Hey All,
Forgive my ignorance, but I'd like to gain some knowledge on tranny coolers. And I know it's out there somewhere. So, I gotta humble myself (again). ;-) I want to put one in a 98. But, I'm unsure which one to choose, as they vary in size, width, GVW etc.. They appear to be somewhat universal, but to be honest I don't know where, and how they mount. I can handle the install with some instructions. Just don't know what to watch out for. Also, any thoughts on the combo coolers. Appreciate any input. Thanks.

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What does the guy who dies with the most toys really win?

 

Yes, me too, only I am interested in putting one on my 97 4.6L? If you don't mind me riding along on your post Dan? Hopefully this will help both of us.

Here are my additions to your questions:

What to buy? How much? Self install difficulty and problems encountered?

B&M Inc. ones: Are they a good choice? Are thier kits complete?

How about the Factory jobs. If you had one put in by Ford how much did they charge?

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97 F-150 SC Lariat, Styleside, White over Gold, 4.6L (Windsor), Automatic, 3.55 rear end, electronic 4X4, w/ every option of Lariat and ORP packages except the 17" wheels and the 4X4 decals, MODs so far: K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TSC 600 hard cover, Bridgestone Dueler OWL ATP 265/75 R-16's, TrailMaster Invader N7 shocks, Smittybilt step bars, Ford moulded mud guards, "White-white" head lamps, Bosch platinum + 4's.

 

I was wondering if Ford had a trans cooler kit available so I called a dealer. No kit. They can sell me the cooler itself, but the lines and brackets are separate. GM makes a complete kit with factory style hard lines for their trucks. Why can't Ford?

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'93 Regular Cab XLT Shortbed, 5.0, K&N, Borla, 160,000 miles; Future Expedition owner.

 

I just (finally) installed the 18,000# GVWR B&M tranny cooler on my Expedition. It's really hard to beat B&M stuff. I think it was about $65. Everything you need (except tools) is included. They even have a support staff to help if you have questions.

Neal

 

I put one on my 92 Bronco and it was a piece of cake. It should only take about a couple of hours to do for anybody that does not have the mechanical ability. About to put one on my truck for the tow from Colorado to Louisiana. I used a basic design from a local parts store that fits a broad range of trucks and it went right in.

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98 F150 S/B Reg cab, 4.2 V6, Auto, A/C, Centerlines with Michelin's, Alpine head unit with 6 disc changer, Phoenix Gold M44 amp, JL audio 10" Sub and still adding

 

I have added several auxillary transmission coolers on prior vehicles that didn't come with the factory towing packages. I have always bought a quality cooler that had a solid frame around the outside of the fins as the fins are less likely to be damaged. Both B&M and Hayden make excellent coolers and there are probably others as well. All the ones I bought came as kits with hoses, clamps, mounting hardware, instructions, etc. They usually mount on the front of your radiator or air conditioner condensor with special nylon ties that pass through the radiator and condensor. Each came with good instructions. By the way, do not by-pass the transmission cooler already installed in your radiator. Hook it in series with your auxillary transmission cooler. It will serve to warm your transmission fluid to 195 - 200 degrees as your truck warms up. Otherwise in cold weather, if using only the auxillary cooler, you could possibly never reach minimum transmission fluid operating temp. Also if the hoses that come with your after market cooler aren't long enough, be sure to buy hose that is capable of handling the transmission fluid, in other words, don't use vacuum hose. What size cooler do you purchase? I would take the max GVW your truck is rated at and buy the next larger rated cooler. Sorry for the long post....hope this helps.

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Mine: 2000 F-150 4X2 XLT Sport Pkg, Ext Cab Flareside (Black Clearcoat w/dark graphite interior), 5.4L, Auto, 3.55 Limited Slip, Remote Keyless Entry, Trailer Towing Group, 40/60 Pwr Seat, Autolamp, Premium AM/FM W/CD.

Hers: 1999 Eddie Bauer Explorer 4X2, 5.0L, Auto, Tropic Green/Tan, Trailer Tow, 3.73 Limited Slip, AM/FM/Cassette/CD, CD Changer, Remote Keyless, Power moonroof, Autolamp, Electronic Air, Keyless Entry Pad, Mach Audio System, HomeLink, Overhead Console, Rear Air & Stereo, 16" factory polished aluminum wheels.

Toy: 1997 Harley Davidson, Springer Heritage.

 

Thanks guys. Dan, I think this is the one we want. Its the B&M 16000 GVW for $42.95 from Summit. Is this a good choice for my 6000 pound truck and is it a good price guys?
http://store.summitracing.com/part.a...D-080009FC5B5F

 

Yeah, I saw the B&M in the Summit catalog, CP. I'm kinda interested in one I found in the Motorsport SVO catalog. Claims to be a patented design offering 35% more effeciency than the fin and tube coolers. Also, self-regulating and bypasses cold fluid automatically until it warms up, without any extra thermostats, or valves. Little more expensive ($54.95). Has a 18000lb GVW rating. I know of a Ford dealer that just takes 10% off the Motorsport cost. So, that gets it pretty close to the B&M, plus no shipping. It's on page 87 of the catalog, part no. M-7095-SR, if you want to check it out. Anybody using this cooler?

