Fair Price for Transmission Cooler

[lbffl]

All,

I have a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee and talking to many others, the Jeep is notorious for running hot on the transmission. I haven't picked up my hybrid yet, but it will be heavier than the boat I pull and I can notice the boat quite a bit.

Anyway, I called my trusted mechanic to order a class III receiver. He asked what I was pulling and he suggested that I get a transmission cooler. I laughed, thinking he was trying to further expose my lack of knowlede on automotive parts, but he said there was such a thing and it would keep the transmission cooler when traveling which would increase the longevity of the transmission.

He told me he could install a Class III transmission cooler for $150 (US) at the same time he put the receiver on.

Is that a fair price? Is it recommended or just a sales pitch? He made it sound like I could run with the over drive on for longer and only take it off on hills/inclines which would save in fuel consumption as well.

Opinions would be welcomed.

[mike4947]

WHile I won't comment on the price, as that can vary widely, I will say IMHO it you have an automatic and tow, you should have an aux. cooler installed. Note that most if not all towing packages from the manufacturer have one as part of the package. We've found that any towing package that does not include one will have one on the model of vehicle allready.

[hoppy]

I say an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.

 If the Jeep is prone to running hot on the transmission fluid, by all means install a cooler. IMHO.

  I've seen the costs for the coolers installed starting at $ 110.00, so $ 150.00 is definetly in the ball park.

[ScoobyDoo]

Get the cooler but lock OD out when towing, you can buy a lot of gas for the price of trans rebuild.

[guitarman6391]

yes...u do need a trans cooler.....or soon u will need a transmission.

yes...150$ is about the usual price when you're having it installed.

and yes...it is worth every penny of the price.

 

[Turn Key]

$70-$80 (US) for the cooler and the balance for about a 1 hour install.  Sounds about right.

Happy Camping!

[towrod]

Buy the cooler or you'll be sorry - price is reasonable.

[CanadianMom]

Funny I should read this today; my venture van is in the shop now getting tranny cooler installed as I type.  ergo, I think it's a good option.

[ColemanDude]

You might also want to add a tranny oil temp indicator.  This will help you determine if the cooler is doing an adequate job and also teach you what speeds, grades, or gears to avoid to keep temps down.

[jimgolden]

I'm of the opinion that if you're within weight tolerances allocated for you vehcile (and you're not guessing @ what your actual weight is) and follow the manu's specs, you should be fine,

BUT a cooler is great added insurance.I got one put on my TV, but drew the line there. no gauges for me, enough's enough.

jim