What is the best aftermarket transmission cooler for a 96 ford f250 7.3 powerstroke,I want to get more cooling capacity for my trucks E04D tranmission since I live in the desert area of Las Vegas

 

I went with an aftermarket for mine that had the highest tow rating, which in turn was a much larger trans cooler. I had gone through Napa.

 

Not sure as far as the best, but I use the Tru-Cool 4739 Max Tranny Cooler in line with the stock cooler. Regularly tow my 10,000# 5th wheel and have never seen above 180* even on 100* days with strong headwinds. You'll see similar results from other coolers rated for the weight you want to tow. I installed mine back in 2005 and have never had a problem with the cooler.

 

The best setup you can get to cool the trans is from the trans to the radiator cooler, then to a cooler from a 6.0L truck, then back to the trans. The 6.0L cooler is better than anything you can get from the aftermarket.

 

I will confirm that. I added a 6.0 to mine. I would typically see 90-100 degress over ambient temperature, empty not pulling anything. I put a 6.0 cooler in mine and pulled our 7k TT and the temp went to the 140 range and the ambient temp was high 80's anyways, pulling up some steeper grades. Even running empty it gets to around 140 and stays there. I could probably pull the trans temp gauge and replace it with something else. LOL

 

Is there a write up somewhere or a specific thread on doing the 6.0 cooler? I see a lot of guys do this and want to do it pretty soon before I do any towing.

 

When I did mine
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...s-96-f250.html

 

Mark is the 26 row more efficient then the 31 row ?

I hear it both ways and would like your opinion in it.

 

I currently have two aftermarket inline coolers. The PO had the trans rebuilt and the shop bypassed the radiator cooler and just put two inline.
I know this isnt the most efficient because I reach 160-180* unloaded on the freeway.

I plan on doing as Mark said, but havent had the need yet because 220* i believe is the trouble line.

 

It is more efficient, but smaller. The net effect is that they both have about the same cooling capacity.

 

I put the 31 row in mine but it was a challenge getting it in there. My temps are 170 to 180 pulling hard in 90° weather.

As stated above, I have found that a head wind will help keep temps down and a tail wind will increase the trans temp.

 

Is there not a problem with the tranny not getting warm enough in cold weather with this setup? Seems a bypass would be needed as with the Tru-Cool 4739 Max.

 

I went with the tru cool 4739,My question is can I keep my stock cooler in and add the tru cool also,so trans. to stock cooler to the tru cool and then back to the transmission ?

 

Absolutely

 

pretty sure Mark won't like that because it will add resistance to the system. But he can comment his opinion.