Tru-Cool 40k Transmission Cooler on 2500 Avalanche

[Auto Parts Guy]

So I've looked around on the forums and the internet and I cant find a good thread that shows someone installing a 40k TruCool TOC on their 8.1 Avalanche with a thermostat. Maybe because it's not necessary? I've seen some others with the 5.3 and 6.0, 6.2 but I can't find the actual parts needed, especially if you don't want to cut up your factory lines. I'm just looking to replace the stock cooler with a much larger one, perhaps with a thermostat. Anyone with some advice or helpful linls I haven't already seen?

 

[2003VAAV]

I did a lot of figuring myself on a transmission cooler. Not your setup (I'm 5.3L), but what I did decide is IF I want a "thermostat", it will be one that is part of the cooler (thermal by-pass) like Hayden manufactures or the TruCool system you mention. That way you don't have extra plumbing and another failure point.

I also learned from Hayden tech that you really don't need a thermostat unless you're operating in temps <=20 degrees F. They are generally using for snowplow trucks and other extreme cold temp situations. If I remember correctly the Hayden thermal by-pass starts opening around 160 degrees and is full open around 180 degrees where the TruCool's range is 180 start and full open at 205 degrees (seems a little high for me).

Also learned from Hayden that they manufacture coolers from many other "brands" like four seasons, napa, etc.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

Interesting thanks for the feedback! Good to hear that about the thermostat, I agree. That's the same conclusion I came to as well.

I am pretty set on the Tru-Cool 40k cooler, in fact it's already ordered
I'm just thinking about the lines and do I really need to cut up my factory lines? I guess it isn't that big of a deal, I don't plan on going back to the stock one. Should I do stainless braided lines with 6AN fittings or just use the fittings and rubber hose the cooler comes with?

Maybe someone has some insight on the lines and fittings, what's best all around for reliability, cost, serviceability, etc. Otherwise, I'll figure it out and post back what I come up with.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

Looking at something like this.





Also saw on another forum where the guy used these fittings for his 4L80E. Kudos to him for posting the install with PNs and pics. Maybe some of these would work.. We shall see.

 

[Durwin]

Please keep us updated. I have a 2002 2500 and looked into this years ago but never bought parts. I like the idea of braided hoses and AN fittings.

 

[2003VAAV]

Interesting thanks for the feedback! Good to hear that about the thermostat, I agree. That's the same conclusion I came to as well.

I am pretty set on the Tru-Cool 40k cooler, in fact it's already ordered
I'm just thinking about the lines and do I really need to cut up my factory lines? I guess it isn't that big of a deal, I don't plan on going back to the stock one. Should I do stainless braided lines with 6AN fittings or just use the fittings and rubber hose the cooler comes with?

Maybe someone has some insight on the lines and fittings, what's best all around for reliability, cost, serviceability, etc. Otherwise, I'll figure it out and post back what I come up with.

That Tru-Cool looks like a great cooler, the way they do the by-pass looks interesting.

Can't go wrong with braided stainless and 6AN, however, for me it's about functionality and reliability at the lowest cost. Since no one will really see the lines and the rubber hose will work just fine, I would use the rubber hose. And here's the but, but, if I had the spare coinage and I was on the path of really tiding up the engine compartment and wanted it to look bad as s then I would definitely go with the braided lines and 6AN ;-) Hows that for some no committal talk!

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

My thoughts too! I think I'm gonna roll with the rubber line for now, and when my transmission comes out for a rebuild, I'll install all new lines and fittings then. Pretty sure that's what I'll do.. Let's see when i can find time to get this cooler installed!

 

[Durwin]

I haven’t removed the grill from my truck yet, so I’ve got a question. Those braided lines go from the fittings on the new transmission cooler to where on the transmission? If I buy that length line is that more then enough for the distance?

 

[Randy]

I used this B&M cooler and the 3/8 quick connect fittings like the one below with a reducer. I don't remember if the threads were 1/4" or 3/8" but I couldn't find a 3/8" quick connect with a 1/2 NPT to go directly into the cooler.

