External Transmission Filter

[JBTJ]

Any one ever do this on there Tahoe? I have them on all my JEEPS and it makes maintenance much easier. Just wondering who has and what their setup looks like.

 

[Wake]

Thought about it but it's easier and cheaper to just install a new pan with a drain.

 

[JBTJ]

Thought about it but it's easier and cheaper to just install a new pan with a drain.

I've done this on my JEEPs that have automatics. It's much easier as you will no longer need to crawl under the truck to drop the pan and make a mess. It's just like changing a oil filter, spin on spin off. I picked out a spot on the Tahoe under the hood on the left side what looks to be a "U" shaped support bracket for the hood. Plenty of space for a filter to mount under it. With this setup, I can change the filter standing up no bolts or a pan to remove and not make a mess. Also, disconnect the input line and pump out ALL the ATF in the system when I need to. With this filter installed you no longer need to change the internal filter. When I actually get it done I will post some pics.

But to give you an idea, here is one on my JEEP.

 

[livingez_123]

It's a great idea, spin on filters are inexpensive, easy to change, and they will help keep the fluid nice and clean. You will also change them more often. it's a win win. I would use better lines and fittings. The Allison uses a spin on filter. The next time you drop your trans pan and filter could be the last time.

 

[JBTJ]

It's a great idea, spin on filters are inexpensive, easy to change, and they will help keep the fluid nice and clean. You will also change them more often. it's a win win. I would use better lines and fittings. The Allison uses a spin on filter. The next time you drop your trans pan and filter could be the last time.

This setup has been on this TJ for 140k miles. Have another on my 1980 CJ7 that has 360k on the clock. Not sure what a better line and fitting could be, as they seem to hold up well. Can you give me some ideas as I'm about to do this on my new to me 04 Tahoe? I do drop the pan every now and then just to have a look see, all is as clean as a whistle.

 

[YukonXLPerk]

Following

Want to do this on my other car.
I have a million questions to ask concerning the how to. But I will wait for your write up first.

 

[JBTJ]

Following

Want to do this on my other car.
I have a million questions to ask concerning the how to. But I will wait for your write up first.

What would you like to know?

 

[jomulk56]

Transmission, oil, and coolant external filters are all on my to do list. Just gotta get the cash to do it all.

 

[YukonXLPerk]

Ok, so I did a quick search on using an external filter and now I have some concerns.
Drop in pressure?
By-pass valve?
Having an external filter makes a ton of sense to me...mostly for the ease of maintenance.

Do you place the filter on the return side of the transmission cooler?
What do you do with the internal filter? I assume remove.
Is it worth it to make my own or purchase through a reliable company?

Sorry for the questions. This is my family vehicle and I want to make sure that I have it for a very long time....cant afford to make dumb mistakes.

 

[JBTJ]

Ok, so I did a quick search on using an external filter and now I have some concerns.
Drop in pressure?
By-pass valve?
Having an external filter makes a ton of sense to me...mostly for the ease of maintenance.

Do you place the filter on the return side of the transmission cooler?
What do you do with the internal filter? I assume remove.
Is it worth it to make my own or purchase through a reliable company?

Sorry for the questions. This is my family vehicle and I want to make sure that I have it for a very long time....cant afford to make dumb mistakes.

I use a hydraulic filter made by Wix p/n 51269 that can flow 7-9 GPM which is way more than the system can pump, so no need to worry about drop in pressure. This filter is also full flow which can filter down to 10 microns which is a good thing. All the ATF will be filtered at all times, so there is no need to by pass the filter. You can install the filter any where you want, really doesn't matter. In the JEEP pictured above I plumed in on the output side from the transmission to the radiator. However, on my Tahoe because where I'm going to mount the filter, it will be done on the output from the radiator. The internal filter stays in place, no need to remove it, and I suggest you change it out when installing the external filter. This way you will no longer need to worry about changing that one out and it can filter the ATF as well, although it can't filter down to 10 microns. I have ran an external filter on my first JEEP for 34 years now and the transmission, aTF999, still runs great. Don't think it really matters where you buy the kit from as all the adapters are the same, just different port configs. You will want an adapter that has 3/4" x 16 threads and has a 3/8th's ports for the transmission line connects. You also need to be sure to use an approved transmission oil cooler rubber hose though, as not all rubber hoses are the same. Some kits offer a motor oil filter which is okay but they can only filter down to 19~21 microns. The adapter I ordered is made by Derale p/n DER-13049 as it has the port configuration the way I wanted it. My adapter should be in this week so I will hook it up this coming Saturday and post some pics.

