Transmission coolers

[Phishinphool]

Hi Y'all. I have a 2007 Dodge Dually with the 6.7 Cummins deisel engine and an automatic transmission. I had a problem with my transmission solenoid. When the transmission heated up it would downshift on a hill and then not shift back up to 6th gear. So I had that replaced at the dealership for close to $600. Now I'm thinking that this summer I'm going to be making a very long trip and there will be a lot of mountains involved and that perhaps I should get a transmission cooler installed. I talked to a 18 wheeler trucker and he agreed that it was a good idea.
My question is: have any of y'all had that done and how much did it set you back?

Kurt

[gary]

Not for sure but I think your truck may have a trans cooleralready. You could always beef it up though.

[Brutus Driver]

Kurt:  You want a good gauge and an extra cooler. The stacked plate type is somewhat better than the tube and fin type.   They do not cost much..


Roll On------------------Larry

[Newt]

I would like to get some gauges first to see if one is really necessary.  If so, thinking of something like Derale.  http://www.derale.com/

Newt

[Ramtough]

I would like to get some gauges first to see if one is really necessary.  If so, thinking of something like Derale.  http://www.derale.com/

Newt

Check out Geno's garage which is affiliated with the Turbodiesel Register - the preeminent Dodge owner's forum.  They have lots of guages, many of which are specifically engineered for your truck.  http://ginosgarage.com/

[MartyandDeb]

I also question whether or not you would need it.  I just added an Autometer trans temp gauge (availabe at Geno's for around $60) also.  If you can keep it in one gear while towing up a grade, that will go a long way toward keeping your temps within acceptable limits.  Its the changing of gears that causes the temps to rise, at least that what I have been told by some very good diesel mechanics.

[kkro]

My GMC has a temperature readout that I can select on the dash. I have it always on. When climbing hills, even though I can maintain close to the posted speed, I've noticed that if I slow down a little and lower the RPMs to a comfortable range for the gear I'm in, my transmission stays cooler. A gauge would help where a readout isn't available, but driving technique may also play a part.

[Truckman]

I have the 6.7 and auto in an '08 Ram, Towed from the East coast to West 4 times now, and trans never overheats on any grades. I do manually hold any gear it downshifts to on its own until I reach the top of a grade. I check the temps with both a gauge installed in truck as well as a laser thermometer.
Larry

[Wrench]

A transmission cooler will never hurt the question is cost and return ob investment. Trucks and drivers become unique units so as you add chips, intercoolers greater boost the question comes up on where to spend the money on better breathing or better cooling.  My transmission has climbed in temperature going through Los Angeles on hot days never anything dangerous but did go to 209 many times and once to 218.

[Newt]

I have the 6.7 and auto in an '08 Ram, Towed from the East coast to West 4 times now, and trans never overheats on any grades. I do manually hold any gear it downshifts to on its own until I reach the top of a grade. I check the temps with both a gauge installed in truck as well as a laser thermometer.
Larry

Larry

What temps have you seen?

Newt

[Truckman]

It usually maxes out around 190.
Larry