This cooler is twice the size of the stock and is almost exactly the same width as the stock cooler so it will line up with the stock cooler lines. All you have to do is make a new support bracket for the top of the cooler. I used some flat stock and bolted it to the same spot as the stock cooler was mounted. I looked for pictures I had of it but couldn't find them as it was many years ago..

B&M 70266 B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Fluid Coolers at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

ACDelco 19125677 ACDelco Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler End Fittings | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - ACDelco Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler End Fittings with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Transmission Line Adapter Fittings at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[Durwin]

Could I get a second pair of eyes on this cooler? It’s what I had been looking at for my 2500.

15 Row Atomic Cool Plate & Fin Remote Transmission Cooler Kit, -6AN

15 Row Atomic Cool Plate & Fin Remote Transmission Cooler Kit, -6AN Trans Cooler Kits Atomic-Cool Transmission Cooler Kit, -6AN 13950, 13750, 15850, 13950, 15950, 15450, 137xx, 158xx, 13754

derale.com

The centerline between inlet and outlet is 8 9/16ths. I think it should be able to fit on the lines without moving them.

 

[Randy]

That is a good cooler/fan which is typically used when you don't have the space and need to mount it where there is little or no air flow. Not sure if it would be okay to mount in front of the radiator as it may block the airflow with the fan housing attached to it.

Pros - Good cooling
Can be mounted almost anywhere there is space.

Cons - Higher Cost
More fabrication time and skills may be needed to mount.
Electrical needed. Wiring, relays etc.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

I used this B&M cooler and the 3/8 quick connect fittings like the one below with a reducer. I don't remember if the threads were 1/4" or 3/8" but I couldn't find a 3/8" quick connect with a 1/2 NPT to go directly into the cooler.

This cooler is twice the size of the stock and is almost exactly the same width as the stock cooler so it will line up with the stock cooler lines. All you have to do is make a new support bracket for the top of the cooler. I used some flat stock and bolted it to the same spot as the stock cooler was mounted. I looked for pictures I had of it but couldn't find them as it was many years ago..

B&M 70266 B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Fluid Coolers at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

ACDelco 19125677 ACDelco Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler End Fittings | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - ACDelco Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler End Fittings with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Transmission Line Adapter Fittings at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

So you didn't have to cut your stock lines? Just screw the adapter fittings into the cooler and pop the stock lines on? I like that idea. That B&M cooler has about half the cooling capacity of the Tru-Cool 40k though (20.5k vs 45k). But still a nice improvement over stock!

@Durwin, I'm not a fan of that cooler unless you're dealing with tight spaces and need an isolated mount location. I personally wouldn't mount that one in front of the radiator.

Quick update on my situation. The Tru-Cool 40k came in yesterday used and damaged.. Complete with bugs! So I bought another and returning this one. Bummer but it is what it is!

 

[Durwin]

Thanks for the advice Randy. I'll look for something else.

 

[2003VAAV]

So you didn't have to cut your stock lines? Just screw the adapter fittings into the cooler and pop the stock lines on? I like that idea. That B&M cooler has about half the cooling capacity of the Tru-Cool 40k though (20.5k vs 45k). But still a nice improvement over stock!

@Durwin, I'm not a fan of that cooler unless you're dealing with tight spaces and need an isolated mount location. I personally wouldn't mount that one in front of the radiator.

Quick update on my situation. The Tru-Cool 40k came in yesterday used and damaged.. Complete with bugs! So I bought another and returning this one. Bummer but it is what it is!

View attachment 233694

View attachment 233695

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View attachment 233697

WTF is wrong with people, why would anyone send that to a customer. Whomever did that at the warehouse should be fired. Hope the next is a good one.

Did you get that at RockAuto? I hope not, I've never had an issue with them.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

WTF is wrong with people, why would anyone send that to a customer. Whomever did that at the warehouse should be fired. Hope the next is a good one.

Did you get that at RockAuto? I hope not, I've never had an issue with them.

I thought the same thing. Something fishy with the seller. I got it from eBay, but specifically looked for a new cooler by Long brand. Hind sight, I should have looked at his feedback prior, although 95.9% positive, the negatives are exactly this issue. My guess is he drop ships from a return/over stock warehouse and never actually sees the stuff he sells. Oh well, new one coming soon.

