Recently bought a new travel trailer (about 7300 lbs loaded) and will be towing it on a trip soon. My truck has the 3.73 rear end with the tow package, 5.4 L, and rated for 11,300 lbs capacity so I have lots of wiggle room. Question is, I have the factory trans cooler that came with the truck and wonder if it will be sufficient. Its about 23" long, 2 3/4" high and about 1 1/4" thick with 5 cooling rows. Strange thing is, that the plastic bracket that it mounts into looks like you could snap in several larger sizes of coolers (optional from Ford?). I'm a die hard for maintaining my transmissions on my vehicles, and have added coolers to multiple vehicles in the past. I was at a Pep boys and grabbed a small cooler that I was thinking of adding on to my existing stock cooler.


Hayden Ultra-Cool 401 - Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Question is, do I add another cooler? If so, is this one (above) too small to be worth adding? Is there a direct fit that is larger and will fit the factory mounting brackets? Price is not really the issue, doing the correct procedure is. Are the factory cooler lines 3/8" inside diameter, same as this aftermarket? If you have done a cooler add on, did you install it before or after the factory unit? How big, and did it make much of a difference? I have read that this trans (6r80) has a built in thermostat that wont let the oil flow until its hot enough. Is this correct? This would help in extreme cold weather driving so that the trans wont overcool. Lots of questions!!!! Appreciate your help guys!!

 

I would trust the engineers on this one and not put something else in front of my radiator. The engine needs cooling too.

 

The 6R80 has proven to be fairly bulletproof. People are towing heavy with these trucks all the time, and we aren't seeing massive reports of transmission failures. I'd leave well enough alone. You're also adding one more piece of hardware (plus hoses, clamps, etc.) to fail and cause major issues.

 

FFT .....

• there is no other OEM transmission cooler that FoMoCo offers (optional or otherwise). The existing trans' cooler is as HD as it gets.
  .
• the thermostat/bypass for the trans' cooler is actually in the transmission and not in the cooler.
  .
• -IF- you opt for an additional cooler, would recommend a stacked-plate rather than the one you highlighted. e.g.
  
  And mount it not-in-front-of-the-radiator. May also want to consider adding a cooling fan to it that is automagic or switched.

 

solid advice here.


one thing not mentioned is that adding and additional cooler is usually too much restriction in the cooling circuit and can lead to *reduced* cooling capacity.


I would try it out before you go about improving it. that is to say, there may not be a problem to fix. in my experience and limited testing, I've found the transmission coolers on these trucks to be VERY effective and will keep the temps in check without problems.


if you determine that you need additional cooling, remove the factory cooler and replace it with something larger of the stacked-plate design as mentioned above. But adding an additional, in series with the existing is a bad idea.


the unit you posted would be a clear step down from what you currently have.


I think you'll be fine with what you have.


if you want "real time" and accurate transmission temps check out the information provided in the gauge display's "engineering test mode"
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...test-mode.html
that is, assuming you don't already have that ability in you current trim (some do, some don't depending on the year and gauge package).
FWIW, the factor transmission gauge has only 4 positions: cold(left), normal(center), nearly too hot(yellow), too hot(red). only those 4 needle positions will be seen during use.

 

Why not put a gauge on it first to see if you need a bigger cooler?

 

Thx for the info guys.... Yes, I do have a factory transmission gauge on the truck now and will keep an eye on it while towing next weekend. Strange though, why the plastic mounting brackets on either end of the factory cooler look so much like you could just snap in a bigger cooler....

 

What you're thinking about would be a solid idea in an older truck, most of them could really use an increase in transmission cooling capacity if you're pulling heavy. But the modern F150s certainly do not.

I've had as much as 16,000 lbs behind my '13 in 85° weather and the transmission only once hit 230°, which is cautionary for these transmissions. That was detailed in THIS TREAD. Your truck has the same transmission my '13 had, and I believe the transmission cooling is the same. You certainly don't need additional cooling; adding one will only risk a problem if you create any leaks as you disrupt the circuit. Like THIS GUY had when the dealer did a transmission flush.

Your truck is built to tow in hot weather from the factory, no mods necessary.

 

No need to.

I have an 09 with the 4.6 3V, 3.55 gears, standard duty package. No tow package.

I towed a 3/4 ton truck from Iowa on a flatbed to Peoria Il. About 200 miles 1 way. The trans temp gauge didn't even move from it's normal position.

I was on vacation in the Blue Ridge mountains a couple years ago. The gauge maybe moved 1 cm. due to all the upshifting and downshifting.

I don't see where it's needed.

 

Stock trans temp gauge is a glorified idiot light. It won't budge from "normal" unless it gets real hot. IOW, the stock "gauge" is next to worthless.

 

X2 what ^^^^^ said...

I put a bluetooth OBDII reader on my 07 Focus to watch temps on the engine (manual transmission) to watch temps and other data... especially when I am towing... yes you read that right...I tow with my 07 focus se zx3 5spd hatch...

It is kind of amazing the temperature swings that the idiot cluster gauge does not pick up....

I have had some heat soak during extended idling that has me a little concerned...but no problems as of now..

 

I'll stick with the glorified idiot light that the Ford Engineers put in my truck.

 

it is still useful as a tool. if the needle swings to the yellow, then just modify your driving in a way that will bring temps down into the normal range. so long as it is below the yellow range, you can run it all day long without fear of harm.

ford did include an accurate gauge as well. see Post #5. check it out, if nothing else it will give you confidence in your factory gauge.

 

Your position stands on the assumption engineers make only good decisions.

Knowing actual temp is better, but only if you know what to do with the info. Personally, I'll take both the real temp AND the idiot light, same way my truck is today.

 

I'd love to have both AND actual temp specs from Ford as to what's acceptable.