Tranny cooler install help

[Chunkstyle]

Hey all,

I'm installing a tranny cooler in my 98 Safari and wat to run the cooler upstream of the OEM radiator. to do that I'm going to need to make the hookups at the lower Transmission line connection on the radiator. Looks like an ugly place to get to and was wondering if there are any tips or advice on gaining workable access to that lower radiator connection point?

Any help will be appreciated.

Progress so far...

[Mmusicman]

Recommended routing: radiator cooler 1st ... external cooler 2nd.

You should want the upper connection point.
The routing is that fluid is pushed from bottom to top, and you want to do the same.

Path: lower steel trans line > in lower rad > top radiator out > rubber line > in lower external cooler > top external cooler out > rubber line > upper trans steel return line.

But yes.. if you wanted to reverse the order, then you'd need to get to the bottom radiator port.
Best option in this case would be to pull the shroud for access.

[Chunkstyle]

Thanks Mmusicman

I’ll do some reading on the shroud removal.
My thinking was routing thru aux cooler then radiator would help regulate the temp more consistently between winter months and summer months. I’ll start the Shroud removal tomorrow .
I’ve got some towing in the near future so I’m trying to get the fluids all changed and cooler added.
Thanks again!

[Mmusicman]

My thinking was routing thru aux cooler then radiator would help regulate the temp more consistently between winter months and summer months.

I've considered this too.. especially if you live in cold climates.
I'm sure the idea has merit... and I'm sure some have done it.

[Birdshake]

Not sure how cold it gets were you are but I regularly see below freezing conditions and I haven’t had any issues with over cooling the trans. Hayden now makes a cooler with a built in by-pass valve. There are external by-pass valves available as well.

[markmitch]

Don't flush the transmission fluid, just drop the pan replace the filter and put pan back on and refill. GM says not to flush the transmission as it will cause leaks.

[Leeann_93]

Not sure how cold it gets were you are but I regularly see below freezing conditions and I haven’t had any issues with over cooling the trans. Hayden now makes a cooler with a built in bypass valve. There are external bypass valves available as well.

This. I think B&M makes one with a bypass valve as well. All trans cooler manufacturers (and vehicle manufacturers) recommend installing it the way MM recommended.