Installing a trans cooler

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Jun 2, 2004 | 10:34 PM

69_bronco

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Senior User

Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 133

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From: Martinez, CA

Installing a trans cooler

I'm getting ready to install a trans cooler on my '77, not having had to do this before the question is; install before the rad, after the rad, or bypass the rad. and which of the lines do I cut, top or bottom? The cooler I got is a factory Ford cooler from a full size van, so it should big enough for a Bronco. It's a stacked plate style about 11"x5".
Any help would be appreciated.

John

Jun 3, 2004 | 04:51 AM

wyldstallyn73

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 650

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The way I was always told is the flow should go through the rad first then the cooler, otherwise you are heating it up again if you go the other way- cant recall which line comes from the tranny. Unhook one of the lines at rad and have someone watch to see which way fluid flows as you start engine and run just for a second or two- I know thats a little messy but you do what you gotta do.

Jun 9, 2004 | 12:49 AM

fordtrucksforever

Tuned

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 476

Likes: 1

From: Greatest state on earth

Look at a later model truck 80 thru 96, with cooler. Hit a junk yard and find a factory one. WIth a little fabing, it will bolt right up and not look cheesy like an a universal aftermarket with rubber lines everywhere.