I'm debating getting one and was curious as to how diffucult it is to install. Is it a direct replacement for the OEM cooler, or do I have to make some modifications? Do I have to drain the tranny fluid to install one?

-Craig

 

you can get tranny coolers at any parts store..they are relativly easy to install and no you need not drain the trans fluid...you will make a small mess but nothing major...if your fast you wont loose hardly anything at all...zap!

 

Easy to install, and you can retain your tiny factory cooler as well.

 

In all honesty, is the factory tranny cooler adequate? I don't tow anything, I rarely go offroad, and I don't sit in traffic that often. I also live in Washington so the weather doesn't take a huge toll on my tranny either. Is the Troyer cooler really a necessity to keep my tranny from grenading? All opinions are welcome.

-Craig

 

if you already have a stock one then keep it! "dont fix it if it aint broke" ok?...zap!

 

I'm thinking it's more along the lines of preventative maintenance. I really don't feel like doing a tranny rebuild at 100k.

-Craig

 

Got me a 97 with the 5.4 and towing package, and still running the stock cooler. I'm just about to roll over 140k miles on the E4OD trans too.... I'm in Washington State as well.

I have a trans temp gauge and tow a 22', #4500 travel trailer about once a month or so.... A little less in the winter time, but I do go over the Cascades a lot and they got some good sized grades on that route!

Just after I started towing, I installed the temp gauge. I got temps in the 180* range, so I thought maybe I needed a little bit more.... I called Troyer Performance up and inquired about their cooler with the fan on it. They guy asked what my temps are now and where is the sensor located... Told him (the sensor is in the trans output line) and he said;

"those temps are not bad, considering what you are towing and all.... In all honesty, you probably won't see much, if any, reduciton in temp at the gauge, because the fan won't switch on until it see's a temp of 180* and it turns off when it gets to 170* and that temp is at the cooler itself and not where you have your sensor."

He said that he would have loved to sell me one, but then he didn't want me calling back saying that it does not cool any better then the stock one either......

All situations are different, and since you don't have a guage now to even know what your current temps are, there is no way to tell if YOU need to upgrade or not.... I'd say you should be fine with the stock unit, since you don't tow anything anyway.....

Good luck!

Mitch

 

Thanks Mitch, I appreciate your input. I almost bought one from Troyer yestyerday, but now I'm glad that I didn't. As far as a tranny temp guage goes, how difficult is it to install one? Are there any certain brands that are better (i.e. Autometer, etc.)? Where would I mount the guage inside the cab?

-Craig

 

No prob...

I also installed a water temp gauge at the same time as the trans temp gauge. Took me the better part of a day, but I took my time, had the TV on in the garage and also took a beer break or two!!

I put them in a dual pod setup designed specifically for the F150's "A" piller arm. They also make a three pod setup that replaces the entire cover. Mine just mounted over the top of the existing cover. If you have the grab handle, then you will have to remove it first.... I think they also have a single pod unit that will mount on top of the steering wheel column too.

I got my gauges from Summit Racing online. I did have to buy wire and additional plumbing hardware to complete the install. I choose Autometer, just 'cause I've used them in the past and have never had any problems with them.... I also got the electric kind because I was lazy and didn't want to mess with the mechanical gauges special tubing.......

Pretty straight forward install. I tapped into the trans line up front, where there is that small rubber hose section in the line that goes to the upper part of the rad. I just cut the hose, and used assorted hose fittings and a brass "T" to splice into it. I also added an additional 18" of rubber hose to loop around to make the connection easier. Installed the sensor, grounded it and ran the wire to the gauge. I got the parts at Home Depot.

 

I wouldn't waste my money on one either. I had a 97 F150 Lariat with the towing package and towed eithe a 26' travel trailer or a 22' Javelin boat with a tandem trailer. Neither one caused any problems with the tranny.