Like with most things associated with buying parts for your car, truck, or SUV, it can be daunting to understand what works best for your application. Transmission oil coolers are no different.
Our transmission coolers guide is designed to better inform you about what an external transmission cooler does, the different types, and what would be optimal for your vehicle.
Between the different styles of automatic transmission coolers, sizes, cooling capacity, and brands, you have plenty of options.
So whether you have a daily driven sedan that sees traffic, a truck that tows a heavy load, or an off-roading vehicle that demands the most efficient atf cooling, transmission coolers are beneficial for the longevity of your vehicle.
Here are our picks for transmission cooler options for your car, truck or SUV!
| Transmission Cooler | Type Of Cooler | Price |
| Plate & Fin | Shop Now |
 Hayden 679 Rapid Cool | Plate & Fin | Shop Now |
 Hayden 677 | Plate & Fin | Shop Now |
 B&M 70268 SuperCooler | Stacked Plate | Shop Now |
 B&M 70264 SuperCooler | Stacked Plate | Shop Now |
 B&M 70266 SuperCooler | Stacked Plate | Shop Now |
| Plate & Fin | Shop Now | |
 Derale 13403 Series 10000 | Stacked Plate | Shop Now |
 Derale 15300 | Tube & Fin | Shop Now |
| Plate & Fin | Shop Now |
| Stacked Plate | Shop Now |
| Plate & Fin | Shop Now |
Transmission Cooler Information
Transmission Fluid Temperature
Transmission Cooler Types
Cost of Transmission Coolers
Transmission Cooler Brands
Other Transmission Coolers
Transmission Cooler Buying Tips
Other Transmission Cooler Guides:
Transmission Fluid Temperature
Transmission coolers have one job, keeping your car’s transmission fluid cool. ATF flows through this cooler every time your car is running. All automatic transmission equipped vehicles come with a transmission cooler built into the radiator. This cooler allows the fluid to warm up to a suitable temperature.
The draw back to this is that the factor cooler inside the radiator does not do a good enough job at cooling because it is surrounded by hot coolant. One way to combat this is to use an externally mounted cooler in conjunction with the factory unit. This will allow the trans fluid to heat up first then pass through the external cooler before flowing back to the transmission.
A transmission oil cooler is needed if your vehicle requires extra transmission cooling such as towing heavy loads, live in a warm climate area, or often drive in stop and go traffic, you may want to consider installing an aftermarket transmission cooler. These types of driving conditions will increase the risk of your transmission overheating, which can cause premature transmission failure.
Once your transmission fluid reaches a certain temperature, the internal components within the transmission will begin to fail and not be able to do their job, which is to move your vehicle. Below is a transmission temperature chart showing the ideal temperatures for transmission fluid, and the lifespan you can expect out of your transmission at certain temperatures. To accurately know what your transmission’s temperature is, it would be good to install at transmission temperature gauge.
Transmission Cooler Types
Universal auxiliary transmission coolers are designed to mount either inline with your existing transmission cooling system or alone depending on size. There are a few common transmission fluid cooler to choose from, each of which have their own pros and cost.
If you are unfamiliar with what a transmission oil cooler is or how they work, here is a quick rundown of the different types of transmission coolers available and the way they function:
Tube and fin transmission coolers have a characteristic tube winding through it. The tubes encased within body of the cooler allow the fluid to flow freely while the fins on the outside absorb the heat.
Plate and fin transmission coolers, unlike tube and fin coolers, plate and fin coolers have parallel plates running horizontally throughout the body of the cooler, similar to that of a radiator. With a larger surface area, transmission fluid passes through the row of plates for more effective cooling compared to tube and fin coolers.
Stacked plate transmission coolers are arguably the most popular type of transmission oil coolers and have the best cooling efficiency. This cooler has stacked plates (like its name indicates) that also make it look like a radiator. Similarly, fluid is forced through cooling plates to lower temperatures. However, they have larger turbulators for higher air flow.
Heat sink transmission coolers or frame mounted transmission coolers are the least common type of transmission cooler. Heat sink coolers utilize a finned construction that allows for efficient heat dispersion across the cooler’s entire surface, which provides cooling in areas with less air flow.
