Does anyone know of a pan that would have a thread for a fitting in for a trans temp gauge? The gauge I have is mechanical, and the fitting is, i think, a 3/4 pipe thread. I have the 4R70W trans.

 

There's not alot of AT pan availability for the 4R70W. You can buy the B&M pan, drill a hole, and insert a brass fitting. You can drill a hole in your factory pan and weld in a steel bung. An easier solution and a more accurate temperature reading would be to tap the AT lines right before the hot ATF hits the radiator. Autometer makes a tap specifically for this.

 

HI!... SSR : The best way (IMO) to install a mechanical temp guage is to get yourself a AUTOMETER "TEMP MANIFOLD. The temp guage probe simple installs into this manifold. Then the manifold is directly tapped into the tranny's out going fluid line before any of the coolers. In my experience, I have found that mounting the temp probe in the tranny pan gives false fluid temp reading because of HEAT SOAK. Here's a pic of my set-up and my auxilary tranny filter. You can never have too much filtration when it comes to your tranny. Just remember to never go over 200 degree's on tranny fluid if it's not a full synthetic. If it's a full synthetic fluid you are now using you can let temps go a bit higher like 220 and still be safe.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...4-793-6939.jpg
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...4-793-6937.jpg

 

I did a setup like that on my Explorer before I sold it. I put the temp sensor in on the line right before the trans cooler, but I found that as I accelerated with a load, the temp would rise dramatically, and then go back down. I thought that it would be better to have it in the pan, because you are concerned about the overall temp of the fluid. The fluid going to the trans cooler is always going to be hotter than the rest of the fluid. Also, the trans picks up fluid through the filter, which sucks off the bottom of the pan.

 

Many people install the sender in the pan or in the test port (which is much easier). If you prefer that, there are several ways. What you described of your previous install is exactly what you're looking for; high temperature spikes after loads. It's the high temperatures that should be monitored and the high temperatures that your transmission is working with is reflected on it's output. Mag-hytec also has a pan coming out in a few months; it may have the sender port made into it (the rear-end covers do). Good luck with your install.