I had posted a ? under towing and hauling re: towing a 3000lb. camper with a 4.6, 3.55, totally stock, no towing package. Several people suggested adding a tranny cooler. What might be a good brand and is this something I can install myself (being farely mechaincally inclined) or should I have it done. Remember, this isn't a race truck, just the family truckster going on a family outing, but will be driving a considerable distance.

Thanks!

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Factory: '99 F150 XLT, 4X4, 4.6, Auto, supercab, longbox, running boards, foglites, sliding rear window, loaded
Additions: bugshield, topper, bedliner
Future: FIPK, Chip, Exhaust mod.?

 

Your local parts stores probably carry these, but here are some brands that you can look in to: Perma-cool, Flex-a-lite, TCI, and B&M. A "fairly mechanically inclined" person with a few tools can install it. You basically cut your transmission to radiator output hard line and route a rubber hose to the new cooler and back. Then you mount the new cooler in front of the radiator.

 

I'm sure you meant to say "cut the return line that goes from the radiator to the transmission", not to "cut your transmission to radiator output line." In either terms, cut the return line.
You want to let the radiator cool the trans fluid first, then add the additional cooler.

 

Obviously 2 lines run from the transmission to the radiator. The 2 lines are considered transmission lines. The fluid is what is circulated. This is why I said "output" line; similar to your "return" line. Hopefully anyone who would tackle this job would know this or let a qualified person install it. Thanks for your clarification for those who don't know this.

 

And for the second time ...

Perma-Cool

 

Bought mine at NAPA. BIG cooler at a reasonable price, ($50 bones more or less), and took about 1.5 hours to install.

If you are towing long distance this is a MUST if you want the tranny to live a long and healthy life !

I usually tow out of overdrive as well.

 

Thank you all so much for your replies! I'm on my way to purchase a cooler and try this myself. I think I can handle it.

Thanks again!

 

I was gonna add a tranny cooler but my dealer can't/won't tell me WHICH line I should splice into.
Does anyone know ?