How Much Do Transmission Coolers Cost?
Transmission cooler costs can vary depending on the size and type. Often the bigger the cooler, the more it will cost. Typically tube and fin coolers are the least expensive, followed by plate and fin, then stacked plate being the most expensive.
It is likely that a tranny cooler for your every day vehicle may cost somewhere in the $30 – $80 range. A universal transmission cooler in this price range will be able to handle all of your daily driving needs.
If you are looking for a more heavy duty transmission cooler for towing or drag racing applications for example, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to over $200. Coolers in this price range are typically larger in size offer much more cooling capacity, have a higher GVWR, and are better suited to handle the more extreme conditions. Based on the needs these more higher volume trans coolers will help keep your transmission temperatures in a safe range.
Transmission Coolers Brands
Shopping for a transmission cooler for your car, truck, or SUV can be a challenge if you are unfamiliar with this product. However, once you figure out your needs, there are a number of companies out there that provide reliable transmission cooling.
Some of the top transmission cooler brands include:
Each atf cooler brand has its own styles that offer maximum cooling for you vehicle. No matter what cooler you need, any of these brands can keep your transmission temperatures where you need them to be.
Hayden Transmission Coolers
Hayden Automotive is regarded as one of the leaders in the performance cooling industry, and rightfully so. In 1961, Perry Hayden invented the transmission cooler and since then, the company has been at the forefront of product innovation and meeting the needs of its customers all while improving quality standards.
Hayden Automotive makes a variety of transmission coolers that offer everything you need for your vehicle. Hayden’s signature plate and fin style coolers feature a bypass system that prevents over cooling transmission fluid, as shown in the video below.
Whether you need a basic cooler for your daily driver or need something more heavy duty, you can count on Hayden Automotive for all your transmission cooling needs.
Hayden 678
The 678 by Hayden is a well-designed plate and fin transmission cooler. It is suitable for use in many types vehicles including, class C motor homes, pickup trucks, and vans. Basically, any vehicle with transmission lines connected to the radiator.
With its patented internal turbulation, this transmission cooler is highly efficiency. The design allows it to increase heat transfer while keeping pressure decrease minimal. This cooler undergoes pressure testing to ensure you have a system with no leaks.
Apart from the exceptional turbulation, the Hayden 678 comes with pre-drilled mounting brackets, which makes for easy installation.
The Hayden rapid cool 678 comes complete with a transmission cooler installation kit comes with foam mounting pads, zip ties, rubber transmission hose, clamps and other miscellaneous parts needed to install the cooler.
This cooler is ideal for a variety of vehicle to suit your cooling requirements. If you’re looking for an easy to install, well-developed plate and fin transmission cooler, the Hayden 678 is a great option.
- Size Is 3/4 Inch X 11 Inch X 9-1/2 Inch
- Pick-Up Trucks And Vans, Class “C” Motor Homes , Travel Trailers To 24 Feet
- Gvwr Up To 24,000 Pounds, Towing Up To 5,000 Pounds
- Patented Internal Turbulation Increases Heat Transfer With Minimal Pressure Drop
What We Like About The Hayden 678:
- Patented internal turbulation for high performing heat transfer
- Easy mounting and installation
- The cooler aligns easily for simple installation
- Developed using quality parts, e.g. micro louvered cooling fins
- Complete kit including extra transmission hose, clamps, and necessary mounting hardware.
- Size Is 3/4 Inch X 11 Inch X 9-1/2 Inch
- Pick-Up Trucks And Vans, Class “C” Motor Homes , Travel Trailers To 24 Feet
- Gvwr Up To 24,000 Pounds, Towing Up To 5,000 Pounds
- Patented Internal Turbulation Increases Heat Transfer With Minimal Pressure Drop
Hayden 679
Another great transmission cooler from Hayden is their 679. This Hayden high performance trans oil cooler offers good cooling capacity to keep your transmission temperature in nice and cool. Apart from class A motor homes, this cooler is great for large travel trailers and fourth wheel trailers.
