Radiator question

[85silverado]

Is 28 X 19 the stock size for an 85 1/2 ton A/T 350w/ AC? I measured the radiator and it seems like it is, but it's hard when it's still in the truck. Also need to know what to use to block off trans cooler lines since my truck has an outside trans cooler.

[autonuerotic]

27 1/2" X 19"  Call it 28"X19"  I wouldnt block the integrated cooler, thats basically defeating the purpose of adding an auxillary cooler.  I run my with my radiators integrated cooler as well as an oversized auxillary and I can hot-lap my truck and it wont overheat the trans.  

Edited by: roundedline at: 7/7/06 1:07 pm

[85silverado]

One cooler is enough for me, i only do normal driving and no pulling...yet.

[Blazin]

I belive most aftermarket coolers recomend right in the instuctions do not bypass factory cooler.

[Lt.Del]

I agree w/ the two above posts.  I would not block off the stock cooler, pulling or not pulling, it keeps the heat,no matter the degree of heat, away from the vital trans.  

However, if you must, you can get threaded plugs to fit in your radiator from a good radiator shop/ hydraulic shop.   Heck,if you are sure you want to keep her blocked off, go with a manual transmission radiator.  

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

[85silverado]

The old radiator doesn't have a place for the trans cooler lines so this is why a previous owner must have put the aftermarket cooler there. But I have seen pics on 73-87.com on how it's set up here,

www.73-87.com/7387garage/..._hoses.htm

Is this correct?

[Lt.Del]

Well, w/ all the braided lines.  

In a nutshell:

If you have a cooler in the radiator, you want to run the line (output of trans) thru the radiator, then thru the external cooler. The return line will run from external cooler back to trans.  

If no radiator type cooler, then it really doesnt matter.  Just run the line to the external and then back.

YOu will know which line is the output of the trans by running the engine for a few minutes, put it in gear then shut the motor off and see which trans line is hotter than the other. Dont run the motor long or both will seem hot. Or, do it the messy way and remove one of the trans lines and see which way the flow is.  Do this for just a split second as to not harm the trans.  I really dont recommend this way, but it should work.

It doesnt matter which line goes where on the external if that is all you use.  The flow in the external cooler is not important.

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4