does it matter which cooler gets the oil first?
Thanks, Tim

[cliff-o2-z71]

Hey Tim,

where did you get the cluster and what did it cost?

[Powerwagontim]

I found it on ebay, $185 +15 shipping. It is a Chevy dealer in Chicago named Jennings Chevrolet. Their phone # is 1-800-244-3782. They will probably sell direct instead of through ebay because they had a bunch if clusters listed, so nobody is going to bid it up when there are other ones still on the opening bid. They also had oem fog light kits for about $85. Almost as easy to install as the gauge cluster.
Tim

[Jeremy-WI]

Tim, I would bypass the radiator altogether, why run the tranny fluid through a hot radiator when you want to keep the temp down. On the Z-71's with the factory cooler there are no ports on the radiator to hook the tranny up to

[Sonny01]

Has anyone bought a gauge cluster and had the mileage from the old one put into the new one? How did you do it?

[Powerwagontim]

I havent done it but was told by the company I bought from that you either mail the new and old clusters to the places who reset odometers, or, have a dealership validate the milage on the old cluster and send the new cluster and the dealers authorisation to the place. Obviously there are a small number of places who can do it to help prevent fraud. My question is, does the trucks computer also record the mileage, and tell if the odometer has been replaced?
Tim

[Jeremy-WI]

The 98 and newer could definitely record the mileage if its programmed or not I don't know. I know with scan tool on these it will tell you the mileage since the computer was last cleared

[okie-chevy-man]

Does the gauge come on vehicles equipped with tow package? i have a 2000 2500 with tow package and i have a tran temp gauge. can anybody back this up or discredit my theory?

[Powerwagontim]

I am not sure. I have been told that the gauge came with higher trim levels. I have also been told that the tow pkg consists of an external trans. oil cooler, a high performance air cleaner and a tow hitch and trailer plug. I cant vouch for the accuracy of these statements, just passing on what I have been told.
Tim