Is this what a Tranny cooler looks like?

Look inside the glove box door,to see if there is a list of options for your 2008 Tahoe. If it list Trailer Pkg. then you have a HD transmission cooler as part of that pkg.

MitchF150 wrote:
You should find out if you have the factory "tow package" on your Tahoe first.. If it does, it should already have a factory aux trans cooler already installed..

All automatic transmissions have the 'rad cooler' plumbing...

Heck, my 97 F150 with a factory 'tow package' had an aux trans cooler.. :)

This is my 2013 F150 with MAX TOW package and the thing in the middle of the pic is the trans cooler.(lighter color fins)



They did put some trans coolers between the rad and A/C condenser or even in the engine compartment closest to the fan depending on make/model/year...

Mitch

The black and white transmission oil cooler in the middle of this picture is called a "Stacked Plate" design. It is the most compact and offers the lowest possible pressure drop across the cooler (compared to older designs). I would suggest looking up DeRale stacked plate coolers. 12" square will cool the transmission enough to extend the transmission fluid life to 15,000 miles.

You should be able to find them at your local auto parts store, or online at JcWhitney.com or SummitRacing.com

Good luck!

Best way to find out the specs for your vehicles is take the vin number to your local dealer and ask them if they can tell you the vehicle has as I did this when I lost my tranny due to over heating and pulled my TT home with my explorer I checked with a local dealer near the campground to make sure I could pull the TT home ( I have a ultra lite TT)

You should find out if you have the factory "tow package" on your Tahoe first.. If it does, it should already have a factory aux trans cooler already installed..

All automatic transmissions have the 'rad cooler' plumbing...

Heck, my 97 F150 with a factory 'tow package' had an aux trans cooler.. :)

This is my 2013 F150 with MAX TOW package and the thing in the middle of the pic is the trans cooler.(lighter color fins)



They did put some trans coolers between the rad and A/C condenser or even in the engine compartment closest to the fan depending on make/model/year...

Mitch

I do believe a cooler is built into the radiator but I was told I also need a external one for towing?

I be-leave you might be looking at the AC Condenser, chances are the transmission cooler is built into the radiator. You should see two 1/4 or 3/8 lines going into the bottom of the transmission if this is the case, that would be your transmission cooler.

I have on occasion used a condenser out of a an old air conditioner as a cooling cooler for the transmission, to provide added protection of the transmission should the radiator over heat. You would probably do best by have a garage or mechanic check it out for you. Just my two cents worth.

Ok, thanks for the replies.. I think what I am seeing is the ac condenser also. I thought it was awfully big for a tranny cooler. Ok, so now since I need to add one. Which kind would you recommend?

This answer from a female blonde, may not be what you are looking for...

It sounds like it could be. Are airconditioner condensors not quite a bit smaller than the rad.

Just curious....why did the salesman or private seller not explain what was on the vehicle? You could call them and ask, then you know for sure.

At that size it could be the AC condenser. Google transmission cooler and you will see many different sizes and styles. If your Tahoe has a transmission cooler it will be in front, then the AC condenser, then the engine radiator.

It sounds like you are looking at the air conditioner condenser (has lines that go to the firewall). The tranny cooler on those is built into the radiator but you can and should have an external one added. Typically it will be very low on the front of the ac condenser and look like it is held on with zip tie like connectors. The lines will be plumed into the transmission lines that run to the back of the radiator. This will not look like a factory installation. If you could post a picture it would help.