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View Full Version : How I installed a trans cooler



Joliet Johnny
07-30-2011, 05:08 PM
This is my 1st writeup ever and didn't seem to find anyone else doing it so here we go.

As you can see I leak trans fluid everywhere I go
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture015.jpg

I started by removing the grill cause the trans cooler will live behind it for now.
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture003.jpg

Then I pre fit the new cooler
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture006.jpg

Then I removed the upper factory cooler line and decided that if I removed the airbox and moved the AC cooling fan I wouldnt have to remove the radiator. I did end up snapping the 2 front bolts that hold in the airbox.
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture013.jpg

Aghhh much more room to work
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture008.jpg

I decided it was smartest to attach the new rubber line to the cooler 1st and pull it through rather than just cut the line and hope for the best.
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture004.jpg

Now the lines are hooked up
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture005.jpg

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture007.jpg

Once it was all hooked up time to mount this permanently, glad I moved the AC cooling fan out of the way.
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture010.jpg

With that done I reinstalled everything and added some trans fluid (I had lost about 1qt)
http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd490/jolietjohnny/XJ%20trans%20cooler/Picture009.jpg

I wouldn't say this was difficult or annoying to do but it took about 2hrs mainly due to the heat. The hard part was remembering to take pictures along the way, lol. This killed my trans leak and I wish I had done this when I changed my radiator cause I think it would have made that easier to install. I still need to remove/replace the 2 bolts I snapped in the airbox and run to the carwash to clean out all the fluid that leaked. If I you need another pic or if I was unclear on something let me know.

bigjim350
07-30-2011, 05:24 PM
Good job :thumbsup:

saar
08-01-2011, 03:52 AM
Very nice.
What kind of cooler did you use?
Is it just disconnecting the hoses from the regular coolant radiator and connect them to the new one?
Thank you,
Saar.

Marsbar
08-01-2011, 06:44 AM
Sweet install.......Us guys with RH Drive XJ's have our factory coolers mounted on the opposite side(RH) in front of the A/C Condenser.

Coz I fitted a V8 rated Cooler, I found the Radiator/Engine Temp ran a lot hotter, so I fitted a 2nd Thermo Fan(10") on the front of the A/C condensor & I switched it on with a Manual Switch(it also turns on the temp controlled Factory Electric Fan via a crossover relay). When I turn the Ignition off & the Manual switch is on, a timer I built, shuts down the thermo fans after 4mins.:smiley-gen165:

Joliet Johnny
08-03-2011, 03:07 PM
Very nice.
What kind of cooler did you use?
Is it just disconnecting the hoses from the regular coolant radiator and connect them to the new one?
Thank you,
Saar.

I chose to disconnect the factory lines and hooked the new rubber lines up to them. Some people will add it into the existing system.

I decided to go with the B&M Super Cooler. I meant to snap a pic of the box and all the parts it came with. If I find the box I will add it to the writeup.

cyclone70
08-04-2011, 06:48 AM
The B&M Supercooler is a nice unit,much better than the old tube/fin style.
I put the same unit in mine a few months ago.
Installed it in front of the mechanical fan side of the radiator so that even in traffic,it
is always getting air pulled through it.

XJ4IV
08-05-2011, 11:57 PM
how much was this upgrade? I like the idea

Joliet Johnny
08-10-2011, 08:05 AM
how much was this upgrade? I like the idea

I took advantage of Advanced Auto online and it actually turned out free for me 15% off + $50 gift card(from previous purchase) + returned cores + free shipping. Think it should have cost me $75.

Mister
09-25-2012, 01:24 AM
so you bypassed the factory cooler in the radiator all together?

Joliet Johnny
09-26-2012, 05:08 PM
so you bypassed the factory cooler in the radiator all together?

Yeah I had a slight leak because that fitting for the factory trans cooler wouldnt 100% seal so this seemed like the most logical fix. The trans has had no problems shifting even when it was below 0F.

TimmyTXJ
10-25-2012, 12:27 PM
Thanks for the write up and pictures. I'm thinking this might be next on my list of upgrades for the Jeep. :)

nateyz2000
03-24-2013, 01:21 AM
Yeah I had a slight leak because that fitting for the factory trans cooler wouldnt 100% seal so this seemed like the most logical fix. The trans has had no problems shifting even when it was below 0F.

I had that problem also, but I bought jb weld putty, cleaned the fitting and section of radiator, and sealed it up. No leaks:-)

nateyz2000
03-24-2013, 01:22 AM
Yeah I had a slight leak because that fitting for the factory trans cooler wouldnt 100% seal so this seemed like the most logical fix. The trans has had no problems shifting even when it was below 0F.