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Transmission cooler lines

3K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  funkigreasemonki 
#1 ·
I think this is the right forum to post this in...if not, my apologies mods.  Anyway.  I need to replace the tranny cooler lines in my 81 trailduster/85 ramcharger.  The running gear is 85, and its a non o/d tranny (tf 727?).  Since its a plow truck, I am going to run rubber lines from the tranny up the frame rail to the cooler.  Can I use brass nipples (hehehehe) at the transmission housing, or are they a flare nut fitting? and what size do I need?  I can't pull the old lines off until I have new pieces to put in place, or I would find out that way.  Thanks in advance
 
#2 ·
I'll tell ya what I did on the 85 crew that Bruiserm880 got from me, I went & bought some 3/8 metel line, ran it down the frame rail & then just used rubber tranny line on each end to attach to tranny & cooler. You could just use rubber all the way, but it does get brittle over time..
 
#4 ·
shot I forgot just now , but I think they are 1/4 inch pipe thread ( but buy 1/8 inch also just in case) the hose I got is a hydraulic hose from a company that makes hydraulic parts. you can find those companies around you. just ask anyone who repairs heavy equipment or fork lifts. I got the fittings from them also.

good luck
Joe
 
#5 ·
Are you using the factory in-radiator cooler, or aftermarket cooler for this set-up? Flexible trans cooler line hose is made for this, and that's what I need to do with my aged soft aluminum lines soon as well.
 
#6 ·
I am going to be using an aftermarket cooler.  I figure that since the truck still has the original radiator, and I'll be using it at low speed and for heavy pushing.  I wont tax the radiator more than I have to.  I have one of the big hayden coolers and an electric fan for some extra cooling.

I'm going to use the rubber lines all the way because it be easier to change.  The problem with the steel lines is that with all the salt spray they rust out quickly and become hard to remove, and when rocks and what not kick up, they tend to dent and leak.  With the rubber lines all I have to do is unhook a few hose clamps and pull it all out, and in a pinch I carry some hose couplers if I get a cut in one of the lines.
 
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