Sorry to send you down a bunny on the cooler line that runs across the top of the radiator. As you stated and photographed you do have a 460 engine. Looks like the extra hose is used as a bypass to flow coolant when the thermostat is closed.

Back to your transmission cooler dilemma...Flexible lines are fine. I would keep the extra cooler especially if you ever tow anything. Run the lines as described previously. Should not be that tough. A few hose barbs and good clamps, you're good to go for whatever tasks you do with the truck.

 

thank you! The problem I have is if I run the new flexible lines from the transmission to the radiator, I am stumped as to how to hook up the smaller cooler to everything. As of now those 2 transmission lines, the steel ones come out of the small radiator cooler thingy in the front of the main radiator and connect direct to the transmission. Sorry to ask for more help but do you know where I would go to find out how to plumb everything properly? Thanks again for help,

Grant

 

That's what I would say its function is. Mine is pretty rusted, glad I looked at it. Probably going to need replacing soon.

 

Yep. See the post below.

 

would you buy stainless flexible steel transmission cooler lines with the fitting attached or rubber? I don’t mind paying extra for good quality cooler lines,

Grant

 

you definitely want to go with steel lines, the less rubber involved the better.

 

Are your stock line still intact up to the radiator?

 

They are not long enough to make the bend from the passenger side of the vehicle to the inlet ports on the radiator on the drivers side so I will have to buy longer lines.

 

How about splicing onto that line and extending it. Most parts stores carry steel lines in varying lengths with fittings already attached. I think if you go to the parts store with some measurements and maybe a sketch of what you need to do, they can provide you with the correct fittings and lines to fabricate what you need. If you aren't comfortable with the DIY on this a shop shouldn't charge you too much to do it.

 

You can buy pre-bent steel or stainless steel lines from outfits like Classic Tube.

 

Might be the easiest way to go.

 

I see no reason why you could not use flexible rubber line for this purpose. The OP's truck already is using rubber line to bypass the transmission cooler in the radiator. Hayden has rubber line rated for up to 500 PSI. Should be more than enough. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hda-106

Get clamps designed for fuel injection, No worries IMHO.

I'm sure there are other vendors.

 

I agree with rla2005.

Ive used rubber lines. As above, Hayden supplies rubber lines the with their coolers that you use to splice into the existing lines. Barbs or no barbs. Ive triple clamped them with no barbs with regular hose/gear clamps. I haven’t had a problem, with high temps, it’s not a high pressure line. Better if you can flare a small barb on it. Buy the appropriate hose. Local auto supply / hardware store should have something in stock and guide you in the right direction. If not a local hydraulic / fluid line shop will have something for it, it shouldn’t cost much.

Steel lines would work, but as above, you’ll need a tubing bender, flaring tools, if you can’t find the correct length, Etc etc, a real pain imho. Stainless Braided hose is more expensive, again, you’ll need hose tooling and fittings for making those type of lines. Better to have them made by a hydraulic shop that is set up for it. You’ll have a good line, but more expensive, and not really necessary.

if you didn’t have them previously running through the rad cooler, you will probably need to get some type of short lines made or fittings to thread into the fittings on the rad, then plumb as required with your flex lines attached to those.

Im also assuming you’re pluming it into a new radiator. If not, used/repaired make sure it has been flushed out properly, an old or used could have contaminates in it.

That’s my 2c. Good luck with it.

Edit. Just notice your full name! Sorry, wish I could describe it all better for you, I’m a terrible teacher!

 

You can use rubber, there is rubber hose made specifically for trans fluid lines. But it's safer and cleaner to use steel, no worries about punctures, burn trough, rubbing. etc. I did some research and couldn't find any prebent lines for your truck online. Inline Tube offers a couple of sets for the 95 F150 4X4 in stainless ($110.00) and OEM steel ($70.00). You might call them Monday and ask if they will fit the F250, or if can set you up with a set for your truck. Their number is 1-800-385-9452. Theirs is a four-piece set which I believe accommodates the auxiliary cooler as well.

 

This is all really good advice. Just different ways to go about it. The MOST IMPORTANT THING was just said by the guy who said be sure if you are using your old radiator you MUST flush the trans cooler in the radiator before you hook it up!