2001 Silverado 1500 upgrade Radiator and add Transmission Cooler

[Blang]

4.8 without the factory tow package. I do indeed tow a small travel trailer and most of the time encounter fairly steep mountain grades. I'm planning ahead to replace the radiator with the 34" radiator in the spring. From what I've read I don't see any concerns there really. I'll probably be shopping on Rock Auto. Any brands I should avoid on there?

I'll also add an external transmission cooler while I'm at it. Any tips or tricks there? There are three cooler lines involved when adding a cooler right? I'll probably just make sure I order the three distinct lines. Any brands to avoid there?

Thanks!

 

[clinebarger]

You will need a 34" fan shroud.

Transmission line part numbers (GM)
Outlet...15773661
Inlet....15809053
Rad to Cooler....15809058

Auxiliary cooler P/N.....20880895

 

[Blang]

Thanks! You're the man! I thought I had responded earlier... it appears to have not posted for some reason. This is exactly what I needed. 34" fan shroud was not on my mind, but that makes sense.

My purpose in going with the larger radiator is that I hope it keep temperatures cooler while I am towing. Otherwise things are excellent when not towing.

 

[BrendanC]

you could also bypass the cooler in the transmission if you don’t live anywhere that gets really cold. can run a generic tru-cool 40k instead.

 

[bdcardinal]

Mishimoto makes an upgraded cooler that is a direct replacement for the trucks that did have one.

 

[NYEngineer]

I have an 09 Suburban with a 5.3. It also only had the trans cooler in the radiator. I was shopping trans coolers and told my trans guy because my transmission oil would get a burnt nasty smell after a while. He steered me toward the GM cooler. It's pretty tiny. I was skeptical. He assured me it was the one to use. It lowered my trans temp pretty dramatically.

I go through both coolers.

 

[burbguy82]

If you decide not to go factory, like @clinebarger suggests. The only advice I would give is......

Go with a "stacked plate" style cooler, and the bigger the better as long as it does not inerfere with anything else.. "tube and fin" coolers are not worth the time for a tranny.

Believe it or not, the cooler in the tranny is beneficial, so do not delete it like some others suggest. Recently, I did added one on and older truck, with some typical rubber hose, and a Derale unit I got from Napa.

 

[NYEngineer]

Yep. The one I have is a stack style. I'll try and get a part number.

Sure looks like this one.

Partslink Number GM4050103​

 

[Blang]

Thanks for the input everyone.
I'm not sure what is meant by the cooler in the transmission that can be deleted.

My intention as of now is to go with the factory setup as @clinebarger suggested... unless there is a quality aftermarket one that can be considered an upgrade for a reasonable price. But I like the idea of using the factory cooler lines and having a ready made set-up if that makes sense. I'm honestly not as familiar with the stacked style... is the factory one a 'tube and fin' style?

Thanks again!

 

[04silverado6.0]

I have a 04 1500 truck. Running a champion radiator, stock 05+ efans, dual stock coolers out front. Managed to fabricate some brackets to relocate the stock cooler to one side and a stock 07+ cooler to the other side. 2 barb fittings to run a hose from each cooler, using the stock lines.

 

[Blang]

Finally getting around to getting things installed. Went with the GM OEM transmission cooler. It's made in Canada in case anyone is curious. The GM cooler lines are made in Canada too. At least the ones I have. I'm taking a break for now. I need to install the new lines. My only question now is what line goes into what port in the transmission?

 

[Chris142]

You should also consider a HD fan clutch.

1. If yours is over 20years old it has definitely lost some efficiency.

2.The biggest radiator won't work without air flowing through it.

 

[Blang]

You should also consider a HD fan clutch.

1. If yours is over 20years old it has definitely lost some efficiency.

2.The biggest radiator won't work without air flowing through it.

I do have a newer fan clutch in there. It's considered an 'HD' one. It definitely works harder than the factory one was. Sometimes I wonder if it's working too hard.

 

[Blang]

Got it all in there and buttoned up. Ready for towing season. Thanks again everyone for the tips and advice.