Finally installed B&M trans cooler

[Robb235]

Finally got around to installing my B&M transmission cooler today. It's been sitting in my closet for over a year, and was actually intended for my '97 T4R. With my wife visiting her parents, I finally had a weekend to myself to do what I want.

I went with the larger 70264 model, as I'm bypassing my stock radiator trans cooler. I do too much traveling to risk a pink milkshake attack. I've had this '99 for a year, and I've already put over 40,000 miles on her.

I debated for a while with how I wanted to mount the cooler. Ports pointing up, down, or to the side? I ended up with ports facing to the passenger side in order to minimize the travel distance and number of bends in the send and return hoses.

I used the foam pads in between the cooler and A/C condenser. I also decided to use the brackets to install the trans cooler as opposed to using the special zip ties. Reason being, if I need to replace the radiator or condensor, I won't have to break any zip ties, and have to source new ones.

I have the pressure line hooked to the bottom port of the cooler, and the return line on the top port.

I also used some 5/8" hose to sheath the transmission hose anywhere it contacts metal.

Problem I have now is that I have all these left over parts from the B&M kit, and I can't bring myself to throw them away. I know as soon as I do, a month later I'll be doing some project and it'll be "Damn, I could've used X part from the B&M kit and I threw it away".

Anyone need any of the special zip ties?

Edit: Forgot to mention, I didn't use the hose that came with the kit. I bought some 3/8" hose from AutoZone. I think the kid sold me some power steering pressure hose, because this hose is really stiff.

 

[kball]

I don't care what they say about hoarding. Save everything!

 

[Brique]

I'm curious why you chose to put the input line on the bottom and the return line on top. I'd have thought it better to let gravity assist the process. Was it just a hose length thing or was there another reason?

 

[LittleCaesar]

As Kevin said, save everything. I used the cooler mount ties I had saved for over eight years on a neighbor's Ram just last month.

40,000 miles a year is a lot. That is more than I have put on mine in 7 1/2 years.

 

[Robb235]

I'm curious why you chose to put the input line on the bottom and the return line on top. I'd have thought it better to let gravity assist the process. Was it just a hose length thing or was there another reason?

B&M recommends this. I think the idea is that by filling up from the bottom, it pushes out any air in the cooler. If you put the send line on top, air pockets can remain, reducing cooling efficiency. At least, I think that's the idea.

 

[Boom Headshot]

B&M recommends this. I think the idea is that by filling up from the bottom, it pushes out any air in the cooler. If you put the send line on top, air pockets can remain, reducing cooling efficiency. At least, I think that's the idea.

Bingo. I had mine installed with the send line on the top at first thinking that the heat will rise and go right off the top while the fluid flowed to the bottom and cooled off before going back to the trans. Another guy explained to me that hot AIR rises, heat doesn't rise, and when air gets in the cooler then it won't be pushed out because there's nowhere for it to go. So eventually you end up with something like my most excellent MS Paint diagram.

For the record I have the 70264 as well.

 

[19963.4lsr5]

You would not imagion how many trans coolers I find in the junk yard with lines strait down.

The best OEM external I've seen so far is the one in a newer ram truck (after 2003) or the one in a Durango. But. I know the Durango is too long to fit the front unless the center support bracket is removed.

I settled for one out of a explorer.