We've been shopping around for a late model, 5.4 V8 extended cab XLT F-150 or maybe F250 to eventually use to tow a travel trailer. So far haven't found the right truck, but have had several "near misses" because they didn't have the trailer tow package. Any ideas about whether I'd be making a mistake to buy a truck without that option, and just add a tranny cooler? If so, would appreciate ideas on what coolers would be best, and what I might expect to pay to get one installed.

 

Adding a trans cooler to any vehicle is a great way to increase trans life, and is especially important to a tow truck. After- market coolers cost $50-150 depending on cooling capacity, quality, and w/fan. The install will cost about this much more. I think the Trailer Towing pkg is a bargain at $400. It includes: Class III hitch w/ 7 pin wiring, HD Electric / cooling pkg (72-amp HD battery, trans cooler, & super engine cooling), and HD gas shocks. The trans cooler also has excellent hoses and fittings. All this for $400, what a bargain. The limited slip rear end is also a bargain at $285. There are several people considering upgrading gears and diff at F-150 online right now and the price ranges from $700-1000. Do yourself a favor and plan ahead and get what you want. Your patience now will serve you well later.

------------------
2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

Just remember on a 5.4L, if you don't get the factory towing package, you will never have or be albe to add the "engine cooling system" to it. Yes, you can easily add the Tranny Cooler but not the "Engine Cooler" as it is part of the radiator system with the coolant running back around the oil filter area to cool the engine oil as well.

Not on the 4.6L however as all you get is the Tranny cooler alone with the Towing Package on that Engine model.

------------------
2000 F-250 Super Duty, SuperCab XLT, Oxford white with medium grey cloth captains chairs, 5.4L Triton V8 (260 HP - 345 FP Torque version!), 4R100 4 Speed Automatic Transmission, 4 wheel ABS, Deluxe Aluminum Wheels, Trailer Towing Package, Class IV Hitch, Reece load distribution system, Escort Sensor II Electronic Brake controller, Sure Stop towing skirt, "Westin" black powder coated step bars, "White-White" head lamps, Herculiner bed liner, ISSPRO Tranny Temp Guage, Excursion center console, Ford moulded mud gaurds, K&N Air and Oil filter, Amsoil XL7500 5W-30,Air filter minder.

 

Cphilip and Max - thanks much for the insight. The info about the engine cooling was very useful. One more question - we've talked to several salesmen some distance away about some trucks that sound like they might meet our specs, but the sales folks haven't been able to confirm if the rigs have the factory trailer towing package. Is there an easy way (such as a code on door sticker) or an OBVIOUS visual clue for "non-mechanically gifted" sales people to tell if the package is installed? (Last one I talked to couldn't figure out if the truck had the transmission cooler, which I hoped was reasonably obvious). Someone suggested the frame mounted hitch receiver might "be a sign", but I figure that might be after-market in some cases. Any ideas would be appreciated; I'd prefer to avoid a long drive only to discover the truck wasn't what we need. By the way - this F150 site is great, and us newcomers appreciate the help from you experienced folks.

 

You're very welcome; I must have looked at 100 trucks until I found one equipped the way that I wanted. Here's the way to tell if it has the "factory" Trailer Towing Pkg. The window sticker must say "Trailer Towing Group, Class III ...$400". It will have a frame mounted receiver that looks similar to aftermarket ones. It has a 7-pin factory wiring harness out back with a bag of connections, etc. in the glove box. If you/they don't know exactly where/what a trans cooler looks like, this becomes more inscrutable. There are several coolers, AC coils, etc. up there. Don't worry, if it has the pkg it is there. You can trace the cooler lines to the trans if neccessary. Go by the window sticker, this is the easiest way to find all options. If it is gone, the dealership order sheet should have the pkg. as #535. I hope this helps. It's smart of you to do your research first.

------------------
2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
Class III tow/Payload #3/Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

Thanks, good tips. We're looking at '98 or '99 models, so not usually any "paperwork" about how the vehicle was equipped by then. Good to have the encouragement that it takes a while, and be patient to get what we need. This site has been a great help on the research!

 

Hmmm...seems like there would be someway to tell by looking at the VIN, anyone know for sure? When I was looking originally I always looked for the receiver AND the 7 pin connector. I ended up buying new so I never had to crawl under the truck to check. I would highly recommend getting the towing package instead of just adding on.

------------------
2000 Lariat Flareside Supercab, 5.4, 3.55LS, towing package, captains chairs, 6 disc cd changer, Bugflector II, Herculiner Bedliner and clear corner lenses.




