Mounting Automatic Transmission Cooler Behind Radiator
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 18
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From: AZ
Mounting Automatic Transmission Cooler Behind Radiator
It was suggested to me that I install an automatic transmission cooler behind rather than in front of the radiator as is typically done. The thinking was there was plenty of space behind the radiator and that the result would be better cooling for both engine and transmission. Has anyone done this? How well did it work? Any thoughts and advice about the wisdom and feasibility of mounting the cooler behind the radiator would be appreciated. Thanks.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 377
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From: Nowhere
I have not heard that, but that does not make it false. I mounted mine in front and have had absolutely no problems. I have an Aeroforce gauge to monitor the temps and the tranny does not get above 185 anymore. I also like the additional rock protection. I would rather a rock take out the tranny cooler than the larger more expensive radiator.
JK Junkie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,191
Likes: 6
From: Boston, MA
what kind of cooler are you looking at? and for what use? (if you are slow-crawling in high heat, you may want a t-cooler with its own fan. If not, a passive one works fine)
I assume you mean putting a T-cooler behind the fan in the space in front of the engine? Maybe I am missing the point.
First, I can't see how having anything behind the fan will help better cool the engine. Second, you will possibly be blowing hotter air across the t-cooler. So I don't see it being an improvement there, either.
Plus how will you attach it? And it won't it be in the way when you change: belts, fan, oil filter, water pump (I think), other stuff?
I encourage using an aux t-cooler but it is so easy to install one like a B&M 70268 right in front of the radiator I can't see putting one elsewhere.
I assume you mean putting a T-cooler behind the fan in the space in front of the engine? Maybe I am missing the point.
First, I can't see how having anything behind the fan will help better cool the engine. Second, you will possibly be blowing hotter air across the t-cooler. So I don't see it being an improvement there, either.
Plus how will you attach it? And it won't it be in the way when you change: belts, fan, oil filter, water pump (I think), other stuff?
I encourage using an aux t-cooler but it is so easy to install one like a B&M 70268 right in front of the radiator I can't see putting one elsewhere.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 0
From: WI
They are not designed for behind the radiator to get enough delta temperature drop across the cooler face.
So for best cooling you need it in front, It will have little to no impact to the engine cooling since if it starts to get hot when not moving the fans come on to get air flow across the radiator.
So if you feel you need one do it right and put it in front.
Also remember that you are first putting the hot oil thru the radiator cooler and then to your aftermarket cooler. If you do it the other way around you could cool the oil and the the radiator will heat it back up.
So for best cooling you need it in front, It will have little to no impact to the engine cooling since if it starts to get hot when not moving the fans come on to get air flow across the radiator.
So if you feel you need one do it right and put it in front.
Also remember that you are first putting the hot oil thru the radiator cooler and then to your aftermarket cooler. If you do it the other way around you could cool the oil and the the radiator will heat it back up.