Transmission Cooler Recommendation for 2006 Dodge Dakota V8
Question:
1st: What do the different class trans. coolers mean? 2nd: Which transmission cooler would you recomend?
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
Customers are used to Class ratings on hitches when towing a trailer so the Class ratings on the transmission coolers are meant to coincide with the Class rating of the hitch on the vehicle. It helps as a guideline for choosing a transmission cooler to fit your vehicle. The trailer hitch classes are as follows:
Class I - 2,000 lbs
Class II - 3,500 lbs
Class III - 6,000 lbs
Class IV - 12,000 lbs
Class V - 12,000 lbs and higher
The general rule is that transmission fluid cannot be cooled too much, so using the largest cooler that will fit is a good idea, especially if you are towing. The only reason not to add the largest cooler possible would be if you live in a very cold climate where temperatures are commonly below 0 degrees and you have a transmission cooler installed. This would require warming the engine for a few minutes. Most people warm the engine in these cold conditions anyway, so size is not a factor.
For your 2006 Dodge Dakota V8 the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Cooler, part # D13504 is a good choice as long as you have the room to install it in front of your radiator. This particular cooler measures 12 inches tall, by 11 inches wide and is 7/8 of an inch thick.
When installing a transmission cooler like # D13504 to your factory cooler, the path of the fluid needs to be from the transmission to factory cooler, then to Derale cooler, then back to the transmission. See attached photo that will show how the aftermarket cooler is installed on your vehicle.
I am including links to some FAQ pages on transmission coolers to help answer any other questions.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Full-Size Truck
- SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 12T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
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