Hello everyone,

I have an 06 F-150 Super Crew 4X4, w/ 5.4L engine and factory tow package. I tow a 5,000lb boat and a 6,500lb travel trailer regularly. Other than that, I really don't use the truck very much. I have about 29,000 miles on it. I've also recently installed an Edge programmer and an aftermarket brake controller, along with a K&N filter and a 2-chamber Flowmaster exhaust. I run LT295 70R17 Nitto Terra-Grappler tires.

Overall, I like the truck, and I've noticed a significant improvement to power and transmission operation since installing the Edge programmer, but I'm a bit concerned about the trans temp. I live in Las Vegas and needless to say: it gets very hot here. I really don't have any problems towing my boat, but the travel trailer is a different story. Power-wise, it's okay, but I've had the trans temp consistently climb to about 200 degrees, and I've had it as high as 220 when climbing hills.

I've considered trading it in on an F-350 with a diesel and all the options, but I'm looking at spending 50k on that, and diesel gas prices are climbing with demand. In addition, I've put over 7k in stereo, nav, and other accessories on my F-150, and I really like the truck, so I would like to keep it if I can.

My questions:

1. Is my transmission getting too hot?
2. Should I upgrade to a better trans cooler?
3. Is a Pro Charger (or something equivalent) worth the cost (after this upgrade, I will have nearly paid the difference from an F-350 and my truck)


Thanks in advance for any advice, and I apologize for the lengthy post.

 

1. Yes.
2. Yes, and get one that has a fan.
3. No. Lower axle gearing is more worth the money. If you use it almost exclusively for towing, get 4.56's.

You should also do a complete tranny fluid replacement and use Amsoil ATF or another high quality 100% synthetic fluid. It will run a bit cooler and is more resistant to high temperature breakdown. You should also tow with overdrive turned off.

With the diesel prices, and the lousy mileage with the latest diesel emissions equipment and ULSD, if you get a F-350, consider the gas V-10 instead - and maybe even a manual transmission.

 

Hi-Tek Automatic Transmission Cooling System

Troyer Performance Active Automatic Transmission Cooler Kit

 

Thanks for the advice.

 

I just put Mobil 1 ATF fluid in mine, did a fluid exchange took 14 quarts.

 

Had a Tru Cool (no fan) installed in series with the factory cooler... 30 degrees difference so far!

Thanks again for all the tips!

 

A blower definitely helps with towing...I had tons of power. But it also taxes your cooling system on long grades, will work your tranny harder, and you'll gulp fuel at an alarming rate.

I averaged 5 MPG while towing my toy hauler, and about 7 MPG when towing a boat.

My diesel gets 12 mpg towing the same toy hauler.

 

Thanks for the info! I don't think I'm going to go with a blower at this point in time. They're just too costly, and can be damaging to other components, like you mentioned. I just had air bags installed along with the new trans cooler, so there's another 1k on top of the thousands I've already put into the truck. It wouldn't be worth it to get rid of it now. I'll just keep it for a few more years and make sure I get a bigger truck next time, especially since I drive a company vehicle most of the time and pretty much only use this truck for towing and recreation.

 

The next upgrade you should do is 4.10's. It will pull the trailer and boat much easier. It will also relieve alot of stress on your tranny which will in turn make it run cooler.

I have driven around with 4.56's with stock tires many times, that's what I have in my truck. Unless that's all you do with the truck is tow, I wouldnt go that steep. Sure it is fun to drive around town, but it can be a pain if you do any highway driving or long distance trips. I'd stick to 4.10's.

 

amsoil fluid and a mag hytec deep trans pan will drop the temps