The Dodge 1500 truck has two oil cooler lines that circulate transmission oil throughout the engine. The cooler lines are made of vinyl hosing that bring oil to the radiator to decrease the temperature and then send it back to the transmission. You must remove the cooler lines to fix leaks or to gain access to the radiator for repairs. When removing the lines, plan on spending about 30 minutes.
Park the Dodge 1500 on a flat surface, jack it up and raise the front end up on two jack stands to allow access to the bottom of the engine. Check to ensure the engine is cool to the touch before you go below the car.
Slide under the car and drain the transmission fluid into a collection pan by removing all but one of the bolts on the outside of the tank with the 1/2-inch socket wrench.
Take off the final bolt and pull off the pan. Pour the remaining fluid into the collection pan. Replace the drain pan on the transmission.
Locate the transmission cooler lines running between the side of the transmission assembly and the bottom of the radiator. These lines are approximately 1/2 inch thick and made of vinyl hose. Use a flashlight to help locate the lines more easily in the dark engine.
Slide the head of a flare nut wrench onto the middle of one of the lines. Bring it down to meet the nut on the transmission. Clamp the head on the nut, and twist it counterclockwise to loosen it. Pull out the line from the port. Repeat with the nut attaching the line to the radiator. Do the same for the other transmission oil cooler line.