It comes with that patented internal turbulation developed by Hayden for increased heat transfer and therefore stable heat removal. With a compact plate and fin cooling system, the Hayden 679 is able to handle most demanding cooling tasks.
Just like the 678, the Hayden 679 comes with pre-drilled mounting holes to make the installation quick and easy. If you’re looking for a highly efficient easy to install, the Hayden 679 plate and fin cooler might be the cooler for you.
Note: The Hayden 679 is one of the top rated transmission coolers on the market. So much so that it is also recommended in our drag racing and towing guide. For the cost, it is hard to beat this atf cooler no matter your intended uses.
What We Like About The Hayden 679:
- Easy to install
- Patented flow path design internal turbulation to increase heat transfer with minimal pressure
- High GVWR capacity and reasonable towing capacity
- Comes as a complete transmission cooler kit
- Size is 3/4 inch x 11 inch x 11-5/8 inch. Compatible with OEM cooler systems
- Class “A” motor homes, large travel trailers, 5th wheel trailers
- GVWR up to 30,000 pounds, towing up to 10,000 pounds
- Patented internal turbulation increases heat transfer with minimal pressure drop
- Pre-drilled mounting brackets for easy installation
Hayden 677
Yet another well developed trans cooler by Hayden, the 677 is about 33% more efficient than a standard tube and fin transmission cooler design despite its smaller size.
It comes in a compact, unique plate and fin design for high performing heat transfer. The Hayden 677 is a premium cooler that is compatible with OEM cooler systems.
For easy installation, the cooler comes with pre-drilled mounting plates just like the other two Hayden transmission coolers we evaluated. The purchase includes all the required hardware to do a proper installation. Equipped with internal tribulation, you can rely on this cooler to transfer heat with a minimal pressure drop.
Looking for a cooler for medium duty cooling capacity, try the Hayden 677. You will find this aluminum built cooler to be effective for your cooling requirements. This cooler will be perfect for any daily driven vehicle where there is less demand for increased transmission oil cooling, but can do the job at a low cost.
What we like About The Hayden 677:
- Patented internal turbulation for efficient heat transfer
- Designed for easy installation
- High-efficiency cooling system for colder working transmission and better shifting
- Cheap transmission cooler that provides excellent cooling
B&M Transmission Coolers
B&M is one of the most popular names in transmission fluid coolers, and rightfully so. Each B&M transmission SuperCooler is constructed with high quality aluminum and feature an efficient stacked plate design. While they might be a little more costly than other brands, with B&M you get what you pay for in terms of quality.
B&M transmission coolers are regarded as some of the most heavy duty and efficient transmission coolers on the market. With their signature black aluminum stacked plate design, B&M cooler not only look good, but perform when you need them to. Their ruggedly built transmission coolers are capable of line pressures up to 200 psi.
Each B&M SuperCooler oil cooler features their low pressure drop which regulates the flow through the cooler based on the viscosity of the fluid. As fluid warms up, it will flow past the low pressure drop system and through the whole cooler.
B&M SuperCooler Installation
B&M coolers allow for the use of both rubber lines as well as custom steel braided lines with AN fittings. For best results, it is best to follow these B&M transmission cooler installation instructions.
Learn more about B&M coolers with this product video.
B&M is one of the most popular names in transmission fluid coolers, and rightfully so. Their designed with high quality aluminum and feature an efficient stacked plate design. While they might be a little more costly than other brands, with B&M you get what you pay for in terms of quality.
B&M 70268
Looking for a sturdy stacked plate transmission cooler for your vehicle? Check out the B&M 70268. It is designed with an elegant flux less oven brazed aluminum alloy. The black finish is nice to look at, but apart from visual appeal, it makes the cooler resistant to external damage, and is also vibration resistant. With multiple oil flow paths, you can depend on this cooler for high-performance cooling.
Apart from assisting its cooling efficiency, the size and weight of the 70268 helps mitigate risk of lube system failure. If that’s not enough, you get an installation kit upon purchase to aid in mounting the cooler.
