Which tranny would anyone suggest? Pros Cons of both? My buddy has a 97 F-150 4.6L V8 with 4R7W auto Transmission 3:55 rear end w/towing package.

He has a small TT and a 4 wheeler and will be pulling fairly long distances. Some people have suggested getting a tranny cooler to be sure and keep things cooled. I think the towing package includes this - or some sort of modified transmission cooling system already?

All auto trannies have hose that connect to the radiator for cooling anyway, so what's the difference exactly between this and a tranny cooler? Will he be ok with his current setup and pulling a wheeler and a 2400 - 2600lb trailer? Just want to be sure - he's a bit leary about auto trannies.

Any info would be great, Thanks!

 

If your buddies truck came with the factory towing package it should have an aux. trans cooler. My '97 F-250 LD 4x4 (E4OD) has the package and the aux. cooler as well as an engine oil and power steering coolers.
Have you friend look through the lower opening in bumper. He should see one or two small coolers mounted in front of the radiator. Trace the lines to see where they lead.

The ATF cooler in the radiator does an adequate job under normal conditions, but when towing the coolant runs hotter, ATF runs hotter and could cause trouble later on. An aux. cooler for the ATF is the best way to go. The cooler the fluid, the longer the trans will last.

One other thing, don't tow in OD. Can cause the ATF to overheat.

 

Thanks for the info, we actually did just that last night, traced the lines back to the tranny & he does infact have the cooler

 

if not abuse the 4r70w can handle it and the e4od is now the 4r100 and it is better but a swap will be entirely to difficult for what you want. do another tranny cooler besides the rad and factory aux. and if you want to be cautious buy a tranny temp gauge and monitor that baby. heat is what kills trannies....