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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 10:33 AM
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Automatic Trans Cooler

I have a 98 F150 5.4 4x4 XLT and want to put a trans cooler in. I see a small two row cooler in the front of the truck (looks factory) and if that is the cooler it looks like it is too small for any real load. Is this the cooler and is it effective?
 
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 02:18 AM
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> Is this the cooler and is it effective?

Somewhat. In Dodge and Fords, your radiator cools it too. But, it is not uncommon to have your truck overheat and blow the transmission at the same time. That is why an external cooler with fan that totally by-passes the radiator is recommended.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 05:38 AM
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It's not recommended by everyone. I don't think it is a good idea.

The radiator cooler is MUCH more effective at cooling the trans at low speeds. If you do a lot of backing or city driving I would leave the radiator cooler installed.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 07:38 AM
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I personally don't know, I don't do Autos for _my_ vehicles, my wife does, but they are kept stock. I personally don't like them.

Though I have been told to run it through the radiator cooler then through a transmission cooler, and anything you can do to increase the oil capacity the better.

Is that sound advice Mark?

-Enjoy
fh : )_~
 
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 09:28 AM
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Originally Posted by dantsg
I have a 98 F150 5.4 4x4 XLT and want to put a trans cooler in. I see a small two row cooler in the front of the truck (looks factory) and if that is the cooler it looks like it is too small for any real load. Is this the cooler and is it effective?:confused:
Follow the lines back, if you can. If they go to the engine oil filter then it is an engine oil cooler if they run on back past the engine then it is for the trans.. If it is the trans cooler then you could just plumb in a bigger one.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Festus Hagen
Though I have been told to run it through the radiator cooler then through a transmission cooler, and anything you can do to increase the oil capacity the better.
I agree with your flow path. I don't see what additional fluid does for the trans.
 
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 09:59 PM
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Thanks Mark

-Enjoy
fh : )_~
 
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