This cooling system is able to monitor the transmission fluid being re-fed into the transmission. Using viscosity, the cooler selectively separates transmission fluid. Thinner fluid is held at the core to cool while thicker fluid is transferred through the bypass opening.
Looking for a tranny cooler that is durable and sturdy, try the B&M 70268. It is a lightweight stack plate designed cooler to help with your cooling requirements without failure.
- Rigid stacked-plate design is resistant to damage, and much better at cooling than ordinary ‘fin and tube’ coolers
- Constructed from black finished lightweight aluminum alloy for maximum corrosion resistance.Outlet Size:3/8 inch
- 11″ x 7-1/4″ x 3/4″ model is rated at 13.000 BTU, and pressure tested to 200 PSI
- Includes installation kit
- Backed by the manufacturer with a 1 year limited warranty
What We Like About The B&M 70268:
- Well built with aluminum alloy for high performance and durability
- Offers a vibration-free experience
- Comes with an installation kit to help with the mounting
- Built to resist leaks
- Rigid stacked-plate design is resistant to damage, and much better at cooling than ordinary ‘fin and tube’ coolers
- Constructed from black finished lightweight aluminum alloy for maximum corrosion resistance.Outlet Size:3/8 inch
- 11″ x 7-1/4″ x 3/4″ model is rated at 13.000 BTU, and pressure tested to 200 PSI
- Includes installation kit
- Backed by the manufacturer with a 1 year limited warranty
B&M 70264
One of the most common B&M coolers is the 70264 super cooler. It is an efficient high-performance cooler constructed with a black finish aluminum alloy, you get maximum resistance against corrosion and abrasion. This resistance will ensure that the cooler will serve you for a long time.
The 70264 is pressure tested to up to 250 PSI for a leak free high-quality cooler. With its stacked plate design and multiple oil flow paths, it can efficiently reduce the temperature of transmission fluid to suitable ranges.
You can rely on the B&M SuperCooler 70264 to perform at a much higher capacity than the traditional fin and tube cooler. You may appreciate the vibration resistance that comes with this device from the oven brazed fluxless construction.
Like the B&M 70268, this cooler can selectively manage the transmission fluid in your vehicle for optimum functioning. The thick fluid is separated from the thin fluid and cooled at different capacities. While the thick fluid returns to the transmission, the thin fluid remains at the core to cool.
If you’re looking for a well-built transmission cooler to effectively cool, the B&M 70264 is the ticket. The biggest benefit of utilizing the 70264 is that despite its compact design, it is extremely effective.
- Rigid stacked-plate design is resistant to damage, and much better at cooling than ordinary ‘fin and tube’ coolers
- Constructed from black finished lightweight aluminum alloy for maximum corrosion resistance
- 11″ x 5-3/4″ x 1-1/2″ model is rated at 14,400 BTU, and pressure tested to 200 PSI.Inlet Size: 3/8 inch nipple fitting
- Includes installation kit
- Backed by the manufacturer with a 1 year limited warranty
What We Like About The B&M 70264
- Universal application
- Straight forward easy installation
- Resilient model with high-performance cooling
- includes full transmission cooler kit
- Compact design
After having personally used this transmission cooler on a number of occasions, I can attest to the effectiveness this cooler provides. This cooler was used on a personal daily driven street / strip car with a high stall converter, and a full size Silverado pickup truck. Both vehicles had a 4l60e and this transmission cooler was easy to install and worked great..
With both vehicles, transmission temperatures were no higher than 175 degrees in most driving situations while being used in addition to the factory cooler in the radiator. For the normal driver, this is one of the best transmission coolers for a 4l60e transmission.
- Rigid stacked-plate design is resistant to damage, and much better at cooling than ordinary ‘fin and tube’ coolers
- Constructed from black finished lightweight aluminum alloy for maximum corrosion resistance
- 11″ x 5-3/4″ x 1-1/2″ model is rated at 14,400 BTU, and pressure tested to 200 PSI.Inlet Size: 3/8 inch nipple fitting
- Includes installation kit
- Backed by the manufacturer with a 1 year limited warranty
B&M 70266
Like all B&M SuperCoolers, the 70266 is built very well and has some cooling capabilities. The B&M 70266 has an 11″ x 8″ x 1.5″ body with 36 rows of cooling to handle even the most extreme conditions, and this is why it was featured in our drag racing transmission coolers guide .
