Transmission Question
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Transmission Question
I have a 2003 F-350 7.3. Recently I was towing my 5th wheel (36ft) trailer in 106 degree weather and the trans temp spike almost to the red. It only does it in in town traffic, runs fine on the highway. I am thinking the best solution is to go to a high temp transmission fluid, like Lucas, then going to a bigger trans cooler. Now my question is, is the transmission cooler on my truck at the bottom of the radiator, if so, can someone send a picture? Also, where is the best place to mount a transmission cooler? Any help would be appreciated.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 6
From: Marseilles IL
You should have the OTW cooler in your radiator and a OTA cooler between the AC and intercooler. The best option is to upgrade to a 6.0 cooler. The 6.0 cooler goes in the factory location. Remove the factory cooler and install the 6.0.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 831
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From: Vacaville, CA
I would consider getting gauges as well, our trans gauge in the dash cluster is not a good indicator. I've had my old transmission up as hot as 220 on my gauge and it didn't even budge the stock gauge. if you are getting close to the red on the stock gauge, you are doing serious damage to your trans!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 6
From: Marseilles IL
Yes the small one is your stock cooler. When you install the 6.0 it has 1/2" lines and the original has 3/8 lines. You can get some adapters to go from 1/2 to 3/8 at the hardware store. Everything else basically bolts in. The 6.0 cooler isn't cheap but either is your $4k transmission. Well worth the time, effort, and money! Someone here will be able to post a link to someone's install instructions.
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That's what your stock cooler looks like... you just need 1/2"x3/8" reducer hose barbs, or contact BTS or John Wood and order through them. JW includes the fittings you need I believe and BTS sells an install kit I think.
I would consider getting gauges as well, our trans gauge in the dash cluster is not a good indicator. I've had my old transmission up as hot as 220 on my gauge and it didn't even budge the stock gauge. if you are getting close to the red on the stock gauge, you are doing serious damage to your trans!
I would consider getting gauges as well, our trans gauge in the dash cluster is not a good indicator. I've had my old transmission up as hot as 220 on my gauge and it didn't even budge the stock gauge. if you are getting close to the red on the stock gauge, you are doing serious damage to your trans!
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 831
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From: Vacaville, CA
Good deal! here is one of the most detailed write ups you will find., with pictures and everything...
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13486023505692
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13486023505692
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New User
Joined: Apr 2012
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Good deal! here is one of the most detailed write ups you will find., with pictures and everything...
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13486023505692
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?for...13486023505692
Thank you Chris, this information is must helpful, anythought on who put together the best kit for this so I can purchance.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 831
Likes: 2
From: Vacaville, CA
Edit: BTS's contact information is in the pdf file, towards the bottom, shows a picture of the kit as well
Last edited by VegasFordSD; Sep 25, 2012 at 06:25 PM. Reason: adding more info
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