Auxiliary Transmission Coolers

[KCsTJ]

I would like to install that gauge on my tranny, especially now.with the added cooler.
I don't know where the gauge line would go, @ the tranny. is there a boss or a 'best location for the line?
Can the line be installed with a drill and tap and die?
If I can get it installed, I will report back temps if anyone is interested

 

[Michael Alzen]

Ha! I ordered that same gauge a few days ago and am waiting for it to arrive. I installed my Derale gauge only to find out the sender unit is internally grounded out. They're sending a new sensor but I decided I'd rather just go with the Jeep branded autometer anyway. Glad to see I picked a good one.

 

[Mr. Bills]

Where will you locate the gauge? Gauge pod? Commercial bracket? Links?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

On the forward console's flat spot just ahead of the tcase shifter works well for a transmission temperature gauge.

This shows the gauge on my Tuffy console but the OE console has the same location available on it.

 

[Mr. Bills]

My '06 OEM center console has a junk tray that spans the width of the console just forward of the t-case and transmission shifters which prevents a gauge from being located there. I looked when I first saw the photo of the Tuffy console with gauge. I miss the old school flat steel dashboards. Switches and gauges were a lot easier.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

My '06 OEM center console has a junk tray that spans the width of the console just forward of the t-case and transmission shifters which prevents a gauge from being located there.

I somehow ended up with one like that in a trade or similar and once I noticed that, trashed it and found a slightly older version with the flat face cheap on eBay.

 

[mrblaine]

Cable can be adjusted to preference with in a certain range and cause no I'll affects to the transmission, in fact slightly increasing the shift point will allow the transmission to run cooler.

It isn't personal preference. You are increasing the governor pressure by about 6 psi per click. Adjust it too much and you aren't making the transmission happy. This is most definitely not one of those "if a little is good, a lot is better" type things.

 

[mrblaine]

My '06 OEM center console has a junk tray that spans the width of the console just forward of the t-case and transmission shifters which prevents a gauge from being located there. I looked when I first saw the photo of the Tuffy console with gauge. I miss the old school flat steel dashboards. Switches and gauges were a lot easier.

Doesn't matter anyway. The face of the console right in front of the shifter handle is too vertical to put a gauge in that you can view easily. The Pre-05 consoles are angled right there so it works perfectly for a trans temp gauge. On the 05-06, we mount them right beside the switch panel for the lockers and OD button. Not the best but certainly better than the console.

 

[Mr. Bills]

Can a OBDII scan tool pick up trans temps from the ECU in a TJ/LJ?

Guys with CanBus based (i.e., newer) rigs can often use an app like Torque to get oil pressure, trans temp, etc. without the necessity for installing any aftermarket gauges at all. That would be too easy.

 

[KCsTJ]

Ha! I ordered that same gauge a few days ago and am waiting for it to arrive. I installed my Derale gauge only to find out the sender unit is internally grounded out. They're sending a new sensor but I decided I'd rather just go with the Jeep branded autometer anyway. Glad to see I picked a good one.

@Michael Alzen do you know where on the tranny you will install the gauge line?
I wonder if the instructions make a suggestion on the Jeep brand gauge?

 

[Michael Alzen]

@Michael Alzen do you know where on the tranny you will install the gauge line?
I wonder if the instructions make a suggestion on the Jeep brand gauge?

I've already got a sensor in the transmission pan. I previously had a derale gauge but the sensor is bad and the temp range on the gauge is silly for this use so I'm replacing it with the Jeep branded autometer. This is the drain plug/bung kit I used: https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Derale/D13010.html

 

[KMG]

I installed a Flex-A-Lite 4116TJ auxiliary automatic transmission cooler today. I noticed two discrepancies in the installation instructions. For my 04 Rubicon the cooling lines need to run on the driver's side not the passenger side as in the instructions so I had to install the radiator to the mounting bracket 180 degrees. The instructions tell you to cut and double flair the metal factory return line to receive the rubber hose returning from the auxiliary cooler but you can remove the factory rubber section of hose and install the new return hose using the spring clamp. I called Flex-A-Lite questioning the double flare instruction and was told the flair helps hold the return rubber hose on the cut metal line and the double part is to insure a smooth edge. I guess that makes sense sorta but not really. Now that I see it I wish I had painted it black to hide it but live and learn.

 

[Chris]

I installed a Flex-A-Lite 4116TJ auxiliary automatic transmission cooler today. I noticed two discrepancies in the installation instructions. For my 04 Rubicon the cooling lines need to run on the driver's side not the passenger side as in the instructions so I had to install the radiator to the mounting bracket 180 degrees. The instructions tell you to cut and double flair the metal factory return line to receive the rubber hose returning from the auxiliary cooler but you can remove the factory rubber section of hose and install the new return hose using the spring clamp. I called Flex-A-Lite questioning the double flare instruction and was told the flair helps hold the return rubber hose on the cut metal line and the double part is to insure a smooth edge. I guess that makes sense sorta but not really. Now that I see it I wish I had painted it black to hide it but live and learn.
View attachment 40243 View attachment 40244

Did you have to remove the radiator to install that?

 

[KMG]

Did you have to remove the radiator to install that?

Yes the radiator and the V shaped brace have to be removed. The fan blade shroud and AC condenser have to be unbolted then held back against the engine while installing the cooler with mounting bracket between the V brace and Jeep then reinstall everything. Not hard to do just extra time.

 

[MonkeyMike]

Any concern about installing a trans cooler on the front of the radiator and having it rob the cooling air to the radiator?

 

[Chris]

Any concern about installing a trans cooler on the front of the radiator and having it rob the cooling air to the radiator?

No concern whatsoever. @KCsTJ did this I believe (at least I think it was him).

If this was the case, your AC condenser wouldn't have been put there by the factory.

 

[Serbonze]

Any concern about installing a trans cooler on the front of the radiator and having it rob the cooling air to the radiator?

None. Even sitting in traffic in the sweltering Florida summers I have no cooling system issues with my auxiliary trans cooler mounted in front of the radiator (and a winch).

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Any concern about installing a trans cooler on the front of the radiator and having it rob the cooling air to the radiator?

Only if it's a cheap store-brand radiator that only has sufficient cooling capacity for easy/optimal conditions. The OE Mopar radiator has more than enough excess cooling capacity to easily handle a transmission cooler or big winch being mounted in front of it.

 

[MonkeyMike]

Thanks to all for this info..Think I'm gonna go with cooler on front..Any recommendations on a good one? Thanks

 

[Serbonze]

Thanks to all for this info..Think I'm gonna go with cooler on front..Any recommendations on a good one? Thanks

I can’t offer any comparison, only what I installed.

Hayden Automotive 679 Rapid-Cool Plate and Fin Transmission Cooler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C3BBKS/?tag=wranglerorg-20