I have a 5.4L F150 with what I assume is a factory tow package...factory hitch, harness, 3.55lsd, and a GVWR of: GVWR Class: Class E
GVWR Range: 6,001 - 7,000 Pounds

The question I have is when looking at my trans cooler lines they run from the trans into the radiator, which is normal and then from the radiator to an external cooler on the bottom pass side of the radiator. Searching this forum it looks like you guys have pretty big coolers from the factory on your trucks while this one is approx 6x10 and about 2" thick...black in color. Is this the right cooler? Is it sufficient enough to tow an open 18' car trailer with a 3500lb car?

 

I'm assuming you have a pre '04 truck, correct?? ( you didn't say) Based on that description you do, and that is the correct cooler for the towing package that came with your truck. IMO, that cooler is useless and incapable of handling any serious towing. Your load's not too bad, but it's getting there if you're going to be doing any uphill towing. If you can keep the coverter locked you're OK. That cooler really sucks because it gets no air flow in traffic. Do you have a temp gauge?? That's what you need and then you'll know for sure what she's doing!

 

I have a 2000. I remember after getting it they sent me a letter saying the bigger trans cooler was not added with the towing package and it should have been. They gave me the option to replace the trans cooler or get a rebate check. Might be the same circumstance.

 

I would see if you can get the bigger cooler. Or is it too late. When it doubt go big or get picked up by the tow truck.

 

So let me get this straight. You're saying my 2001 trans cooler is too small to cool my transmission when I tow something?

I am thinking... eh... Show me two pictures of pre and post 04...

 

I am saying the stock tranny cooler on pre '04 trucks is very inefficient at anything other than the minorest of towing, yes.

The picture in your thread there is a pre '04 truck...i.e. '97-'03 body style.

 

I put one of the super duty upgrades in my truck!
No worries!!
http://www.dieselsite.com/index.asp?...ROD&ProdID=480

Phil

 

i think that should be pre 2003 had the smaller trans coolers. mine is a lot bigger then my dad's 02 and he had that same letter stating that he could replace it with a bigger one along with his rad. he had the tow package with a 2 row rad (should have been a 4 row)and they replaced both at the same time.

 

Can you put up a picture of your "stock" tranny cooler?? I have only ever seen one cooler on the pre '04 trucks, and they're all the same...except for the F-250LD or 7,700 payload trucks.

 

You may want to consider
B&M Racing Hi-Tek Automatic Transmission Cooling System

Troyer Performance Active Automatic Transmission Cooler Kit

 

I just put a B&M Supercooler on my X when I changed transmission fluid. I have the towing package already with a aux cooler, but a second one will never hurt. It was the second biggest one they made for auto transmissions.

It's a passive cooler, so it's a lot cheaper and doesn't benefit from the forced air induction fan like the one's above. The cool thing about B&M is they offer a low pressure bypass system which means that when it's cold and the viscosity of the fluid is thick, it bypasses the cooler so it warms quicker.

I got my cooler on eBay for $50, hard to beat.