Transmission cooler lines - what are you using?

I am entering into the my build and mocking everything up for my 73 RR clone... I am using a 26" champion swap radiator with built in trans cooler for my 45RFE. What lines have you guys used? If you have made them yourself what size fitting is needed for the transmission?

Thanks!!

I've never done that swap, but (don't mean to be rude) "whatever fitting fits the holes". Factory original transmission lines are metal tubing...maybe 1/4" or 5/16" (not sure) that you can buy in large 5' long pieces at any auto parts store. You can also get rolls of tubing (20' or 25') at O'Reilly if you ask (on back shelves). Just bend them to fit with a tubing bender.

The main issue (not a big one) that you may find is that your transmission likely has metric holes (for metric fittings) and your radiator has American/English threaded holes. You can either add a metric/English adapter on one end (either) OR you can just cut off one end, put on the fitting you need at that end & re-flare the line.

Having said all that, quite often you'll see trans. cooler lines in the junkyard that have been cut & a small piece of hose is spliced in. This is often done when one/more fittings is rusted in place. MAKE SURE to get actual transmission cooler hose since other types of hose will deteriorate over time. You can also get this at any auto parts store if you ask the right guy (usually have to order it and wait a few days). You can also find transmission fluid resistant hose online from a company that makes/sells transmission coolers (the add-on type). Not too tough.

I use steel lines bent to fit.I have all sized things to bend the lines like logs,pipe,door jams or whatever is close to me at the time...........

HEMI-ITIS said:

I use steel lines bent to fit.I have all sized things to bend the lines like logs,pipe,door jams or whatever is close to me at the time...........

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Nice sophisticated bending equipment! What size fitting did you use to adapt it to the 45rfe?

PurpleBeeper said:

I've never done that swap, but (don't mean to be rude) "whatever fitting fits the holes". .

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I was hoping it was a standard measurement on the transmission. I thought I found a dorman adapter to kick it to a quick connect at 7/8" by 14 thread. Not sure if that is correct though.

If anyone is interested the 545rfe transmission line fittings are 7/8 x 14 and bouchillion has a 90 degree to 3/8 tube adapter fitting.