The B&M 70266 comes with 1/2″ NPT fittings which will require extra fittings, but allows for -6an or -8an transmission lines. Like all B&M atf coolers, the 70266 also has a low pressure drop system to prevent over cooling.
- Rigid stacked-plate design is resistant to damage, and much better at cooling than ordinary ‘fin and tube’ coolers
- Constructed from black finished lightweight aluminum alloy for maximum corrosion resistance
- 11″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″ racing model is rated at 20,500 BTU, and pressure tested to 200 PSI
- Fluxless, oven brazed construction is vibration resistant
- Multiple oil flow paths for maximum cooling efficiency
What We Like:
- NPT Fittings for secure fitment
- 36 cooling rows for superior fluid capacity
- Low pressure drop system to prevent over cooling
Overall, the B&M 70266 is a very durable transmission cooler that is easily capable of keeping transmission oil temperatures in a safe range. With its NPT fittings, it is easy to run -6AN or -8AN transmission cooler lines with better fittings.
- Rigid stacked-plate design is resistant to damage, and much better at cooling than ordinary ‘fin and tube’ coolers
- Constructed from black finished lightweight aluminum alloy for maximum corrosion resistance
- 11″ x 8″ x 1-1/2″ racing model is rated at 20,500 BTU, and pressure tested to 200 PSI
- Fluxless, oven brazed construction is vibration resistant
- Multiple oil flow paths for maximum cooling efficiency
Derale Transmission Coolers
Derale has been a long standing industry name who designs some of the highest quality transmission coolers among other parts. Derale transmission coolers are designed to be used in some of the most extreme situations your transmission will endure.
From basic tube and fin to extreme stacked plate coolers with fans, Derale transmission coolers do an excellent job at controlling your vehicle’s transmission fluid temps.
Derale 13504 series 8000
The Derale 13504 transmission cooler utilizes a 24-row construction with a black finish. It is a great cooling system for full-size cars like SUVs and trucks that are often used to tow or do medium heavy-duty tasks.
This plate and fin type cooler is made with plastic cooling fin guards and a sturdy aluminum body. Constructed furnace brazed aluminum makes the transmission cooler resistant to corrosion and abrasion.
Turbulence coolers in the tube help to agitate the fluid for maximum heat transfer, with minimal pressure drop. This is but one of the features that help to optimize the Derale 13504 for maximum cooling functionality. Upon purchase, it comes with a complete hardware kit to make installation quick and simple.
If you’re looking for a sturdy cooler to suit medium to light heavy-duty tasks, this might be the transmission cooler that you need. It’s efficiently built for maximum output.
- Embossed turbulators inserted in each tube agitate fluid for maximum heat transfer
- Extruded plastic cooling fin guards
- Improves transmission performance
- Sturdy furnace-brazed aluminum construction
- Kit dimensions: Width: 11″, Height: 12″, Depth: 7/8″
What We Like About The Derale 13504:
- Durable yet functional design
- It is a great size to fit into tight spaces
- Comes with a hardware kit for easy installation
- Embossed turbulators inserted in each tube agitate fluid for maximum heat transfer
- Extruded plastic cooling fin guards
- Improves transmission performance
- Sturdy furnace-brazed aluminum construction
- Kit dimensions: Width: 11″, Height: 12″, Depth: 7/8″
Derale 13403 Series 10000
The 13403 19-row transmission cooler by Derale is a one of the more serious stacked plate cooler options available. This cooler is designed for extreme conditions such as towing or off-roading. The 17 x 9 x 3 body allows for ample fluid to be cooled when passing through the cooler.
One of the features that makes the Derale 13403 a great option is that it is equipped with-6an fittings. This is a great option for those looking to run a custom transmission cooler line with better fittings. This ensures a secure, leak-free connection.
