Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2002 Chevy Tahoe
Question:
I have a 02 Tahoe 5.3 engine. I have 140,000 on the engine and tranny I think since Im the 2 owner. Maybe only 2nd. I have the Tahoe over a year and I love it. Planning on pulling a 18 ft camper about 3000+ lbs. I want to add another cooler for the tranny. As I understand It, now the rad cools the tranny and engine oil at the same time. On the Chevy 02 Tahoe. Right? Getting just another cooler would just do the same? Is that what would happen? Or would it only work for the tranny? Or should it be for both? What size cooler should I look at and to have my mechanic put in. Also I was thinking a cooler that had thermostat what do you think? I live in VT and we are leaving soon on a cross country trip. But we may end up back in VT during part of the winter or just the north east. I wonder if a cooler would thicken the engine by cooling it to much if it wasnt under a thermoset control. I also believe I have a transmission cooler that came with the Tahoe already.
asked by: Lenny
Helpful Expert Reply:
The radiator of your 2002 Chevy Tahoe with a 5.3 liter engine cools the transmission fluid and the coolant of the engine that runs through it. It does not directly cool the engine oil, but by running cool fluid through the water jackets of the engine it cools everything involving the engine down including the oil.
The transmission cooler part # D13503 would be a great choice for you and would cool the transmission fluid enough to prolong the life of the transmission. I attached an install video for this cooler as well.
Since the trailer you are towing is pretty light and you live in a cooler climate there's really no need for an engine oil cooler as well.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Frequently Asked Questions About Transmission Coolers
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Transmission Cooler
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Compatibility with 5000 lb Travel Trailer
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: What do the Class Ratings Mean on the Transmission Cooler Pages
- Article: Engine Oil Coolers
- Q&A: Transmission Cooler Recommendation for 2011 Chevy Silverado
- Q&A: SuperCoils and SumoSprings For Improving Ride Quality On a 2019 Ram 1500 With Truck Bed Camper
- Q&A: Towing Package for a 2008 Honda Odyssey
- Q&A: Comparing Flex-A-Lite And Derale Transmission Coolers For A 2016 Honda Pilot