RockAuto has been ok so far, you just have to be careful what brands you buy, they sell complete junk as well as OE stuff. I've shopped there for years but learned to only buy name brand. I'm still waiting on my replacement thermostat to come in though.

 

[Randy]

Yep, just added the fittings and with minor adjust to the lines and fabricating the mounts on the top where the factory cooler mounts it is a pretty easy install and I've never had the trans get hot say over 210 deg on the longest pulls with a trailer. It's always under 200 deg when towing.

Here a B&M that is the same width and taller that's rated at almost 30,000 BTU, I think it will fit in the same space as factory. I'll have to look at mine tomorrow through the grill and see if there's a couple of inches on top so it would fit.

B&M 70274 B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Fluid Coolers at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[2003VAAV]

I thought the same thing. Something fishy with the seller. I got it from eBay, but specifically looked for a new cooler by Long brand. Hind sight, I should have looked at his feedback prior, although 95.9% positive, the negatives are exactly this issue. My guess is he drop ships from a return/over stock warehouse and never actually sees the stuff he sells. Oh well, new one coming soon.

RockAuto has been ok so far, you just have to be careful what brands you buy, they sell complete junk as well as OE stuff. I've shopped there for years but learned to only buy name brand. I'm still waiting on my replacement thermostat to come in though.

View attachment 233701

Yep, I always read the negative reviews on any site, the're usually right on. I have only ordered AC Delco or other OE name brand from RockAuto so no issues over the years. I will heed your advice on avoiding their off brand stuff. I find that their prices for OE name brand is so good that I haven't needed to go off brand.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

The replacement cooler came in today. It's legit. I'll try to stop by Napa this week and see if they have the fittings that Randy posted. I probably wont install the cooler until after I get my axles regeared so maybe in 2 or 3 weeks from now but stay tuned!

 

[Durwin]

Looks great

 

[Randy]

That cooler looks a lot wider than the factory cooler so lining it up with the factory lines will take a bit of tweaking/rerouting.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

Yes it is actually quite larger but I'm thinking 2 of the fittings you posted into my factory lines, then rubber lines to the cooler, both sides.

May need to run the cooler with the fittings facing up, anyone see issue with that?

 

[EXT4ME]

There are plenty of Youtubes describing the installation of the Tru-Cool 40k.

Some describe installing with the ports up and others with the ports down.

Everyone has an opinion as to what way they think is best.

I personally think you are good whichever way you choose.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

I saw probably all of those videos and that was the conclusion I came to as well. We'll see how best it fits once I get around to the install (or mock up first).

I ended up going by Napa today after work and picked up a fitting, they only had one in stock, the other will be in tomorrow. Looks like it will be fairly easy actually. But the tru-cool kit only comes with one of the female 3/8 barbed fittings so i need to find another one. Here's what I'm thinking.



I believe the difference in the 730-4953 fitting and 730-4952 is the threaded part. Pretty sure both will go to the factory transmission line, although Napa didn't have the other in stock so i couldn't compare. The latter PN is the equivalent of the AC Delco PN Randy posted. Hindsight I could get one of each fitting and the TC kit comes with 1 each of the female barbed fittings and probably be good, but I'd like them to be the same size if possible.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

So this cooler is massive. If I want to save my factory lines, looks like mounting the fittings on top will be the most logical option. Not a whole lot of room up there for too many different options to mount this cooler.

I may get some 90 degree barbed fittings. I'll see what i can fond on the net. Lowes doesnt carry these type of fittings.

 

[Auto Parts Guy]

Some slight setbacks today.
I can't find these inverted flare fittings anywhere locally. Even tried a hydraulic fitting shop. They only had NPT.

Also, PN 730-4952 does not thread into any of the fittings that come with the Tru-Cool 40k cooler. The thread pitch is different and the end is not an inverted flare.

Ideally, 4 of the 90 degree barbed elbows with the 5/8"-18 inverted flare on the other end would be ideal, 2 male and 2 female. So the search continues..

Also found on the Tru-Cool website that the cooler can be mounted with the fittings up, down, or sideways, doesn't matter, so thats reassuring.