Each 13403 cooler is pressure tested to 250 PSI and comes with a universal install kit with various fittings, extra hose, and more. It is suitable for many vehicles, especially those with 5/16 inch cooler lines.
If you’re looking for a cooler that will extend your transmission life by controlling heat failures and improve shift performance, the 19-row Derale 13403 might be the cooler for you.
- Built in turbulators agitate fluid for maximum heat transfer
- Sturdy furnace brazed all aluminum construction tested to 250 p.s.i.
- 19 row cooler design
- Male -6AN aluminum O-ring inlet fittings and 3/8 inch hose barb adapters included
What We Like About The Derale 13403:
- Comes standard with -6an fittings
- It is sturdily built and comes with a hardware kit for easy installation
- Made with furnace blazed aluminum to optimize functionality and offer resistance to external damage
- Large frame allow for ample cooling
- Built in turbulators agitate fluid for maximum heat transfer
- Sturdy furnace brazed all aluminum construction tested to 250 p.s.i.
- 19 row cooler design
- Male -6AN aluminum O-ring inlet fittings and 3/8 inch hose barb adapters included
Derale 15300
The Derale 15300 is one of the top rated, heavy duty tube and fin style transmission coolers available. With its large 10″ x 12.5″ x 1.75″ design, the cooler has 16 rows of cooling, which is more than double most tube and fin cooler. Not only does the Derale 15300 have 16 rows of tubes, but has a total fluid capacity of 19.6 oz. This allows for serious cooling and heat transfer that others of comparable price can’t match.
Another added benefit to the Derale 15300 is that it has -8an fittings for both the inlet and outlet that flow into 1/2″ copper tubing. This cooler is rated at 250 psi and have a 300 psi burst strength, making it one of, if not the most heavy duty tube and fin cooler on the market.
- Country of origin : United States
- Package Dimensions : 18.62″ L x 13″ W x 2.12″ H
- Package weight : 8.56 pounds
- Replacement 16 pass tube and fin style cooler core for -8AN Electra-Cool remote oil and transmission coolers
What We Like About The Derale 15300:
- -8an inlet and outlet fittings
- 16 1/2′ rows of cooling that allow for 19.6 oz of atf capacity
- Easy to add a fan for remote mounting
- Country of origin : United States
- Package Dimensions : 18.62″ L x 13″ W x 2.12″ H
- Package weight : 8.56 pounds
- Replacement 16 pass tube and fin style cooler core for -8AN Electra-Cool remote oil and transmission coolers
Tru Cool Transmission Coolers
Tru-Cool has a long standing history of developing some of the most quality transmission coolers available. Their motto is “Drive Hard. Rest Easy”. The engineering behind Tru-Cool’s line of transmission coolers allows for more efficient cooling, even when fluid is still cold.
Tru-Cool offers two main styles of transmission coolers, their Max and LPD. The Tru-Cool Max coolers are designed for vehicles that require heavy duty use and need a cooler that can handle the abuse. These coolers are some of the most popular in performance trucks or for towing, more specifically the Tru-Cool 40k because of its 40,000 GVWR
Tru-Cool Low Pressure Drop (LPD) Transmission Coolers
The Tru Cool LPD transmission coolers are built with a low pressure drop system similar to B&M. These coolers have 13 sizes to choose from in either stacked plate or tube and fin designs depending on your needs. Tru-Cool claims their low pressure drop coolers provide 30% more cooling than tube and fin coolers.
The low pressure drop system works based on the coolers having a unique cold weather passive bypass that allows thicker automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to flow more efficiently through the cooler at the top of the system, or as it enters the cooler.
As ATF temps increase and becomes thinner, the warmer fluid will start to flow more freely through the body of the cooler. Essentially, this system is self regulating for maximum cooling efficiency and protection. The below image shows how the Tru-Cool LPD system in their coolers works. Read more about the Tru Cool max and LPD coolers here.
Tru-Cool 40k
The Tru Cool Max, or as it is commonly referred to, the Tru Cool 40k is a plate and fin style transmission cooler with a 40,000 GVWR. This cooler offers buyers with 2 different options, one with a bypass (LPD4739), and one without .
