Trans Filter or Cooler?

[Superkirby]

Hopefully in the next few days I'm going to change the transmission fluid and filter on the Cherokee and I figure while it's empty-ish I might as well cut a line and add either a second filter or a cooler. I unfortunately can't afford both right now, so which one is a better all around investment?
If it helps, right now it's all stock and functions primarily as a commuter, with just a little woods exploring on the weekends. I drive about 25 miles one way to work and average 55-60.
Also, which specific filter or cooler do you recommend?

[XJMJeep]

My opinion is go with the cooler, I went with the Hayden 512.
Might be a little overkill for an XJ but worked great!

[bigjim350]

Id say for sure go for a cooler rather than another fliter. No brand of choice though, found mine laying in a shop.....works good though

[Cheromaniac]

Also, which specific filter or cooler do you recommend?

Definitely go for an auxiliary tranny fluid cooler. Summit Racing have a selection so I recommend you go for a stacked-plate type (more efficient than tube & fin) and choose the largest one that'll fit between the grille and AC condenser (or an alternative location).

[Superkirby]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm glad I asked. I was pretty set on the filter. I used to have a 99 Exploder and the explorer group swears up and down that a filter is the way to extend the life of the A4LD. So instead I'll look at a cooler.
Thanks guys!!




and choose the largest one that'll fit between the grille and AC condenser (or an alternative location).

I wish I had an AC condenser to put it between.

[xjrev10]

#1 killer of ANY auto trans is heat.

[Superkirby]

I have some cooler questions and I was going to start another post, but instead will just ask here.
First, what's makes a stacked plate style better than a tube and fin? Is it better enough to justify the price increase? Right now I can afford either a light duty plate style or a medium (or possibly heavy) duty tube and fin. Either one will be a Hayden brand, because that's what I can get locally.
Does anyone have any recommendations/experience with these?

[4.3LXJ]

They all work. The stacked plate type are a little more space efficient. I have the fin type and am satisfied.

[4x4Dalton]

I just put a fin type in mine and its runnin good.

[Cheromaniac]

I have some cooler questions and I was going to start another post, but instead will just ask here.
First, what's makes a stacked plate style better than a tube and fin? Is it better enough to justify the price increase? Right now I can afford either a light duty plate style or a medium (or possibly heavy) duty tube and fin. Either one will be a Hayden brand, because that's what I can get locally.
Does anyone have any recommendations/experience with these?

The stacked plate type of cooler will dissipate heat faster but either will do fine as long as it's big enough for the job. I've had a Hayden OC-1404 in my '95 Mustang GT for the last 4 years and I'm very happy with it.
My Jeep has an AX15 manual tranny so no cooler necessary there.