I've put a larger cooler in my excursion and it didn't seem all that difficult. Why do you guys keep saying 'done right'? What's the wrong way? I've seen threads and images on the forum, it seems straight forward. I haven't decided if I'll bypass the radiator though.

I am planning on using these connectors posted in this thread:

https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/h...21/#post329390

So how does one install the tru-cool wrong?

 

This is why: https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/h...nd-gear-35814/

 

I read that. I'll be sure my connections are good and strong and the hose isn't rubbing on anything. I might even buy some extra hose b/c it sounds like the kit length barely makes it.

 

You need to bypass the radiator. If you don't you aren't going to gain much if anything. I tried it. No matter how big your cooler is if you don't bypass radiator then your tranny fluid is still sitting next to the 215* water in the radiator. Not to mention if you don't bypass the radiator you are still at risk for losing the barrier between the tranny and radiator causing the fluids to mix.

 

Will do.

I should ask, is it obvious the direction the fluid flows through the lines. And do I need to make sure the fluid flows from the top of the cooler to the bottom? Or does it not matter?

 

I don't think the direction matters.

Somebody just posted new topic about the barrier in the radiator failing.

 

Yep, just saw that too. I'll be bypassing it for sure.

 

I installed the tru-cool tranny cooler and it made a huge difference. Before the cooler I couldn't tow our 4000lb TT on flat freeway for more than a few miles before the tranny temp got over 190.

In PHX you have to climb some steep hills to escape the heat and of course you're doing it when it's 105 out. The stock tranny cooler would not cut it. Yesterday I towed the trailer up some of the big hills and the tranny temp never go over 160 and most of the time it was in the 140's. I will say it was only 88 out but I feel good about it maintaining the temp when it's 105.

Also the engine temp stayed in check. Only go to 235 for a half a minute when the rpm's were at 5k, otherwise 210. The mileage was acceptable at 8.4mpg and this is the same stretch my excursion would get 9.6mpg.

 

a very interesting read, enlightening really.

i have never really put much thought into issues on them until recently when my blower went out. i have a new appreciation for what a pain these issues can be on hummers. no parts around, none even in north america type of parts (resistor for blower)

i must have a tranny cooler, i run 44s with my 4.10s in my 03 and it never gets above 200F. i monitor it quite closely, esp on the interstate doing 70ish.

60 mph is about 1800 rpms ish. same deal, jumps out of OD if you even look at it funny, it seems. thats alright, those tires are 140#s a piece + the rim.

nice ride, i would love to have a newer one without the lift in it. something i could drive more often than a cruise around the country side on a saturday afternoon. mine is fun and all but it is really big haha... the tires rub quite a bit, cant wait for those to go away either.

I have a new all terrain gmc 1500, so i use that to tow and such now but man it would be cool to have a hummer for towing the sleds in the winter instead.

steve

 

Thanks, I'm currently working through my maintenance list before we start towing with it on a regular basis. This week was oil change, shocks, brake pads (although didn't need it), air bags, belts, and hoses. After that it should be good to go.

I just wish the gas tank was bigger so we could go at least 300-350 miles on a tank while towing. We might need to carry some gas cans on some of our trips. With the excursion we'd get >400 miles per tank so 240 is a big adjustment