 

[JBTJ]

Got the external transmission filter installed today. NAPA did not have the hydraulic filter I wanted. p/n1269 so I used another one I had in the shop till it came in. Went to Home Depot to get (2) 3/8th's brass barbs to splice into the cooler line coming out of the radiator. I'm sure there could have been a better way of doing this, but since I've done this on my JEEP and has worked for several years that way I decided to do it the same way. Found a bracket in my shop to mount the filter adapter to the brace next to the firewall. Now I can change this filter more often and not have to worry about the internal filter, as it's a pain to replace, it's a 4x4 so you may know what I mean. Also, when it comes time to replace ALL the ATF in the system, just simply disconnect the input line at the external filter and stick the hose in a milk jug and pump out the old stuff. I ran 16 quarts thru the system and took maybe 10 minutes to do. Now the transmission has new filters and new oil in it. Maybe it will be happy for awhile.

 

[YukonXLPerk]

Nice write up.

May I ask what you ended up spending?
I have found external filters with hoses from $35 all the way up to $100.

 

[JBTJ]

Nice write up.

May I ask what you ended up spending?
I have found external filters with hoses from $35 all the way up to $100.

The adapter was $37 and the 7' worth of oil cooler hose was $25 and the brass barb fittings was about $3. I already had the bracket, nuts, bolts and temp filter. Although the filter I will be using is $13

 

[jomulk56]

I like it, nice install. If I could offer one suggestion though. Spray that mounting plate (on top of the support arm) black to blend in a little more.

 

[JBTJ]

I like it, nice install. If I could offer one suggestion though. Spray that mounting plate (on top of the support arm) black to blend in a little more.

You can't see the mounting plate, it's under that support arm. What you see is the way it came from the factory. But, I do know what you mean. Thanks

 

[thechevyman]

How has this been working for you?
How many miles on your truck when you installed it?

I just purchased a 2003 Yukon Denali XL with 103k miles on it. I plan to use this as a tow vehicle for my 2003 Jeep Rubicon. So I want to take very good care of the transmission.

My transmission is operating perfectly and the fluid looks great. I just did a pan drop and changed the filter at 104k miles (I'm sure it was the first service) and I would like this set up for future service. I just bought the same external filter kit you have and plan to install it this week.

 

[livingez_123]

Do you think this external filter might impede the flow from the trans to the cooler?

 

[YukonXLPerk]

It shouldn't. In fact your adding more tubing which in turn might aid in cooling.

I have not tried this myself but have read a lot about it. A lot of diesel guys use them and swear by it.

 

[livingez_123]

I guess as long as you have a kit in the valve body, it will increase the flow to the cooler so it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[JBTJ]

How has this been working for you?
How many miles on your truck when you installed it?

I just purchased a 2003 Yukon Denali XL with 103k miles on it. I plan to use this as a tow vehicle for my 2003 Jeep Rubicon. So I want to take very good care of the transmission.

My transmission is operating perfectly and the fluid looks great. I just did a pan drop and changed the filter at 104k miles (I'm sure it was the first service) and I would like this set up for future service. I just bought the same external filter kit you have and plan to install it this week.

This setup is working great. Although I installed this filter at about 118k IIRC, and now have about 128k on it. The fluid was black and nasty and I'm sure the PO never changed the fllter of ATF. I pumped out all the old ATF in the system then added the filter. After 10k miles, the fluid looks brand new again.

I use this system on all of my rides with auto's and have so for many years. Not once have I had a problem with any of them.

---------- Post added at 05:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:23 PM ----------

Do you think this external filter might impede the flow from the trans to the cooler?

Not at all. You can remove the input line from this filter and time how long it takes to fill a gallon jug. Then remove the output line from the filter and do the same test. The flow rate is the same. Now, I'm sure if the filter gets plugged up that might decrease the flow, but as often as I change them,that will never happen.