I have a 2003 F-150 4.6 V-8 with no tow package. I have added the frame hitch. Can I install the 7.3 or the V-10 cooler in my truck? Everything I read says to replace or use in conjunction with your factory cooler. I have no factory cooler other than the radiator tank.

Arvin J.

 

Why not use it, assuming it is an extra cooler that mounts in front of the radiator/condenser? Except for the mounting may have to be customized since the V-10 and 7.3 diesel were in the larger SuperDuty trucks. In general, adding a trans cooler is a good thing to do if you are planning to do any towing, as your added hitch suggests. Use WITH your existing cooler, it is essentially impossible to overcool the trans fluid unless you live in real cold climates. TX is not real cold climate.

 

Go with a 6.0 tranny cooler. My 7.3 tranny cooler is maybe 5" by 10", and that's being generous.

 

I added one from an F250 SD for towing my travel trailer. It is a good size and fits very nice. I have a tow package and the trans coolers that came with that in the 97-03's are very small so you didn't miss out on anything in fact I took it out completely when I added my new one.

 

Make sure the used cooler isn't from a blown transmission. Could be pieces of metal in there if it's from a blown one.

 

I put the V10 cooler in my 03 F-150 and it bolted right up!
I did have a smaller one from the factory and eliminated it.
Works great.

Phil

 

You can also consider adding an aftermarket cooler with an electric fan attached. Also, a larger pan with cooling fins & a drain plug allows for additional cooling, extra fluid capacity and you'll be able to drain and fill without dropping the pan.

 

Here's a link to the V10 cooler I used to replace my factory cooler.
Shop around,,you should be able to find it cheaper than this!
http://www.dieselsite.com/index.asp?...ROD&ProdID=480
Here's is an example of the mounting (not my truck) but mounted the same in my 03.


Phil