2008 Ram 1500 5.7L transmission cooler questions.

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.

Crownedroyal

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2018
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Canada
Ram Year
2008
Engine
5.7
Vehicle in question is a 2008 Ram SXT 5.7L with factory tow package less the 3.92 Gears.
Our trailer is Approx.. 6000lbs loaded with water gear ext..

Last year when towing out trailer through mountains we had the transmission over heat, and the transmission temp light came on and set a fault code for excessive transmission temp...

I have read about people installing the 2500 cooler on there 1500 and its a direct fit, and I like this option.

A) Can anyone recommend a aftermarket brand direct fit cooler that they have experience with? Dorman/TYC/Spectra ...? The MOPAR is a bit pricey.

B) Also it seems Dodge stopped installing the largest of the coolers in 2006, 2007/08 models only came with the mid size cooler which is the one I have installed from the factory.

C) Is there any issues with transmission fluid being too COLD? I live in Canada and have concern the large cooler may keep the fluid too cold at 0def F during winter months when not towing.

Thanks for your time. Enjoy the holidays!
 
Last edited:

HemiLonestar

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Jun 1, 2012
Posts
5,991
Reaction score
2,952
Location
MD
Ram Year
2016
Engine
5.7 hemi
3rd gen 1500's didn't' have a factory 3.73 gear option. 3.55's or 3.92's that year.
A) Haven't seen an aftermarket one that fits quite like factory, but you might get lucky; as long as it mounts and connects like an OEM you should be ok.
B) Get the 3rd gen 1 ton hemi cooler (vs the 3/4 ton). Fits like factory because it is. You will need a few extra screws though.

DSC01036.JPG

C) Yes. RFE is designed to lockout OD and lockup function until trans is up to a certain temp (don't remember offhand what that number is). If the fluid stays cold enough and your trans never gets up to proper operating temp it will never engage OD or TC lockup. Considering there are trucks running around with these coolers as standard issue I doubt that will be that serious an issue, it just may take a bit longer for the trans to reach proper temp.
 
OP
OP
C

Crownedroyal

Junior Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2018
Posts
2
Reaction score
0
Location
Canada
Ram Year
2008
Engine
5.7
3rd gen 1500's didn't' have a factory 3.73 gear option. 3.55's or 3.92's that year.
A) Haven't seen an aftermarket one that fits quite like factory, but you might get lucky; as long as it mounts and connects like an OEM you should be ok.
B) Get the 3rd gen 1 ton hemi cooler (vs the 3/4 ton). Fits like factory because it is. You will need a few extra screws though.

View attachment 149872

C) Yes. RFE is designed to lockout OD and lockup function until trans is up to a certain temp (don't remember offhand what that number is). If the fluid stays cold enough and your trans never gets up to proper operating temp it will never engage OD or TC lockup. Considering there are trucks running around with these coolers as standard issue I doubt that will be that serious an issue, it just may take a bit longer for the trans to reach proper temp.

Thanks for the reply. I have the 3.55 gears, not the 2.92. Either way the trailer is under the maximum towing capacity of the truck. I plan installing this cooler in the spring.

Have any idea why the larger cooler was not a option on the '07, and '08 2500/3500? I say this because when you look up 2008 2500 or 3500 on parts catalog it only shows the mid sized cooler as a replacement option. To get the monster cooler shown in your pictures you need to go down to 2006 or older. Just curious.

Thanks.
 

HemiLonestar

Senior Member
Military
Joined
Jun 1, 2012
Posts
5,991
Reaction score
2,952
Location
MD
Ram Year
2016
Engine
5.7 hemi
No clue, luckily it's compatible throughout the 3rd gen range (02-08).
 

Harley Harrold

USAF Ret. 36+ years service
Military
Joined
Mar 25, 2014
Posts
6,020
Reaction score
1,406
Location
Mississippi
Ram Year
2007
Engine
5.7L HEMI
I have a 2007.5 Quad Cab 1500, 5.7L Hemi, and 3.92 gears, 2wd., & tow package. I installed the Dorman 4X4 transmission pan with drain plug on my truck to give it about 1 extra quart of fluid capacity than my original 2wd pan. I also have a 3500 series transmission cooler, don't know the manufacturer, which is almost 2 1/2 times larger than the stock cooler that came on my truck.

IMG_0675.JPG
 

Marley

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 20, 2019
Posts
389
Reaction score
274
Location
VA
Ram Year
2004
Engine
5.7
Our trucks are some of the easiest vehicles to install aftermarket coolers on.....simply take measurements and zip tie on.

Keep your fins clean and make sure shroud around radiator is not busted.

Next time you hit one of those long big hills....turn your heater all the way up, fan on high....you'll be surprised.
 

njohnson6425

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2013
Posts
33
Reaction score
0
Ram Year
2008
Engine
hemi 5.7
I have a 2007.5 Quad Cab 1500, 5.7L Hemi, and 3.92 gears, 2wd., & tow package. I installed the Dorman 4X4 transmission pan with drain plug on my truck to give it about 1 extra quart of fluid capacity than my original 2wd pan. I also have a 3500 series transmission cooler, don't know the manufacturer, which is almost 2 1/2 times larger than the stock cooler that came on my truck.

View attachment 157726
 

njohnson6425

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2013
Posts
33
Reaction score
0
Ram Year
2008
Engine
hemi 5.7
Where did you get your transmission Pan from?
 

Harley Harrold

USAF Ret. 36+ years service
Military
Joined
Mar 25, 2014
Posts
6,020
Reaction score
1,406
Location
Mississippi
Ram Year
2007
Engine
5.7L HEMI
IMG_0828.JPG I purchased the Dorman 4x4 tranny pan and the 3500 tranny cooler from RockAuto.com. The cooler is a direct bolt in that requires 1 clip nut, and 1 bolt to install in the upper right corner of the cooler, the mounting location is already in place.
 
Top