Will the Derale Atomic-Cool Transmission Cooler Fit on a 2009 Silverado 1500 Z71 4WD

Question:

I have a 2009 Slverado with factory towing with the factory added cooler, very small. I am looking to install the D13950 behind the bumper as to not dissrupt the air flow to the radiator. I am thinking of continuing using the factory added cooler then running through the D13950. After going through the factory coolers first will the oil still be hot enough to make the fan run with the 180 degree switch? Last summer my tranny temp was running near 195 pulling my 5th wheel trailer on flat land. Can you tell me the weight capacity on the D13950? Or do you have other suggestions? Thanks

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

The ideal operating temperature for transmission fluid should remain between 160 and 200 degrees. If your transmission fluid was reaching 195 degrees when towing your fifth wheel trailer, it would be a good idea to either upgrade your factory added cooler or add an additional transmission cooler because this temperature could increase if you are towing on in hot weather or through hills where the engine and transmission will be working harder than on flat ground.

Installing a remote mount cooler like the Derale Atomic-Cooler Transmission Cooler, # D13950, should be more than adequate to cool your transmission fluid in the event that the temperature reaches 180 degrees. Since your transmission temperature reached 195 degrees when towing your fifth wheel, it is likely that the fluid will reach the 180 degree mark, at least when you are towing. Keeping the transmission temperature below 200 degrees will prolong the life of your transmission.

This cooler is a heavy duty cooler that was designed for vehicles with towing capacities up to 12,000 lbs. This may seem like overkill for your truck, but we always recommend putting in the largest or most effective transmission cooler on your vehicle that you can because transmission fluid cannot be over-cooled.

expert reply by: John H