The Tru-Cool 40k was featured in our towing transmission coolers guide based on its large size and ability to efficiently cool transmission temps under the most extreme conditions. The Tru Cool 40k cooler has a 22″ x 8.5″ x 1.25″ construction that makes it one of the biggest available, and features 13 plates for superior cooling.
The Tru Cool 40k uses 3/8 inverted flare hex fittings which makes it great for running custom transmission cooler lines with an fittings. Smaller Tru-Cool coolers use a 3/8 hose barb fitting, which makes it easier to install rubber transmission hose.
- Rigid stacked-plate design is resistant to damage, and much better at cooling than ordinary ‘fin and tube’ coolers
- Constructed from black finished lightweight aluminum alloy for maximum corrosion resistance
- 11″ x 5-3/4″ x 3/4″ model is rated at 9800 BTU, and pressure tested to 200 PSI
- Includes installation kit
- Backed by the manufacturer with a 1 year limited warranty
What We Like About The Tru Cool 40k:
- GVW Rating of 40,000
- Includes cold weather bypass – Perfect for towing in colder climates
- Large design provides serious cooling for more extreme conditions
Overall, the Tru Cool 40k takes our vote for the best transmission cooler for towing. Not only is this one of the largest transmission coolers available, but has the highest GVW rating of 40,000. One of the best benefits is that you have the option to have an internal cold weather bypass or not depending on which model you buy.
Read more on the Tru Cool 40k transmission cooler.
Tru-Cool H7B
The Tru-Cool H7B is one of the more heavy duty transmission coolers available today, yet isn’t as recommended as others. This cooler has an 11″ x 11″ x 1.5″ stacked plate construction that comes with 1/2″ NTP fittings, all being cost-effective given its size and capacity.
Despite its size and serious cooling capacity, this cooler is very cost effective compared to others of similar size. The H7B has 48 cooling rows that allow transmission oil to flow through the cooler for a while to allow for efficient cooling without
- Item Package Dimension: 13.385826758L x 11.2992125869W x 2.4015748007H inches
- Item Package Weight – 4.1998060911 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity – 1
- Product Type – AUTO PART
What We Like About The Tru-Cool H7B
- Large 11″ x 11″ x 1.5″ construction
- 48 cooling plates
- 1/2″ NPT fittings for a secure fit
- Relatively low cost for the size
Overall, the Tru-Cool H7B is easily in the discussions for best transmission coolers based on the size, capacity, design, and cost. For the price, this cooler is hard to beat if you are looking for a transmission cooler to handle more extreme situations.
Personally, I use this cooler on my personal street / strip car with a high stall torque converter. This cooler has never let me down, and I can say this is the best cooler I have used on my vehicle.
- Item Package Dimension: 13.385826758L x 11.2992125869W x 2.4015748007H inches
- Item Package Weight – 4.1998060911 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity – 1
- Product Type – AUTO PART
Tru-Cool 4544
The Tru-Cool 4544 transmission cooler features Tru-Cool’s low pressure drop system. This medium duty trans cooler utilizes a plate and fin style 11″ x 9.5″ x 3/4″ construction with standard 3/8″ barb fittings.
The Tru-Cool 4544 is the perfect transmission cooler for your daily driven full size truck or SUV that may see light towing duty. The 4544 has a GVWR of 22,000 pounds which gives most drivers plenty of cooling capacity.
The cooler comes complete with additional installation hardware including mounting hardware, extra rubber hose, clamps, and fittings.
- FIN & PLATE
- 9 1/2″ x 11″ x 3/4
- 22,000 GVW
- FITTING SIZE IS 3/8 HOSE BARB
- LOW PRESSURE DROP
What We Like About The Tru-Cool 4544:
- Thin 3/4″ thickness allows for mounting in almost any area
- 22,000 pound GVWR
- Tru-Cool’s signature low pressure drop system
- FIN & PLATE
- 9 1/2″ x 11″ x 3/4
- 22,000 GVW
- FITTING SIZE IS 3/8 HOSE BARB
- LOW PRESSURE DROP
Transmission Cooler Buying Tips
When it comes to purchasing a tranny cooler for your car, truck, or SUV, it is important to understand your needs, and how much cooling capacity you need. In addition, below are some other factors that need to be taken into account as well.
