installing b&m trans cooler

[dsmd58]

so i found a shop that sells this model and i will be driving one hour to get it tomorrow and hook it up to the old crusty 700r4:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=BMM-70266&N=700+115&autoview=sku

is this overkill or what? it seems to be 20,500 btu's. since this one doesnt come with any installation components what do you guys think the install will involve? i have some basic questions...

1 - where in the tranny line should i place the cooler? and do i have to drain it completely?
2 - what fittings do you guys recommend?
3 - what size/type of hose should i be using?

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

 

[dremu]

No, you need not drain the tranny.

I plumb mine so that the fluid comes first into the stock cooler in the radiator, and then into the second cooler, back to the tranny. I've used rubber tranny line with good results. IIRC it's 3/8" ID, and is like fuel line, but marked as transmission line -- dunno what's different.

The rest is plumbing stuff from your hardware store, hose barbs with pipe fittings, etc.

-- A

 

[4X4HIGH]

Tranny lines are 5/16" not 3/8"

 

[dsmd58]

is there any need to add more fluid because of the extra capacity? is that cooler good or can i afford to step down a notch or two?

 

[Thunder]

I run that cooler(s) for both my trans and engine oil. Excelent choice! As said easily plumbed with common fittings. You cant have too much cooler with a 700r4

 

[dremu]

is there any need to add more fluid because of the extra capacity? is that cooler good or can i afford to step down a notch or two?

Yeah, obviously the extra hoses and the cooler will take a bit more fluid ... but it's prolly only like a pint. Just check the dipstick as before.

I can see no reason to get a smaller cooler, just to save ten or fifteen bucks -- compare that to the cost and hassle of a tranny rebuild. Get the biggest stacked-plate design you can physically fit up front, and you're good.

-- A

 

[dremu]

Oh, and is driving an hour and back cheaper than the twelve bucks or whatever Summit gets for shipping?

-- A

 

[dsmd58]

im going to be up in that area anyways...but sounds like a done deal to me. should the inlet outlet ports face the frame or the hood?

 

[4X4HIGH]

I've got mine facing down just like the oil cooler. I run from the trans to the lower radiator fitting, then from the upper radiator fitting to the cooler (either side doesn't matter), then from the opposite cooler fitting back to the unhooked tranny line going back to the trans.

 

[JDNobodi]

I used 6 AN and 6 JIC fittings to plumb my cooler. First I ran the line to the bottom factory cooler in the radiator, then the top of the cooler to #6 (3/8) hose to a #6 JIC bulkhead fitting installed in the core support. The bulkhead is then connected to 3/8 hard line by #6 JIC compression fittings. Hard line goes to bottom of the B&M cooler. Top of cooler goes to back to 3/8 hard line. Hard line goes to another #6 JIC bulk head fitting. The bulkhead goes to a short line to an aftermarket spin-on filter adapter. The adapter then has the return line to the transmission.
Clear as mud?

 

[dsmd58]

Guys thanks for all of the help! got the b&m installed yesterday, mounted all nice nice in the front grille.....and she is running about 20-30 degrees cooler! WHAT a difference...

 

[K5Chris]

i paid about twice that much for the one with the fan and thermostatic switch....... the damn fan never comes on.