Transmission cooler?

Rhime · 05-20-2011, 10:01 AM

Hi guys,
I thought I'd stay in this forum as it relates to the current trailer I own(Cruiselite 26BH).
I'm looking to install a tranny cooler on my truck and wanted some opinions on what size cooler to get.
I drive a '99 F150 XLT with a 4.6 litre engine.
We live in British Columbia, Canada so there's a bit of climbing involved, but we don't travel long distances.
I understand there's light/medium/heavy duty coolers so what's my best option? If it's heavy duty all the way, then I have my answer

Thanks guys and happy May long weekend!

acadianbob · 05-20-2011, 10:09 AM

Whenever climbing is involved, a cooler is a very good idea. I'm guessing that you do not have a cooler now based on the limited vehicle info. IMO, why mess around, get a heavy duty cooler. There are some aftermarket coolers that also include a fan and thermostat on the cooler. The fan can be helpful in traffic or at slow road speeds. Good luck on your project!

lowbubba · 05-20-2011, 10:35 AM

You may want to check with Ford, they may have a factory cooler that is made to be added on. GM had one for my Suburban. Just a thought. Also, if it really gets cold up there in the winter, you can over cool your trans fluid and it will not shift correctly.

MtnGuy · 05-20-2011, 10:38 AM

Rhime, hope you don't mind but I moved this thread into the towing forum, since this involves anyone towing with a automatic transmission, and not just Salem owners.

Your truck probably already has a transmission cooler.....the hydraulic lines from/to your transmission go through a heat exchanger in the radiator. An auxiliary cooler is needed when towing or carrying heavy loads.

I agree with Bob, if you are going to add an auxiliary cooler, might as well go big. The 4.6 L engine is going to make the transmission shift more than the 5.4 L, so all of the more reason to add that cooler.

But, 1st of all, check to make sure you don't already have an auxiliary cooler. On Fords (at least on mine), it is a small heat exchanger in front of and below the radiator......you can see it if you lift the hood and look down between the radiator and grill. If your truck came with a tow package, then you might already have a cooler there.

DF5.4 · 05-20-2011, 11:33 AM

When I had my 99 F-150 with the 4.6 there was a small heat exchanger down low on the passenger side of the truck. That is for the power steering. I added a transmission cooler to mine. It was in series with the cooler built into the radiator. I put it before the radiator to avoid the over cooling issue. I added a transmission temp gauge to keep an eye on things also.

acadianbob · 05-20-2011, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowbubba

You may want to check with Ford, they may have a factory cooler that is made to be added on. GM had one for my Suburban. Just a thought. Also, if it really gets cold up there in the winter, you can over cool your trans fluid and it will not shift correctly.

That's why the aftermarket kits with a thermostat are nice. They generally don't kick in until trans temp hits 180. And the incorporated fan can be effective.

seven_campers · 05-20-2011, 05:33 PM

Truecool makes nice aftermarket coolers. Had one installed on our Suburban 1500 and tranny temps dropped significantly when towing.

Could be trucool. Can't remember exactly.

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