Ready to pull trigger on Derale trans cooler - need advice

[mikez71]

Thanks. Yeah, I saw some other posts that made it sound like installing the lines was a real bear. Glad to hear another perspective that said it wasn't so bad. Do you have 4wd? If so did you remove the front driveshaft?

Yep, 4wd, did not have to remove driveshaft. Just need to take time to wiggle the front hardline/hose sections through where it needs to go. Slow, but easy.

For the TYC cooler, it came with the proper bracket, but no screws. (Need 2)

More Information for TYC 19031

Looks like the Dorman has anodized/painted fittings where the TYC is bare aluminum, ~$25 difference at Rockauto.

The new lines do come with the radiator shroud brackets. The additional bracket you listed, you should have one from the old lines IIRC.
(cheap and plastic so it won't hurt to get a new one)

 

[89Suburban]

Good stuff guys!

 

[DaveO9]

Factory style cooler installed and working! Tips: pay close attention to original line routing before removing. You obviously have to take front fascia/grill off, but also take the splash pan off beneath the radiator. It’s just four bolts and it makes things much easier. It’s tricky fishing the new lines through because they have so many bends, but it’s doable if you take your time.

 

[DaveO9]

 

[donjetman]

yep, been there done that

 

[Geotrash]

View attachment 429630

Wonderful! Thanks for following up. I think you'll be happy with that setup. The factory engineers knew what they were doing with that system.

 

[DaveO9]

Wonderful! Thanks for following up. I think you'll be happy with that setup. The factory engineers knew what they were doing with that system.

Thank you for encouraging me to go that way! Yeah I’m always keen on using GM-engineered solutions over possibly mismatched aftermarket parts, especially when it’s part of a system like cooling.

Now I have to decide if I want to try and add a factory engine oil cooler. Before GMT 900s I was into square bodies and had a V2500 burb with factory engine oil cooler. I was told by someone knowledgeable that they added little to overall engine cooling, but maybe that system has been improved since then?

Next big (biggest) step to improving towing functionality is change axle ratio. Planning that one out for later this summer