Efficiency – This is the obvious thing to consider when buying a universal transmission cooler. It is always recommended to purchase a transmission cooler based on your vehicle’s needs and the cooler’s efficiency or GVW rating. If you have a simple car you use to get to work everyday, a basic tube and fin cooler may be best. However, if you have a truck that tows often, a large stacked plate cooler might be more up your alley.
Compatibility – Purchase an auxiliary transmission cooler that is compatible with your automobile. I’m not talking about how it aligns; this is important too. A compatible cooler should suit the cooling requirement of your vehicle.
Ease of installation – If you are looking to install a transmission cooler yourself, it is best to get one that won’t be too complicated. If this is your first time installing a transmission cooler, it is recommended to get one that comes as a complete kit.
Reviews – Before you click that final buy button, you may want to go through the reviews section. Real user feedback will give you a generally unbiased outlook on the functionality of the cooler you’re looking into buying. The specs may look great on paper but how well does the cooler actually perform?
Transmission Cooler Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best way to cool down a transmission is to install a transmission cooler that is best for your vehicle based on how it’s used. For example, a truck that tows will need a larger and more efficient transmission cooler than a smaller 4 door sedan that’s used to commute to work every day.
Transmission coolers come in various sizes and types.
Learn more about transmission cooler types and how to install a transmission cooler.
Yes, a transmission cooler will make a transmission last longer. Since heat is the enemy of transmissions and a transmission cooler helps lower transmission fluid temperatures, it will allow the transmission to last much longer than not having a transmission cooler.
In the transmission fluid temperature chart below, you will see how long you can expect a transmission to last at a given transmission fluid temperature.
In most cases, yes, a bigger transmission cooler is better, especially in high performance street / drag race cars or trucks that often tow of haul.
When it comes to transmission coolers, the common idea is that you should use the biggest transmission cooler you can fit for your application.
It’s better to have a transmission cooler that’s too big than one that’s too small.
The best brands of transmission coolers are:
- B&M
- Tru Cool
- Mishimoto
- Hayden
- Derale
- Flex-A-Lite
All of these brands’ transmission coolers come in various sizes and types which allows for you to choose what’s best for your application and budget.
Some even have vehicle-specific transmission coolers that are a direct bolt in with all hardware designed for your vehicle.
Yes, an aftermarket transmission cooler is definitely worth it! The best part of installing an aftermarket transmission cooler on your vehicle is that transmission fluid temperatures will be lower which allows your transmission to last longer.
With that being the main benefit to adding an aftermarket transmission cooler to your vehicle, you will save THOUSANDS of dollars over a transmission that need to be rebuilt or replaced due to overheating.
The average transmission fluid decrease in temperature after installing an aftermarket transmission cooler is typically 20-40 degrees or more depending on factors such as the vehicle, transmission cooler used, and how it’s used.
As its name indicates, a transmission cooler has transmission fluid flow through it.
This is an often discussed topic, and in our experience, we’ve never had to bleed air from a transmission cooler. Based on that, we don’t think a transmission cooler needs to be bled, but would love to hear others’ thoughts on the topic!
A transmission oil cooler can get quite hot. Since there is hot transmission fluid flowing through it, it would be best to avoid touching it for a little while to avoid getting burned on the hot metal.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a transmission cooler is a delicate balance of a number of factors. Before you can settle on one choice, make sure to evaluate all of your options, and see which cooler would be best based on your vehicle specs and cooling requirements.
If you want, you can make a comparative checklist and see which transmission oil cooler suits you best. If you think your vehicle’s transmission temperatures are too high, or you are looking to add a cooler for extra insurance, be sure to choose a cooler that’s best for your application.
It is important to understand what your transmission needs and select the best transmission cooler to help solve these needs for a well performing long lasting transmission.
