Transmission Cooler Recommendation for Jeep Grand Cherokee that Does Low Speed Off-Roading

Question:

2000 WJ Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L. I have an offroad Jeep running 35inch tires and lockers front and rear. I also run very heavy aftermarket front and rear bumpers and a winch. While wheeling up a steep rock hill my Transmission over temp light came on. I replaced the Radiator which helped and light hasnt came back on,I dont tow. Do you recommend a trans cooler? I want to know what trans cooler you recommend running and if you have all the parts needed to install? Also installing a trans temp gauge and Im having a hard time knowing how the supply and return lines are ran on this JEEP I would need longer hose to the cooler it would have to be placed in the middle of the condenser due to the winch blocking air flow. not sure if I would need the fittings the site lists

asked by: TONY

Expert Reply:

I would highly recommend a transmission cooler for your 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Since you will be doing low-speed off-roading I would recommend a kit that comes with a fan so that you can ensure the cooler gets air-flow like the Derale Atomic-Cool Remote Transmission Cooler # D13950.

This comes with everything needed to install including lines and fittings but to make installing the cooler easier you would want the radiator adapter part # D13034 to prevent you from having to go through the hassle of cutting and flaring lines.

In order to tell which transmission fluid line is the return line leaving the factory cooler of a vehicle like your vehicle you want to start with your vehicle cold. Start it up and put it in drive and brake torque it (apply brakes and rev the engine), for about 10 seconds or so, put vehicle back in park, and turn engine off.

Now quickly go out and feel both transmission lines. The cooler of the two is the return line and the one to use.

expert reply by: Jameson C