Install difficulty rating, please

[brevity]

'98 4.0 auto. Has the transmission oil cooler. She sprung a leak, so out she goes. Question is, the generic cooler costs around 55 bucks at the local auto parts store, and the OEM is about 135. Other than my OCD kicking in about the looks, how difficult is it to mount the generic model?

 

[r1hatman]

Easy to mount, go with the generic one!

 

[pillen140]

very easy

 

[brevity]

Well, got the generic one mounted without too much fuss.

But I have to say... Dang, is it UGLY!

Oh, well...

 

[strvger]

beauty, as they say, "is in the eye of the beholder". i'm betting for your tranny, it was "love at first sight".
glad it went well for you.

 

[r1hatman]

Pics?

 

[brevity]

beauty, as they say, "is in the eye of the beholder". i'm betting for your tranny, it was "love at first sight".
glad it went well for you.

No doubt! And the garage floor is happy not to be slurping red fluid every night...

Pics?

I'll upload some at home. You really want to see it???

I guess for posterity's sake, I should say that the install was very easy. One thing to note--when purchasing one of these aftermarket kits, you need to realize that you'll be cramming a HUGE thin cooler in place of the smaller, thicker stock one. If I was the king of fab, I guess I could have welded some stuff up and positioned it much cleaner. As it is attached now, it is directly on the radiator, and there's not much room for options. Hopefully, airflow will be sufficient for it to be effective.

I am going to get the stock one fixed, if possible. I can't imagine too much pressure is running through these things, so if a leak can be fixed, I think I'll reinstall the original whenever I get it fixed. That big hole behind the grill is just sitting there laughing at me now... Doesn't help that the truck is white...

 

[AllanD]

Easy to mount, go with the generic one!

OR post a WTB ad for a used stock cooler.

I'm sure one of the many "yard crawlers" on the forum would be happy to get a stock one for you.

AD

 

[brevity]

Great advice, AD! Thanks!

I'm going to feel real silly if I look at the stocker and find that it was just a loose clamp or something... Oh, well...

Here's some pics:

What's missing???

Generic

Routing

Supplier

No leaks, so I'm stoked about that.

 

[r1hatman]

Looks good man! Now get you a radiator comb and fix those smashed vents in you radiator and your golden!

 

[strvger]

i know in years past, Hayden was known for making quality products for cooling. should do you well.