Tranny temp gauge/aux cooler for the new 32RH

[Jerry Bransford]

Just looking for a few recommendations on how best to install a tranny temp gauge and the type of sender you guys used, as well as where you placed the sender.

And does a standard small aux finned radiator work well enough as an aux tranny cooler? What's a good location? The install should start in about 3 weeks when I finally/hopefully get my first free weekend.

[Jeff Weston]

FWIW Jerry, I've never had a temp gauge nor have I run an auxiliary cooler. The cooler in the radiator has gotten the job done for me. I just change the fluid every 15k miles and call it good. It is my understanding that the temperature you are interested in is that coming into the transmission from the cooler, hence, the sender should be in the return line.

Good luck with the install!

[Jerry Bransford]

Thanks Jeff. You're right on all that of course but I figure since neither of these two upgrades will add that much time to the project that I might as well throw them on.

I'm primarily interested in how and where to mount the tranny temp gauge's sender as I can probably figure out the other stuff. Stu welded a bung into his AW4's tranny pan for the sender, is that the best/easiest way?

Also, does anyone know if I'll have any t-case input shaft length problems with the 32RH like Stu did with his AW4?

[Stu Olson]

Jerry, I would recommend you find someone with a 231 that you can either borrow for a test fit on your tranny or take your tranny to the 231 for a test fit (regarding the input shaft). Having the surprises occur before everything is torn down makes for a more enjoyable project.

[Paradiddle]

I had a bung welded to my deep pan. got a nice small autometer gauge and installed it in the plastic housing in front of the t-case shifter.

I'll try to snap a photo and email you tomorrow.

Since I had a stick like you - and didn't want to buy a new radiator I stole a page from Fred and put a B&M cooler back under the rear axle - it has a thermostat controlled fan - works great. I've never exceeded 190 degrees - even during that nasty hot spell we had and I'm not normally over 150 wheeling.

jeff

[Jerry Bransford]

Thanks Jeff, that's how I plan to mount my gauge too so the photo would be appreciated. A nice thing on the auto tranny style radiatior is a really nice single row aluminum radiator for an auto tranny was included in the deal by John L. That really helped. Thanks again Jeff.

[mrblaine]

http://4x4trailhunters.com/article.php?id=12

[Jerry Bransford]

Thanks Blaine. I just ordered an Autozone 0-250 temp gauge and an extra sender from Summit and I'll use that cool DPDT switch idea, thanks for the suggestion.

[Stu Olson]

[Jerry Bransford]

Yep that's the same gauge now on order Stu. I also ordered a matching air pressure gauge for the heck of it so because there will be two gauges, I might install them both into that little plastic gauge pod that sits in the change tray on the dash. It's getting close, man I cannot wait to get this automatic installed.

[Paradiddle]

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

Yep that's the same gauge now on order Stu. I also ordered a matching air pressure gauge for the heck of it so because there will be two gauges, I might install them both into that little plastic gauge pod that sits in the change tray on the dash. It's getting close, man I cannot wait to get this automatic installed.

That is where my gauge is as well. If you search for FredTJ or tranny cooler you could probably find his pictures of the fan controlled unit.

[Stu Olson]

[Jerry Bransford]

Nice Stu, thanks for the photo. I'm probably just going to install a tranny cooler I already have to hold costs down.

One cool thing I noticed this weekend is that when my dealer installed a new radiator for me 8 years ago under warranty, they went with an aftermarket which already has the auto tranny cooler built in. The fittings were recessed so I never noticed them. Cool, one less thing to have to mess with. Especially since I just had that radiator overhauled earlier this year.