This is the line. $60 isn't a huge outlay of cash so if that's the route I have to take, that's fine. But this involves time lost in shipping, whereas I could go to O'Reilly's and get hose and a few clamps today. The thick area towards the front of the line is where it converts to rubber, and that is where the leak is.

Chrysler Transmission Oil Cooler Oil Cooler Tube 55056533AB | eBay

 

Meh, what am I thinking. I ordered the replacement line. Why hodge podge some possible fix together when replacing the whole assembly is cheap and just as simple. Carry on, me.

 

I had this same issue. Couldn't find the part at the local parts store. Dealer was about $100.00, plus $300.00 to install it.
This is a high pressure line so I'd be careful using hose clamps, etc.
You can do the line yourself if you have the quick connect tool and can get the line out.
Mine happened in winter and I didn't have a place to work on it so the dealer got my money.

 

It's the high pressure aspect that ultimately led to me just getting the entire replacement line. Some things you can cobble together, but I didn't want to leave any question marks in my head. Replacement looks straightforward. Heck, to save $300 in labor I'd lay in the snow (may have to anyway, actually )

 

I didn't want to spend the $ for a line from the stealership, so I bought a larger aftermarket cooler and mounted it in place of the factory. Cut the crimped connectors off and used a couple of brass barbs and clamps to tie into the aftermarket. High pressure line in the transmission isn't so high that a barb and clamps won't hold.

 

I hate noob questions, sorry I have to ask this.

I assumed (foolishly) that the line was connected with a hex head threaded nut, like any transmission line I recall working on in the past. Anyway, this line just has what looks like some quick disconnect thing? How do I disconnect the old line and connect this one?

 

Transmission line tools they look like the fuel line tools
STEVE

 

Thanks. I got the line yesterday, hope it's bent right and matches up right. With the quick disconnects, it looks like a pretty easy job.

 

OK, little help...

The line where it connects to the cooler was a simple pop-off with the quick-disconnet tool. However, the end where it goes into the transmission is a different story. I can't get the QD tool to go into the fitting to get the line out. Any tips? It's also fairly hard to reach so I really can't do a whole lot in there. Free likes for good advice!!

 

Usually in quick connects, dirt gets caught in the recesses of the fitting making it difficult to release. Try soaking it down with some windex or what have you, then use compressed air to blow the crap out. The release tool should work easily then.

 

I will do that. Actually, I'll hit it with some PB Blaster. That'll learn it.

 

Spraying it down may have dislodged some accumulated grime, but it didn't help get it disconnected. Not wanting to waste too much time or risk causing damage with excessive force or a home made tool, I ordered a jiffy-tite specific disconnect. I will add the link below in case anyone is interested. The plastic disconnect set worked great for the radiator side but not the jiffy-tite side. The tool came today and I got the line out in a matter of seconds. I'm not always a fan of a single-purpose tool, but I am glad to have this. Made the disco s breeze. And if you've been under a gen 2 with the 545rfe, you know the lines are pretty tight to the exhaust and frame, This little fellow was a massive help.

Amazon.com: Lisle 22930 3/8" Low Profile Disconnect: Automotive

 

And for the final chapter, I'll just add that quick-disconnect does not mean quick-connect. In my case, I could not get the new line to snap in to the fitting, There wasn't enough leverage, so I had to remove the inner fender to get proper leverage. Oh well, it was almost a super quick job. Still not the biggest PIA ever, by far.