2004 Tahoe Radiator

[BaMaDuDe87]

What is a good brand radiator? I found Radiatorexpress.com, but it just seems too good to be true.

Anyone recently had to buy a new one? Trans cooler lines a leaking and apparently it's because of the connections on the radiator.

 

[bottomline2000]

I would just add a tru-cool and bypass the main radiator cooler. Eliminate the chance of the fluids contaminating each other and get a better trans cooler..win win..

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[retiredsparky]

If you install a true-cool or other oil to air cooler, in the winter the tranny oil can end up being pretty cold. The oil to water cooler in the radiator is actually more efficient at cooling the transmission when needed. More importantly the engine coolant at 195 to 230 degrees can keep the transmission fluid in it's sweet spot of a good temp for operating the solenoids, lubing the bearings, flowing through the filter and flowing through the torque convertor efficiently. Hydraulic systems do not like cold, thick fluid.

 

[David Paul]

If you install a true-cool or other oil to air cooler, in the winter the tranny oil can end up being pretty cold. The oil to water cooler in the radiator is actually more efficient at cooling the transmission when needed. More importantly the engine coolant at 195 to 230 degrees can keep the transmission fluid in it's sweet spot of a good temp for operating the solenoids, lubing the bearings, flowing through the filter and flowing through the torque convertor efficiently. Hydraulic systems do not like cold, thick fluid.

Thanks Retiredsparky for this info. Never thought about the temprature in the winter. Makes perfect sense.

 

[retiredsparky]

The pricing on auto parts depends somewhat on the country where the part is made. Chinese parts made for the replacement market can be substantially cheaper and the quality can be lower. Japanese, American, European parts are more expensive generally, but can be better quality.

Rock auto and other online sellers do have multiple sources for their parts.

A radiator is a very important part for having a reliable car. I would not buy by price alone.