I know the subject has been covered dozens of times, but just thought I'd share my install experience yesterday, might make it an even easier install for lots of guys?

First off, I have a 2010 CCSB with the 6.2L and 6 speed auto, with the stock factory trans cooler that comes with the heavy duty trailering package. (obviously not heavy duty enough, as towing my K5 up the mountains would result in 230 degree trans temps!) So, I'm not sure that the older trucks have same hose/cooler setup as mine does, but here's what I did:

I had prepared for the install of the Tru Cool 40k cooler by first getting the NAPA fittings (Napa #730-4953 BK) - they snap onto the stock GM trans hard line and go right into the Tru Cool outlets. I also went and bought two sets of compression fittings for 3/8 tubing, just in case I needed to use them on the hard lines, as I had seen done on these boards several times.

However, once I got the grill off and removed the tiny stock cooler, I positioned the Tru Cool in there, and unclipped (there is a plastic double line clip that holds them together) the two trans hard lines so I could see how much "give" I had in the lines. I realized that both had factory rubber hoses under the radiator area, so there was a LOT of give. I left the cooler "sitting" in the approximate position I wanted, and proceeded to cut the rubber/cardboard air deflector (this is the one that is behind the stock bumper opening on my truck, that deflects air upwards toward the various coolers and radiator). I cut the rubber deflector and the hard lines easily moved where I wanted them. I snapped on the new NAPA fittings and threaded them into the Tru Cool...this DID require a bit of patience, as the cooler can't move much in there, and the hard lines were a little tough to get lined up just perfectly to thread the fittings in (a second set of hands to help here would help immensely!) After I got the fittings threaded in and tightened up, I used a few of the supplied metal straps and was easily able to attach the cooler to the grille support...voila, installed a Tru Cool 40k cooler WITHOUT cutting the stock lines in any way...this will ensure no leaks, no using the rubber lines with the barb fittings that could come loose, no compression fittings needed, etc. Super easy!

So, if you are thinking about installing one, try this approach...I failed to take pics as I had limited time, but I'm sure you will get it no problem. I used some duct tape to secure the rubber deflector back together (I guess you could use some epoxy or something longer lasting if you wish, but I'm sure this will be fine...

Can't wait to tow the K5 again now!

 

I gotz a pic for ya ..I did this few months ago but forgot to post about it

 

Yep, that's about what it looked like! Cool, I just posted it up since I don't think I had seen this mentioned at all in the dozens of posts about doing this swap? Super easy...

 

This looks almost too easy to be true! Wonder how much different this install would be on my '00 that also has the heavy duty trailering package. How much were the fittings from NAPA?

 

They were about $7 each...not cheap, but well worth how easy it makes this swap!

Napa Part #: 730-4953 BK

You just take off the factory fitting, and this one goes on its place and threads right into the Tru Cool...

 

Thanks for the pn! Seems easy enough, I need to get moving on installing more of my supporting mods so I can get my turbo install rolling.

 

Just wanted to bump this. I just received my Tru cool and bought the 2 fittings for it. Im trying to avoid using compression fittings. Pics will come in the coming days. Cody, maybe u could add this info to the Tru cool thread.

 

Damn that's almost to easy!


I read you were getting temps up to 230 *yikes* be happy you didn't fry that transmission.


Have any results of towing now after the upgrade??

 

With a loaded truck and camper in 90* temps in tx i never got over 145* with the 40k..

The tahoe runs about 130-150 with the stock cooler just toolin around town no load..

 

Nice. I am anywhere from 120-45 running around town and have gotten it up to 180 after really romping on it for a while. This is all on the stock HD cooler. Will have to pick up a 40k here soon.