Trans Cooler
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: newark,de
It would depend on the amount you plan to tow. I had a 7.3L and towed a 29' TT with no other trans cooler than the factory one. It never had a problem with heat. My 6.0L has a MagHytech deep trans pan and my tranny gauge has never gone over 165 towing on a long uphill grade of 7% for 5 miles. You might want to think of a deep trans pan the extra oil and fins seemed to make a difference on mine.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
I believe there are only a couple "manufacturers" left, although you can find their products badged with many brand names.
Personally, I like the "plate" style as sold by B&M and others. They are much tougher and seem to cool as well or better than the tube and fin style.
My favorite is the B&M 70274. I've installed several over the years.
B&M 70274 - B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers
And as far as installation for heavy towing, I use two as it regularly gets well over 100 degrees out here. One before the stock radiator cooler (definitely leave that one in the circuit) and one after.
Personally, I like the "plate" style as sold by B&M and others. They are much tougher and seem to cool as well or better than the tube and fin style.
My favorite is the B&M 70274. I've installed several over the years.
B&M 70274 - B&M SuperCooler Oil Coolers
And as far as installation for heavy towing, I use two as it regularly gets well over 100 degrees out here. One before the stock radiator cooler (definitely leave that one in the circuit) and one after.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,537
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From: Long Beach, Ms.
A plate type cooler is my choice. The larger the better. The B&M is a good name. Here is a better price;B&M SuperCooler Universal & Race Fluid Coolers (15,000 BTU) [70273] - $61.26 : Performance Parts - Ford Mustang - Cobra - Dodge Viper - Chevy Corvette - C6 - LS1
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New User
Joined: Mar 2009
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trans cooler
thanks everyone really good info here,the factory cooler on my truck is in front of rad and incooler but behind air rad. and it is like really low and looks like it is not getting any air from fan at all I have a 33 foot TT and it dose heat up going up MTN here on the east coast so i want to instale best way to keep it cool. cooler/coolwfan/deap tran pan?
2003 F250 PSD 7.3
2003 F250 PSD 7.3
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,171
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From: SE Texas
Do you want a real trans cooler? If so,you want this one:
Tru-Cool MAX transmission cooler *without external cold weather thermal bypass Makco Transmission Parts
It's $124,but it's the largest aftermarket trans cooler made. They also make a unit with a cold weather bypass built-in if you're in a cold climate. I've used this cooler on my Tbird and my old F150. one of the best things about it is the 3/8" IF fittings so you can run steel lines all the way to the cooler. That eliminates the failure prone rubber hose junk many cooler manufacturers use.
JL
Tru-Cool MAX transmission cooler *without external cold weather thermal bypass Makco Transmission Parts
It's $124,but it's the largest aftermarket trans cooler made. They also make a unit with a cold weather bypass built-in if you're in a cold climate. I've used this cooler on my Tbird and my old F150. one of the best things about it is the 3/8" IF fittings so you can run steel lines all the way to the cooler. That eliminates the failure prone rubber hose junk many cooler manufacturers use.
JL
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
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From: Newport, WA
You want a stock 6.0L transmission cooler, they are huge compared to the stock 7.3L cooler and a bolt-in swap. They can be had for around $100 or less, I got one for $40.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 12,177
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From: Newport, WA
I forgot to add, there is a ton more info on this in the 99-03 7.3L forum so come check it out. I will be doing a detailed write-up on the install soon myself. And welcome to FTE! This site is a great source of information on maintenance and mods for your truck. Stick around but beware... once you start reading up on some of the common mods you'll probably find yourself spending a lot of time and money on the truck 
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New User
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trans cooler
Thanks again everyone for your help and info,I did buy the tru-coolMax for my tran and now i would like to ask were is best place to mount it? i know infront of rad is best but dont think it will go there so i am looking at above factory cooler/in serious/it should fit there ok?
thanks for the link Superdudty4x4 im a ford man! and love my Truck so time in so big deal.but the money thing is.lol
thanks for the link Superdudty4x4 im a ford man! and love my Truck so time in so big deal.but the money thing is.lol
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I use the B&M myself. The Tru-coolMax is a tube and fin cooler, an though it is larger thant he B&M, thats because it is compensating for something. The Plate type coolers are equivalent to a tube and fin cooler of twice the size.
As far as where you mount it remember this. The trans really only heats up when the vehicle is in motion, so it doesn't need flow from the fan, it only need airflow from the vehicle moving.
As far as where you mount it remember this. The trans really only heats up when the vehicle is in motion, so it doesn't need flow from the fan, it only need airflow from the vehicle moving.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2009
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trans cool
thanks Johnny L
I was wondering if it makes a difference which way you mount cooler I have it up side down right now with the inlets facing down will that be ok and have you done yours that way.
I was wondering if it makes a difference which way you mount cooler I have it up side down right now with the inlets facing down will that be ok and have you done yours that way.
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From: SE Texas
JL
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Joined: Aug 2008
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Just for info, the only times I have seen transmissions boil out was backing up under load. Typically this is in parking a heavy trailer/RV. The only cooler that work then are ones that have electric fan cooling. I had mine under my truck but changed out my engine driven fan for two electric ones and remounted the cooler there
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New User
Joined: Mar 2009
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was wondering about the amount of trans fluid in it now, i have the Therm bypass on the system and if when it turns cold will that make the trans have to much trans fluid in it. Also seems like with the inlets facing down,that all that fluid drains right back to trans pan and makes it to full at start up?
thanks for all your help and info Johnny and EVERYONE!
