Regearing or Tran Oil Cooler

[nicedude80]

I am so close to being able to fund my projects, which is MarkMC 3" lift, and front struts. I have run into a road block. I was reading if you have the 3.43 gears, and want to run 32" tires, you should either get a tran oil cooler, or regear to 4.10. I am running 3.73 gears. Would it be necessary for a regear or tran cooler?

[Rickalicka18]

Depends. If you're looking for a quick and relatively cheap fix to overheating then go with the trans cooler. If you're looking to keep the power and keep trans temps the same go with the gear change.

The downfall of the trans cooler is you lose power and your 3.42 gears may still heat up.

Downfall of the regear is it's not cheap to do and isn't an easy job to do.

[nicedude80]

I have the 3.73 gears though. That is my question, is the 3.73 good enough for 32" tires, or is it still to low??

[TBYODA]

I have the 3.73 gears though. That is my question, is the 3.73 good enough for 32" tires, or is it still to low??

you should be fine with that combo, see chart in link below. you should monitor tran temp anyways. to be safe you could add a cooler with 180 deg bypass.

http://www.offroadtb.com/articles/tech- ... alculator/

[nicedude80]

I have the 3.73 gears though. That is my question, is the 3.73 good enough for 32" tires, or is it still to low??

you should be fine with that combo, see chart in link below. you should monitor tran temp anyways. to be safe you could add a cooler with 180 deg bypass.

http://www.offroadtb.com/articles/tech- ... alculator/

Thanks alot for the help!

[Rickalicka18]

I mis read that haha... But like Robert said, you should be fine with that set up

[Fisker]

I am torn here. I have 3.73 gearing, and want 33,s or 32.5" tires. Trail-X says he would add a cooler, but I'm right on that line on whether to do a cooler or just leave it alone and do the tires without it. Opinions?

[bartonmd]

The I6 models could use a cooler, stock, because of the stupid-loose converter match-up that makes a TON of heat any time it's unlocked.

Mike

[Fisker]

I guess I'll have to consider putting one on. Im glad Im doing some research before I start lol. total price just keeps slowly climbing lol. its just like any other project that way I guess

[HARDTRAILZ]

3.73 and 33s with a cooler did quite well for me for a long time. 32s would be fine with a gear change. As cheap as a cooler is...I can't see why everyone does not run one.

[Fisker]

What would be the issue with not using a cooler? a lot of people where I live simply put on some big A** tires and some spacers and call it good. Ive talked to tons of people who lift their vehicles and this is new to my ears

[Jrgunn5150]

What would be the issue with not using a cooler? a lot of people where I live simply put on some big A** tires and some spacers and call it good. Ive talked to tons of people who lift their vehicles and this is new to my ears

LMAO, exactly.

If you don't cool the fluid properly, it breaks down and doesn't do it's job, and the transmission life is shortened. How much? Who knows, but like Kyle said, cooler's are cheap enough it's not even worth arguing.

It seems to be exacerbated in the Trailblazer I6 because the converter is higher stall and creates more heat than usual.

[Rickalicka18]

Ya beat me to it Jr.... I believe Kyle actually said he has two tranny coolers though.

[Fisker]

What would be the issue with not using a cooler? a lot of people where I live simply put on some big A** tires and some spacers and call it good. Ive talked to tons of people who lift their vehicles and this is new to my ears

LMAO, exactly.

If you don't cool the fluid properly, it breaks down and doesn't do it's job, and the transmission life is shortened. How much? Who knows, but like Kyle said, cooler's are cheap enough it's not even worth arguing.

It seems to be exacerbated in the Trailblazer I6 because the converter is higher stall and creates more heat than usual.

Would it be easier to change the transmission fluid more often instead if the problem is the fluid?
Not trying to argue, just want to know all my options sorry.

[HARDTRAILZ]

$40 for cooler once or $40 repeated for fluid n filters. Do what ever you like but it was simple for me.

[Fisker]

$40 for cooler once or $40 repeated for fluid n filters. Do what ever you like but it was simple for me.

Like I said I just wanted to know.
Thanks

[HARDTRAILZ]

As far as tossing on big tires n just letting it rip... completely doable. Done it several times. However around here we tend to try and do things right. Its costs a bit more but maximizes mpg, power, and longevity of parts n trucks.

I know several trucks running on 40s w no mods but lifts n wheels n tires. They don't fall over dead. They bitch about parts n fuel mileage though.

Its one of the things...pay now or pay later but it costs to play.

[Jrgunn5150]

As far as tossing on big tires n just letting it rip... completely doable. Done it several times. However around here we tend to try and do things right. Its costs a bit more but maximizes mpg, power, and longevity of parts n trucks.

I know several trucks running on 40s w no mods but lifts n wheels n tires. They don't fall over dead. They bitch about parts n fuel mileage though.

Its one of the things...pay now or pay later but it costs to play.

This is precisely correct. Cooler's aren't expensive or hard to install, transmissions are both lol.

I've found in my old age, that if I take my time, do thing's 80% properly, be patient, that it's goes both faster and smoother for me.

Do your lift, add your tires, add a cooler, and consider regearing. I drive my truck in third below 65 mph with my tires and 3.42 gears.

[Fisker]

Yeah maybe its the 20 year old in me that just wants to get the bigger tires on. I know you are all correct, I just looked at the install of a cooler and dont think I have the tools to do it correctly myself. It starts getting expensive when you have people do it for you. Are there any how too threads on this topic?

[Jrgunn5150]

It's pretty easy actually, if you can install a lift, you can install a cooler,

here is one thread, viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1008