Trans coolers
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Trans coolers
1984 F350, 460V8, C6 trans, 3.54 final drive
I have a small trans cooler currently (~1" x ~7" x ~11"). I tow a 8000 pound trailer in the mountains, and occassionally a 13000 pound tractor (not very long distances, but on crummy roads sometimes). I think I want to get a bigger cooler.
Can I just add a cooler on one of the lines between the current cooler and the trans, or should I replace the one I have with a new one?
Are there any disadvantages to the aftermarket trans pans that have a bit more capacity?
What is a good brand of trans fluid temp gauge? I dont need anything fancy, but I want it to be reliable.
I have a small trans cooler currently (~1" x ~7" x ~11"). I tow a 8000 pound trailer in the mountains, and occassionally a 13000 pound tractor (not very long distances, but on crummy roads sometimes). I think I want to get a bigger cooler.
Can I just add a cooler on one of the lines between the current cooler and the trans, or should I replace the one I have with a new one?
Are there any disadvantages to the aftermarket trans pans that have a bit more capacity?
What is a good brand of trans fluid temp gauge? I dont need anything fancy, but I want it to be reliable.
Have a nice Beer!!!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,024
Likes: 1
From: WA Resident
If you've had work done on the tranny, then replace your current cooler to get all the bad crap out. I added a second cooler with fan which helps in the heat/summer sitting in traffic. I installed it in my grill which also works when moving with loads, air passes through the tubes to help keep the tranny cooler. Since I had work done on my tranny, I took out the old original cooler and installed a bigger 6.0L cooler. What a difference it has made. 180* pulling 4000lbs and hauling 3000lbs in the heat of the day over the mountain passes doing about 65mph.
If you add a deeper pan that requires more fluid, that will also help keep everything cooler a little. Not much, just a little bit.
I have the autometer gauge as my tranny temp gauge and the edge evolution. 10 - 15 off, but at different points of measure.
Both of my coolers are steel. Line to and from tranny vary, due to modifications.
If you add a deeper pan that requires more fluid, that will also help keep everything cooler a little. Not much, just a little bit.
I have the autometer gauge as my tranny temp gauge and the edge evolution. 10 - 15 off, but at different points of measure.
Both of my coolers are steel. Line to and from tranny vary, due to modifications.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Rubber/transmission line is usually used when people do not have the skills or equipment to make nice steel lines. I do not think I have ever seen it come on any factory vehicle. If you have to use it, use it, otherwise steel is better because it is less likely to leak without you knowing it or to totally blow out without warning.
When I use it, I use it in a place I can easily see it and change it.
When I use it, I use it in a place I can easily see it and change it.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,698
Likes: 2,620
From: SE Florida
There is some amount of rubber lines on all production vehicles. The lines must flex when the engine/transmission moves. If the lines are steel from the trans all the way to the radiator they will eventually break from the flexing.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
One big cooler is better than two small ones. Two coolers have twice the connections and tubes so you have twice the opportunity for leaks. ATF is excellent at leaking if your fittings are not tight.
Also your old cooler unless it has been chemically flushed may have deposits in it from years of use. I am no tranny expert but the few shop manuals I have read recommend at least chemically flushing the cooler on a regular basis and or replacing the cooler at a certain mileage.
And like the other guy said, don't over cool, especially if you live where it gets really cold. Overcooling doesn't damage the tranny but it can lead to sluggish shifting and higher RPMs which will wear it a little faster than it should. Heat is the killer.
Properly formed and mounted steel lines are very good. Rubber hoses are usually just for "one size fits all" convenience. I use rubber hoses since I don't know how to reliably form steel lines. Rubber is more likely to leak though. Leaky tranny fluid will eat body bushings and make a mess.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Also your old cooler unless it has been chemically flushed may have deposits in it from years of use. I am no tranny expert but the few shop manuals I have read recommend at least chemically flushing the cooler on a regular basis and or replacing the cooler at a certain mileage.
And like the other guy said, don't over cool, especially if you live where it gets really cold. Overcooling doesn't damage the tranny but it can lead to sluggish shifting and higher RPMs which will wear it a little faster than it should. Heat is the killer.
Properly formed and mounted steel lines are very good. Rubber hoses are usually just for "one size fits all" convenience. I use rubber hoses since I don't know how to reliably form steel lines. Rubber is more likely to leak though. Leaky tranny fluid will eat body bushings and make a mess.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
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From: Kuna ID
If your truck has A/C that doesn't work anymore you can convert your condenser into a tranny cooler. I did it to my 85 when I had a C6 in it(recently coverted to 5spd). It still reached normal operating temps, just took a little longer to get there. You get a much larger cooling surface, and a little more fluid capacity.
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From: new mexico
think i will expierment with the new radiator i got. old one with plastic tanks always bothered me in the southwest heat.
have a trip this weekend with 28 haulmark and it will be full of "stuff".
going to try the bypass method first.
have two coolers already.
b and m temp guage installed.
fresh tranny service.
still very warm here but not 100 any more...
have a trip this weekend with 28 haulmark and it will be full of "stuff".
going to try the bypass method first.
have two coolers already.
b and m temp guage installed.
fresh tranny service.
still very warm here but not 100 any more...