The push pins are a pain to get out and can cut your hands. So I just cut the heads off all of them and used some new ones I already had to re-secure the splash guard. You can find them at just about any auto parts store. I got mine at Advance Auto. You can see the part # in the pic...




After the splash guard was re-secured, we decided to install the NAPA Transmission Filter (NAPA Part # 1622) on the filter mount. Jeff filled the filter with trans fluid and lubricated the gasket before installing it. I used my razor knife and cut a hole in the splash guard for the filter to protrude through...

 

Then we re-installed the grille support, grille, headlights, corner lamps and radiator cover in reverse order from what was mentioned above. Here's the finished product...


I am very happy with how this install went and so is Jeff. He text messaged me a few times on his way back to NC to let me know what the trans temps were. He saw 145 degrees on his Auto Meter Trans Temp Gauge pretty much all the way back. If anyone has any questions about this, please PM either Jeff or myself.

 

WOA dude..great write up!!!! You spent more time on this than you did installing the stupid thing

One thing I might add on to this since I don't know (or didn't notice) a difference between the Lightning and a regular F-150, but I never needed to remove the grille or anything from the front end. Once I removed the center hood latch bracket thingie, my cooler went right into place and I could get to everything I needed to within that space.

 

Yeah, the Lightning is a little different. The way you did it wouldn't be possible with a Lightning. I posted this in here mainly so people could benefit from the actual install of everything to see how it's done.

 

Excellent writeup!

Those fittings are different from what I use at work, but I don't suppose anything on a vehicle (other than diesel?) has to deal with 3000 psi. What are your fittings rated psi?

 

I'm not really sure...

 

I used Earl's and don't know the rating on those either but I can tell you this...it's substantially higher than anything they'll need to deal with on a car!! (or truck)

 

Very nice job and pictures I have that cooler on my E-250 work van.
I may add one to my truck in the future.

 

Great write up Thanks

 

Awesome! Thank you for taking the time to document this. I especially appreciate the part about the hose. I don't know if I'll go that route, but it will be a very useful piece of knowledge.

 

very nice writeup. I might have to do this.

 

looks great. Quality work and write up!! thanks

 

Can I use the XC3Z-7A095-BA cooler for a 4.6L 4X4?

I got a line on one of those. What's the difference between the XC3Z-7A095-BA and
XC3Z-7A095-CA?

 

Yes!! I completed this mod over the past summer. I have a 1997 F-150 4.6L. Couple of notes from my installation. The Lines were 5/16 rather than 3/8. I ended up double clamping the hoses to the tubing. My truck did not have a supplemental cooler. I ran the system in series so the hot oil went into the radiator then the SD cooler and back to the tranny. I did not have enough fittings to complete the filter install. I did notice significant temp difference. I have a scan guage and before when pulling a heavy load over the mountains I would peak @ 248 degrees. Now it never goes over 187 degrees at full load. Before the temp just running around town was @ 170 degrees now it’s 130. Certainly worth the effort. Will clean up the install with the proper line fittings this winter and get the filter adapter installed. Couple of other items, Mine is silver like the one you installed and it looks out of place, Might spray it black later on. And I do notice a lot more “fan like” noise now. Not sure what that is….. Thanks for the great write up!!!!

 

I found out the -BA cooler was for the 7.3L PSD, the -CA is for the V-10.

The difference looks to be about 2 or 3 rows less for the -BA cooler.

Putting mine on this weekend.