[This message has been edited by 2000Lariat (edited 07-03-2000).]

 

Have you considered new? Thought maybe new was to much? If so, trying going through the Fleet Manager who orders the trucks. You can send an e-mail from teh FORD site to the dealers in your area and they'll price a new truck either on the lot or to be built for you - less then if you're going to haggle with a salesman and general manager (normally a few thousand from what the sticker says).

Believe it or not, some of those used 98/99's will run you what a new truck will. Give it a try if you haven't, it's worth a try. A lot of dealers sell them $100 to $500 over invoice because they move them out faster that way, plus no salesman to gain the commission.

Just my opinion, but either way get it set up with the package, you're better off starting out right then having to add, add, add, and wishing later that you had something different.


------------------
99 F250XLT Supercab LD
5.4L 3.73 LS
White/Silver
Graphite interior
6 CD changer/Captain's Chairs

 

max mitchell -or- cphilip -or- anyone else-

I'm going to be pulling approximately 4000 lbs (boat, trailer, fuel, beer, ice and the like) shortly. Unfortunately I did not have the foresight to purchase the trailer package when I initially bought my truck, hence, it is now being pieced together.

My question that I have is about the auxiliary trans cooler. How hard is it to connect to my truck? I have tools, not a novice at repairs, but haven't played with this device before. I've seen them at a local parts store for around $50.00, what's involved with connecting one? Thanks in advance...

-kindest regards


------------------
1999 F150 4x4, wedgewood blue, 5.4l auto, Manick brush guard, Duraliner, KC Hilites, surf rod holders, tinted windows, K&N air filter without airbox, Velocity air intake tube, Midas Performance muffler with dual pipes, toolbox, Uniden CB with whip, and a Superchip.

 

wjt - aftermarket trans coolers work fine. I've installed several. They connect to the OEM trans cooler lines generally with a splice and a rubber hose/clamps. Some fancy ones use AN fittings. With your experience it will be no problem. Some have plastic draw tight mounts that can come in handy if you can use them for the specific fit, otherwise you have to bend and fit some steel brackets (usually in the kit). Overtime you need to recheck the clamps so they don't leak; and the hoses do have to be replaced over time. Be careful non to over tighten the clamps and cut the hoses at install. I hope this helps a little.

------------------
2000 F-150 XL,RC,LB,5.4,4R70W,3.55LS,
Class III tow/Payload #3/Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS,Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner & gas/wheel/spare locks,
3" cold air box modification,Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back.

 

Thanks Max, I'll purchase one tomorrow...

-kindest regards

------------------
1999 F150 4x4, wedgewood blue, 5.4l auto, Manick brush guard, Duraliner, KC Hilites, surf rod holders, tinted windows, K&N air filter without airbox, Velocity air intake tube, Midas Performance muffler with dual pipes, toolbox, Uniden CB with whip, and a Superchip.

 

JTBVirginia
Here's a breakdown of my VIN number 2FTRX18L4YCA24720
2-Country of origin/Canada
F-Manufacturer/Ford
T-Vehicle type/truck
R-Gross vehicle weight/6001-7000 GVWR w/sec.gen. air bags
X18-F150 4X4 P/U-Supercab Styleside
L-Series/5.4L EFI-SOHC V-8
4-Check Digit
Y-Year/2000
C-Assembly Plant/Oakville, Ontario, Canada
A24720-Sequence Number/Number of trucks made

The VIN letter R in the sequence would be what you should be looking for. Hope this helps you in your truck hunting.

------------------
Y2K, 5.4L, Black, Lariat Super Cab w/all options, 35" BFG MT's w/ 16.5" by 9.75" Eagle Alloys, 3" Performance Accessories Body Lift, Smitty Built Stainless Step Bars, Hellwig Anti Sway Bar, Hellwig LP 25 Overload Springs,K&N FIPK, Super Chip, Flowmaster Catback, Brahma Camper Top, Herculiner Bed Liner, Rancho Dual Steering Stabilizers


Waiting for Pro Comp Suspension Lift Production Fall/2000

 

Not sure, but I think all 5.4L engines have a standard auto tranny aux. cooler as standard equipment.

The best way to determine if the vehicle with a 5.4L engine has HD cooling is to check the lower radiator hose. Not only does it have a branch that goes to the coolant reservoir, but it also has a branch going to the engine oil cooler. In other words, the hose has two smaller hoses coming off of it. The radiator core is also double compared to a single core for non HD cooling trucks.