Adding an OEM Tranny Cooler to a 2011 Tahoe

[jason78]

Along with the Heated Seats I mentioned in another thread, I also want to install the Transmission cooler option on my 2011 Tahoe. I have found that having a transmission cooler plays a vital role in a transmission lasting even if you are not towing.

I found the GM OEM Kit to add the tranny cooler to the Tahoe. Part number 19244188. Same thing as before. I called the two dealers close to me, one is a rather large dealer and neither could give me a clue as to what it would take to install time/pricewise.

Has anyone ever installed one of these? Is it done easily with basic tools and no lift? Does all the fluid have to be drained? Is it as simple as removing some plugs from the tranny and screwing the lines in?

Thanks for the Input!

Jason

 

[Joefiat]

I had the dealer do it for my '07 Yukon. They had a real problem getting the line that goes back to the radiator to fit. They removed the entire front plastic bumper (headlights and all) to do it.

Also, the line to the transmission requires a special tool/socket to remove.

 

[jason78]

I had the dealer do it for my '07 Yukon. They had a real problem getting the line that goes back to the radiator to fit. They removed the entire front plastic bumper (headlights and all) to do it.

Also, the line to the transmission requires a special tool/socket to remove.

Thanks Joe, do you recall how many hours they charged?

 

[InTruckDesign]

Do not waste your time installing the factory cooler, it is undersized for the suv's. Do a search for Long TruCool, they make various sizes(btu) alot of guys run the 40k cooler which is overkill in most builds, I have the 30k cooler and dropped my trans temps by 30-40 degrees over the stock 18k cooler.

 

[jason78]

Do not waste your time installing the factory cooler, it is undersized for the suv's. Do a search for Long TruCool, they make various sizes(btu) alot of guys run the 40k cooler which is overkill in most builds, I have the 30k cooler and dropped my trans temps by 30-40 degrees over the stock 18k cooler.

Thanks, do you have a part number by any chance for the one you used on your 07 Tahoe? After a quick Google, it appears the manufacturer does not have a website and there are tons of different part numbers. Thanks!

 

[dsump]

Summit Racing has these coolers that work well. I put one on my 98 and it works great and looks good. I already have one from factory on my 07, but if I ever need to replace it, I'd also go with the Trucool!

 

[Joefiat]

Do not waste your time installing the factory cooler, it is undersized for the suv's. Do a search for Long TruCool, they make various sizes(btu) alot of guys run the 40k cooler which is overkill in most builds, I have the 30k cooler and dropped my trans temps by 30-40 degrees over the stock 18k cooler.

I though that at first as well, but I have seen a steady drop of 30-40 degrees while driving in stop and go traffic. It seems to work great, and it looks like a "factory fit".

---------- Post added at 10:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 AM ----------

Thanks Joe, do you recall how many hours they charged?

I think it was 2.5 hours..but they actually had to take teh front end off the trucl to get one of the steel lines in. They had the car for 3 days (and gave me a rental), so I feel sure they spent a lot more than 2.5 hours on it.