I was wondering how effective the stock Ford auxillary transmission coolers are compared to aftermarket? I don't currently have one, and was thinking about buying an aftermarket cooler when I found a stock 1985 Ford Bronco transmission cooler cheaper. Is the stock Ford transmission cooler effective enough, or should I go aftermarket?

I just had my AOD rebuilt in my 1985 F150 and I have heard over and over again how heat KILLS these transmissions.

 

Are you talking about the cooler that runs through the radiator? It also kind of depends on the climate where you live. What might be good for one person could be overkill or not nearly enough for you. Most people seem to run an aftermarket cooler inline with the factory cooler anyhow. When my truck was an auto, I bypassed the factory cooler and turned my A/C condenser into a tranny cooler.

 

My '83 F350 with 460 and C6 has the Ford factory installed air-cooled auxillary transmission cooler and I've never had transmission overheat problems. Fluid from the transmission goes to the aux. cooler first, then to the radiator cooler. Transmission fluid out of the radiator cooler is the same temperature as coolant.

 

That was one thing I didn't like about the radiator cooler, if either the engine or tranny overheated, it would take the other one with it.

 

That's not quite correct. It should run into the radiator first, and then into the aux cooler.

In colder climates, you are better off to leave the radiator cooler connected to help warm the trans fluid.