Differences between the Derale Series 8000 Transmission Cooler and the Dyno-Cool Transmission Cooler

Question:

Hello, whats the difference between models D13504 and D12904 other than the price? Also, what is the meaning of the different class rating for your transmission coolers I, II, III, IV? Is it similar to hitch class ratings? My intentions are to install an additional transmission cooler on my 1996 Dodge 2500 with a Cummins 5.9L inline 6. Thank you.

asked by: Kiet B

Expert Reply:

The main difference between the Derale Series 8000 Transmission Cooler, # D13504, and the Derale Dyno-Cool Transmission Cooler, # D12904, is the construction. The Dyno-Cool cooler is a Tube-Fin style cooler has aluminum fins surrounding the tubes. The aluminum fins dissipate the heat from the transmission fluid in the tubes.

The Series 8000 cooler is a Plate-Fin cooler. Plate-fin coolers are similar to tube-fin coolers, but they are more efficient. On these coolers the fluid is forced through smaller plates which agitates the fluid. The smaller plates allows more fluid to contact the aluminum to dissipate more heat.

The Class ratings that you see are similar to trailer hitch classes. Transmission coolers are not given a Class rating from the manufacturer, but we rate them by class so it is easier for you to determine which size cooler will work best for your towing needs.

For your 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins, I would recommend the Series 8000 cooler because it will cool the transmission fluid more efficiently than the Dyno-Cool cooler. You will want to measure the space you have available in front of your radiator to make sure the Series 8000 cooler will fit. This cooler is 11 inches wide x 12 inches tall x 7/8 inch deep.

I have attached a couple help articles on transmission coolers for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H