I have a 1998 F-150 4.6L Supercab with the 4-speed OD auto transmission. It has the factory installed tow package which includes a transmission cooler but I have heard these tranny coolers are not very good. I am considering a Hayden aftermarket cooler and was wondering if it is needed or not? I saw a post on this forum that the factory installed unit runs through the bottom of the radiator and cools just fine for towing. Is that true or is the Hayden a better bet?

Thanks

 

The transmission fluid first passes through the radiator heat exchanger, then it goes to an auxiliary cooler in front of the radiator that uses airflow to cool. The factory Class III auxiliary cooler is adequate for most vehicle usage. Are there units that can replace this and provide increased cooling??= Yes, there are many brands that are generally rated for a higher GVW/towing/high performance usage.

 

Thanks Max.

I looked at the factory installed one a while ago and it measures a measly 10" x 5" in size. Couldn't be many coils of tubing going through that little unit. I think a Perma-Cool would be a good idea.

 

You're Welcome. Your truck should have the 14 plate/smaller cooler. Ford does make a larger one that comes on 5.4 4R70W Class III; it's a 22 plate unit and is almost twice as large. If upgraded to this larger unit, it bolts right in and uses the exact same fittings. Perma-cool makes great products as well. Good Luck !!

 

I was at Pep Boys earlier tonight and I bought a Hayden transmission cooler. It is one of the Rapid Cool models that is a plate and fin design rather than the tube and fin units.
I bought the biggest one which is the model 679 which measures 11" x 11 3/8" x 3/4" and is rated up to towing 10,000 lbs.
I tow a 19' bass boat with a 200 hp outboard on it so I figure the bigger the better for transmission cooling. Do you think this will fit allright in my F-150? Is it overkill?

Thanks

Mike

 

That sounds like a nice unit. It should work fine; there's plenty of room for that size up there.