Transmission Cooling Pan Dilemma

[AngryBird]

I noticed when towing that my transmission gets way up into the 220's which is way to high for me.

Seems to be two options for cooling: Larger Pan and Forced Air Transmission Cooler.

Here are some questions for you guys:

Does the larger pan really help that much? I understand that cooling by fluid volume makes a difference in addition to aluminum transferring heat better especially when finned. But by how much? 5 degrees while towing isn't worth $300 to me if an aftermarket cooler for $1000 will make it stay at 180 degrees the whole time.

If it is worth going the pan route, I worry that the pan will now be more susceptible to damage from below while off-roading. Solution to that *might* be a skid plate for another $300... if it fits the lager pan. Maybe the 3 quart doesn't stick down that much and its not an issue. The 7 quart from AFE would certainly cool more by volume but I assume it sticks down even further. I know there are many other solutions and I'm hoping you guys will discuss them.

Any suggestions from people that have used either solution, or from site vendors that have tested their products???

Hopefully this thread can end up being a comprehensive discussion of transmission cooling options that people can reference in the future.

Thanks

 

[mjyst3]

I would get in touch with Chris at Freedom Motorsports. I know he changed his fluid out before the snowball and put amsoil replacement fluid in and it was a success. He also has several diesel customers that have done the same transmission fluid swap with much success. At least shoot him a PM. Please let me know what you decide on.

 

[Ruger]

I am interested in this dilemma, too. Please post your findings!

 

[Yukon Joe]

What are you towing and where to keep a steady temp of 220°F?

Yukon Joe
www.RUNRAPTORRUN.com

 

[MTUH3]

220 though hot for a lot of vehicles, does not sounds terribly hot for this truck. Mine sees 190 - 200 in the summer time during normal operation.

I would look at a larger cooler for the front. Wiz has done this in a few vehicles, and seen very good improvement.

 

[Dv8tor]

I did the SDHQ pan and changed to Amsoil myself but I haven't towed anything and it was hard to get my truck to crack 200 degrees after I did the change. Mostly stays below 200. Oddly enough though, if I went faster than 80 on the freeway, then it cracked 200 degrees. Weird. I drive my truck pretty hard too.

 

[AngryBird]

What are you towing and where to keep a steady temp of 220°F?

Yukon Joe
GREAT LAKES RAPTOR EXCURSIONS

I'm towing a 7000 lb travel trailer at above 7000ft (30% derate of efficiency in water/oil to air coolers). The towing is pretty mountainous so the constant uphill and downhill is what creates the problem.

 

[khcdave]

performance automatic or afe pans are a good option. I run the pa with a dipstick. Both are oringed and add 3-4 quarts. I run cbr mini coolers similar to the one sdhq sells in there kit- it adds another quart. Dual fan on a thermostat set for 180. We do all the plumbing and mounting. I tow my crawler and run the truck really hard offroad. Temps stay nice and cool.

CBR Mini Oil Coolers

I run the large one

 

[AngryBird]

performance automatic or afe pans are a good option. I run the pa with a dipstick. Both are oringed and add 3-4 quarts. I run cbr mini coolers similar to the one sdhq sells in there kit- it adds another quart. Dual fan on a thermostat set for 180. We do all the plumbing and mounting. I tow my crawler and run the truck really hard offroad. Temps stay nice and cool.

CBR Mini Oil Coolers

I run the large one

Thanks for the suggestion. Those coolers look great. Any pics of that cooler installed? I'd like to see how you ended up mounting it.

 

[Hockster]

Adding more oil will not keep your trans cooler. The only thing that will help cool is a separate cooler. A 10 qt pan will get to the same temp as a 30 qt pan it will just take more time but will still reach the same temp.