E4OD Cooler
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From: Oregon
E4OD Cooler
Well about a week ago I had my oil changed at the local Ford dealer. When they were done they said I need a transmission service. I am in agreement with that due to the fluid being really dark. When I get it done I think im gonna go ahead and throw a transmission cooler in it for the simple reason that these transmissions are not the best, and the fact that I don't think my truck has one. Just as preventative measures. I was just wondering how hard it is to put one it? What all is needed? Are there kits out there that include everything I need for my E4OD? I don't really have any issues with my transmission as it is, but with 192k mi and never being rebuilt, I want to keep it going strong.
P.S. I dont do a lot of towing, so be honest with me. If you think its not needed let me know.
P.S. I dont do a lot of towing, so be honest with me. If you think its not needed let me know.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
I always put an external cooler on my vehicles with auto transmissions. The kits I use come with the adapters and rubber hose needed to install. I leave mine hooked into the cooler built into the trnsmission then put the adapter on the outlet of the radiator so the fluid goes to the external cooler after the radiator.
matt
matt
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
I used a Hayden cooler for mine and built some custom brackets in front of the AC condenser since I hate using the plastic mounts that come with all coolers. I also made it a point to use the biggest cooler I could fit in there neatly. I also plan on changing my transmission pan next time I service it. B&M makes one out of cast aluminum that is ribbed like a heat sink. It also has a port for a transmission temp sensor and the beloved drain plug. Oh yeah and it adds about 2-3 quarts to your capacity which aides in keeping the temp cooler.
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Crap missed your questions. No the tranny does not need to be empty. When you break the line loose at the bottom of the radiator you will leak some but not much. Go from bottom of radiator to new cooler then back to tranny. They also sell fittings that do not reguire you cutting your existing tranny lines. In my opinion these are your best option so in an emergency you can hook it back up with ease.
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From: Jacksonville FL
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Logistics Pro
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From: Oregon
I have been seeing that a lot. Just can't find one. None at the local yards here and they are $400 new.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Oregon
Ok so I have been doing some research into trans cooler installation. Seems pretty strait forward. Now my question is do these trucks all have lines from the transmission to the radiator so that the cooler can be installed?
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
Yes, and if it has a factory tow package it probably already has lines that go from the trans cooler in the radiator to a small aux cooler in front of the radiator. If you already have an aux cooler remove the factory one and install the largest one you can fit in there.
matt
matt
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Make note of this part. Probably the single largest contributor to E4OD transmission failures (right next to the weak pumps in the pre 95's) was heat.
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Logistics Pro
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From: Oregon
Ok. I was thinking a large cooler possibly with a fan installed on it. And my truck does have the full towing package on it. I will crawl under it today and see if it has cooler lines.
Elder User
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From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
It will have the cooling lines from the trans to the radiator, and if it is a factory tow package then it will have a line that goes from the bottom of the radiator trans cooler to the center of the radiator, under the radiator to the front then back up and into a tube and fin cooler.
matt
matt
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From: Oregon
Well what do you know, There is an aux cooler there already. Its pretty small though. I couldn't see the lines to it due to the lower plastic guard behind the front bumper. I did find the lines from the transmission however. Now the question is which was the fluid flows. Thinking for now while funds are short I might pick up another factory cooler and put that one in for know so there is two of them. Local pick-n-pull only wants like 15 bucks for one...
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
The bottom line out of the transmission goes to the aux cooler, becareful about putting a second aux cooler in series, it may slow the flow too much having negative benefits. You can get a 10" x 15" trans cooler from orielly auto parts for about $50 and just do the job once.
Matt
Matt