Thanks for all the info guys. Good post Sport2000, that's the kind of advice that saves grief. Later.

 

Hey Dan, that sounds like one worth looking into. Do you know any online dealers for it?

General questions.

I assume the line coming from the Transmission to the OEM Radiator cooler should go into this new auxillary unit and then it would return to the OEM Radiator one?

I can assume these auxillary coolers use no internal fluids they just circulate the trans fluid through and air cool it?

 

CP,

Logic tells me you would want the auxillary coolers in-line post OEM cooler. I suspect that would be made clear in the install instructions, though. Previous Poster (Sport2000) indicated only not to by-pass OEM system. (?)

You're right, there's no fluid in the auxillary cooler, just another cooling chamber.

This is where I get my Ford parts when I need some know-how. I'm retro-moding an 84 Cougar. I've run into a few crazy things modifying the suspension, etc.. If you call them, talk to Louie. Good dude, very helpful.
www.kearnymesaford.com

Or, you can check with your dealer, or maybe even a parts store?? If they try to gouge you, maybe I can pick one up and ship it to you. I put the part number in a previous post. Give it a whirl.

If I get going on mine, I'll let you know how it went. Waiting for my chip right now. I have a TransGo shift kit installed. I just want to make sure we keep cool. Not into towing, just tooling around with OD off. Sometimes 60-70 MPH. I know what alot of people say about that, but I have my own opinion, and I've have talked to a few people. So.... my truck, my money, right?
Take it easy.

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What does the guy who dies with the most toys really win?

 

See thats what blows my mind. Cause if you wanted to actually heat the fluid (on cold days) before it went back to the Tranny you would want to pass through the Radiator one last wouldn't you? If you go to the auxillary last you would be cooling it back off after leaving the Radiator (heater) cooler if you go that way right? Hmmmm... am I missing something here?

 

Guys:

You'll want the fluid to go from the tranny to the radiator to the aftermarket cooler then back to the tranny.

If you compare the B&M and the Ford coolers, you'll probably find they are nearly (if not totally) identical. Just because a design is "patented" doesn't mean the advertiser holds the patent. Either one will be a good choice. Just make sure it comes with all the installation hardware.

Neal

 

You are correct about the cold fluid. That is why the better-quality coolers have internal valves that allow "cool" fluid to bypass the cooler and go straight to the tranny.

Check out this link: http://www.bmracing.com/catalog/fullline/fl99-32.htm

Also keep in mind that the tranny heats up pretty quick. Even on cold days, the fluid needs cooled- especially if you are towing, plowing, or crawling around in 4WD.

I found the receipt for my cooler today while cleaning the garage. It's the 19,000# B&M- paid $50 for it at a local shop.

[This message has been edited by nomo (edited 11-20-1999).]

 

HI i just got through installing my tranny cooler i installed a cooler made by fluidyne i got it at autozone for $59.95 it is rated for towing up to 20.000 lbs. and is the only cooler endorsed by NASCAR it was the largest cooler they make. it is like no other cooler i have seen before? instead of the big round circulating tubes like all others i have seen. this one has several wide flat circulating tubes wich thins the flow of fluid wich increases the cooling effeciency and believe me it does do just that! before i installed it i drove my truck about 30 miles and when i went to install it the 2 tranny lines going in to the radiator was real hot! after installing it i drove about the same distance and i got out and felt the same 2 tranny lines and it was a whole whole lot cooler than before. as far as instalation it comes with 2 options of mounting either a bolt on bracket or the plastic zip cords? i used the zip cords and attached mine to my air condition coil directly in front of my radiator grille opening. it said to cut the 2 tranny lines but i didnt i got me another piece of extra hose and just took the upper and lower tranny lines going in to radiator a loose and connected there with the hose clamps. also just thought i would let you know? before you do something crazy like i did. when i got under the truck to install mine there is a little cooler under there it is about 6 or 7 inches long and 3 or 4 inches wide i thought this was a cooler ford had put on there for the transmission? and i wondered why they would even install something that dinky on there? me like a total moron i cut it and after i had cut it i realized that it was a cooler for the power steering unit. so i figure about 30 minutes to install it? that is if you dont goof like me? oh yeah! you will have to remove the plastic shroud around the hood latch assembly real easy to do in order to get to every thing. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

SPORT 2000 i am not going against your word but for years i have heard when installing a auxilary tranny cooler if you tie in to the lines without disconnecting the ones going to the radiator you are defeating the whole purpose of the cooler. first of all your engine coolant in your radiator is 200 or more degress. when your tranny fluid is circulating through there it is going to be 200 or more degress also. this is no good! the lower the temp the longer that tranny will last there will be less slippage and better performance wich is the whole purpose of the auxilary tranny cooler in the first place. if you tie them together the only thing your doing is increasing the tranny fluid capacity by a maybe a quart? but your temp of the tranny is going to remain the same as before even after you installed the separate tranny cooler wich in return is defeating the whole purpose, remember HEAT DESTROYS!