I'm using a aftermarket shop to do the work. Will ask about 3:73 and trutrac but I do worry about mpg a bit. Having a larger radiator all aluminum with oil cooler tank installed tomorrow. Day after that having a 30-40k btu trans cooler and addition oil cooler installed, then I going to install AirLift bags in the rear coils along with a set of air shocks. That should hold me over until I get the rear end gears changed out.
Transmission Temperature When Not Towing
- Thread starter Calicajun
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
Big Buttons
The SS Burb
With my 3.73s and gas guzzling mods I get 14/19 city/highway.
While I was towing the race car I got 10/14
While I was towing the race car I got 10/14
NativH
TYF Newbie
Jennifer,
Thanks for the answer but my '13 Z71 Tahoe regularly exceeds 185F and hits 200+ regularly on highway driving, no trailer. I could throw it off a cliff on a hot summer day in Texas and exceed 167F. So with my factory installed towing package and everything, I still need ANOTHER auxiliary transmission cooler? Now I have a pretty good idea why everyone said I should expect to need a new transmission at 70K miles if I bought a Tahoe. Extended warranty or not, I HATE replacing original major parts on any vehicle I own. They are never the same after that repair.
If this vehicle is really designed to run transmission temperatures at 140F to 167F, it was not designed for Texas, ambient temperatures over 60F, traffic, or being driven by anyone younger than 85 years of age. Not trying to be mean, but this is crazy (and that wasn't the first word that came to mind BTW).
Vector
Full Access Member
Jennifer,
Thanks for the answer but my '13 Z71 Tahoe regularly exceeds 185F and hits 200+ regularly on highway driving, no trailer. I could throw it off a cliff on a hot summer day in Texas and exceed 167F. So with my factory installed towing package and everything, I still need ANOTHER auxiliary transmission cooler? Now I have a pretty good idea why everyone said I should expect to need a new transmission at 70K miles if I bought a Tahoe. Extended warranty or not, I HATE replacing original major parts on any vehicle I own. They are never the same after that repair.
If this vehicle is really designed to run transmission temperatures at 140F to 167F, it was not designed for Texas, ambient temperatures over 60F, traffic, or being driven by anyone younger than 85 years of age. Not trying to be mean, but this is crazy (and that wasn't the first word that came to mind BTW).
I will have to check also, but I'd be surprised if my Trans temp was within that range is South Florida.
Big Buttons
The SS Burb
And you have a aftermarket cooler?
Installed the new trans cooler today, well mounted it in the Tahoe anyway. Ran out of light so will have to connect the lines tomorrow morning. A little nervous about cutting trans lines but it has to be done. Wish me luck, it been a long time I have done this type of work.
Tested out the newly installed Trans cooler towing a 5,900 lbs travel trailer around town and up some pretty good hills. Highest trans temp was 195 going up a steep grade three time from a dead stop. Trans cooler seems to be working great. Guess that means I did a good install job. Just wished I had installed the new radiator myself, having a engine cooling problem. Top radiator hose hot the bottom radiator hose cold as ice. So I'm having the Tahoe towed back to the shop that installed the new radiator. This time I will stay there all day to make sure it is done right this time.
Big Buttons
The SS Burb
Sounds like a bad thermostat.
Spent seven hour at the radiator shop today. They replaced the thermostat with a new OE thermostat but that didn't fix the trouble. Turns out the brand new radiator was bad, they are getting another new radiator should be in by Monday. Nice shop though, they aren't charging me anything extra and said they will install the engine oil cooler lines at no charge because of the hassle on my part. Get that all taken care of and the only thing left to do is have the rear end changed from 3:08 to 3:42 or 3:55 (if 3:55 can be done) and we should be all set to go camping in the travel trailer.
Big Buttons
The SS Burb
Do some 3.73s!
Big Buttons
The SS Burb
3.73s are possible. Lots of companies make 3.73s.
Look up motive gears. When I do gears ill probably go with them and a tru trac
Look up motive gears. When I do gears ill probably go with them and a tru trac
Big Buttons
The SS Burb
livingez_123
Full Access Member
I second the 3.73. My Denali tows my 30' 10k trailer real nice. I wouldn't mind going to 4.10's but right now the 3.73 are fine.
You guys don't have any hills in Texas, at least not buy my book. Come drive up in my neck of the woods and go over all of our Mountian passes. You then will know what hills really are! I'm up in the great Pacific Northwest.
You guys don't have any hills in Texas, at least not buy my book. Come drive up in my neck of the woods and go over all of our Mountian passes. You then will know what hills really are! I'm up in the great Pacific Northwest.
Last edited:
We have hills here in CA, the Grapevine, Cajon and the Shasta Mountains being the three we travel over the most when leaving town. Heck, even coming from Mom's house in Huntington Beach, CA back to our house in Lancaster, CA is a 3,250 foot climb over a 30 mile stretch of road.
Well, had the rear end changed out, the shop talked us into installing 3:42. After towing the TT we are not sure but it seems like the 3:08 did better than the 3:42 gears. Plus now the speed odometer is way off, speed odometer shows 75 mph when only going 65 mph. Again with my luck, the gears installed have a loud high pitch whine. The shop is going to change out the gears with new ones but I'm thinking of having them put in 3:73 (should have listen to the board) instead, seeing they have to go back in anyhow and won't cost any more to either of us. Do need to find out if the Speed odometer can be reset to work with either 3:42 or 3:73 rear ends.
mfdrookie516
Loading.......
- Joined
- May 21, 2013
- Posts
- 192
- Reaction score
- 1
3.42's come with the max tow package by default, but 3.73's would definitely give you more get up and go.
The shop should be able to adjust your speedo. It's something the dealer can definitely do if not. My tuner allows me to calibrate for gear changes and tire changes as well.
The shop should be able to adjust your speedo. It's something the dealer can definitely do if not. My tuner allows me to calibrate for gear changes and tire changes as well.
Similar threads
