98 auxilliary transmission cooler install help

[franger]

hi all
just finished installing a new trany cooler but ran out of time so i left the plumbing work til tomorrow. i read the instructions on how to determine the in and out lines, but if someone has done this job before could you let me know which is which. i suspect the bottom line is the out. also, which would be the recommended method to connect the cooler in series 1) cut into the rubber line and splice to and from the cooler or 2) remove the steel line from the rad and use the fittings they provide and run from the rad to the cooler and back to the steel line. the steel line is fastened to the rad with a type of clip which i'm a little hesitant to remove. all this to save 2 hrs labor, any help appreciated.

[wiswind]

I have a '96 3.8L.

I installed mine by working with the rubber lines. On mine, one end of each rubber hose has the reusable screw-type clamp....and the other end has a Non-reusable one time use clamp. I cut the non-reusable clamp off.....and installed a reusable screw type clamp.

The Bottom line into the transmission is the return line.

The fluid flows from the transmission TOP metal line, through the "fluid bypass" which is the metal "block" that is in the metal lines.....right in front of the transmission. The bypass permits the fluid to "bypass" the cooler(s) when the temp. is below freeezing......and to flow through the coolers when the temp. is above freezing......then the fluid flows out to the radiator mounted cooler......the fluid flows IN the top connector on the radiator and OUT the bottom connector on the radiator. The fluid should then flow through your auxilary cooler.....and back into the transmission through the bottom metal line connection on the transmission.

The correct flow rate of fluid through the lines is about 1/2 quart in 30 seconds with the transaxle in neutral, engine at idle.

Protect the rubber lines from rubbing against any sharp edges.