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Aftermarket Radiator To Transmission Line Connectors Challenge

15K views 13 replies 3 participants last post by  MrSteve13  
#1 ·
Pictures Below

Installing new radiator and discovered the incompatibility of the provided trans line connection method (screw in hose nipple) to the factory line quick connectors. As I look around at the aftermarket availability I see most radiators come with the obligatory screw-in nipple. I contacted the seller and was told they have no offering in the way of adaptors. I really thought I would be able to come up with a way to get these mated up on my own without removing the factory fitting and connecting them with hose and clamps. I would imagine someone has ”sperience” with this exact issue. I want to do it right and solid. Thank you for any advice. Steve

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#2 ·
look at that flow restriction SMH
looks like what Mishimoto was doing to their coolers

if you are stuck with this cooler and you don't say what year your truck is ( they changed cooler fitting in 04-5
you should be able to use the barbed fittings and cut off the cooler hard line connection
or go to the cooler itself and replace with rubber since the cooler is just barbed
 
#3 ·
05 F350 6.0

Ok. I thought about tapping the threads and putting a male 1/2” flair conn in the radiator then flair the line. I also wanted to enlarge the hole in the back of the machined area that let’s fluid into the cooling chamber. I’m having a hard time with the discrepancy between the factory ID and the new radiator. Am I over thinking it?
 
#4 ·
I do not like the restriction in that image of your radiator and when Mishimoto asked our opinions on their radiator ( had that same restriction ) we told them we thought that it should at least match the OEM opening

they said it was "not a problem" I disagree why put a restriction where there was not one ?

that being said will it be a problem .. IDK but I went with a radiator that matched the OEM
 
#5 ·
Ok, got the radiator return process started and ordered a replacement with the plastic tanks and factory connection. Are there O-ring kits for these lines? I see an o-ring where the tube seats inside the cooling tank. Is there another one in the quick connect fitting as well? Haven’t removed them yet.
 
#6 ·
we could have pointed you to a non-plastic tank option

not sure what is inside the fitting seat on yours ( 03/04 correct ?)


replacement fittings are available or if you buy the Performance brand AL tank radiator from bulletproof diesel they include parts for both 03/04 and 05 up hoses
 
#9 ·
My truck is an 05 F350 Lariat Crew 6.0
Ok, here’s a pic of the replacement conns I found. Is this what replaces the originals? If not, would you point me to the correct replacement? Steve
Also, on another note, I couldn’t figure out how to display my Truck specs so you don’t have to guess which vehicle I’m talking about. Did I miss it somewhere? Thanks for everything and here’s to health and happiness for you all!
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#12 ·
New radiator. So, I need to go back to the old fittings? I thought there might be an O-ring kit for them but can’t locate anything online. Every time I’ve searched for exact replacements fittings I can only find the upper one (in photo). I assumed the new one was the updated replacement for the old fitting. It’s a puzzle. Steve
 
#13 ·
if the new radiator is made for an 05 up you should get the fittings with the radiator but not sure what you ordered ?

Problem is the trans cooler inside the radiator has to seal to the radiator when you tighten the fittings

i actually think the 0-ring is ok on either fitting in the images but not 100% sure

the internal radiator also has o-rings that seat against the lower tank when fittings are tight
 
#14 ·
Just checked and it does come with the factory fittings. I feel better because I like the engineering on them. Thank you for the guidance and info. Steve