Additional In Series Tranny Cooler

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Shawn White

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So my 2004 2WD Trac is currently at 102K miles, I use the truck to tow my 2800 lbm boat. The truck overall tows the boat pretty well, however my trip to the launch is a 5 mile trip. With the short trip I haven't worried much about adding an additional tranny cooler in series to keep temps down, as I rarely exceed 45 MPH while towing. I'm now planning on venturing to some lakes in central Texas from Houston (If the ever fill back up...), so I'm like to add an cooler in series to maintain lower towing temps. I wont be towing this much distance every weekend so I'm debating between two different B&M coolers.



The first is a 7500 BTU cooler, 1 , by 11 1/2, by 3 inch. I've seen some posts on this cooler and figured it would help lower temps without worrying about over cooling during cooler months or while not towing.



http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMM-70265/



The second cooler is a 15000 BTU cooler, 1 1/2, by 11 1/2, by 5 3/4 inch. This cooler would probably cover me while towing and would fit in front of the radiator nicely as well. Although, I would probably have to work on making some installation mounts as the larger cooler would tend to flex more and need better support on the side not mounted directly to the frame.



http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMM-70273/



Any opinions are greatly appreciated. Price between the two is about the same so the cost really isn't a factor.



Thanks,

Shawn

 
Shawn,

I have never heard of "Overcooling" a transmission? Especially in Houston, TX..:grin:



Your Sport Trac already has 2 transmission fluid coolers, the traditional onene built into the radiator and the additional one mounted in front of the radiator. Adding another Tranny cooler would make three. Remeber that you already have an AC condensor coil in front of the radiator and blocking some air flow to the radiator. Adding another tranny fluid cooler in front of the radiator would bother me that you may start to have engine overheating problems especially during one of those Houston heat waves



Personally, I would go with the biggest one and use it to replace the existing OEM add on cooler. If you want to add a third unit, I would not put it in front of the radiator....perhaps in the air flow going under the truck, or with a small electric fan with a manual switch.



...Rich
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Added mine with a fan, I love the colder temps...... I changed my filter and fluid at 30K and the filter again at 98K.... the trans was spotless !!!



Go with the larger one, or one with a fan !!



Todd Z
 
i havent had any problems towing our 3500lb pontoon boat 1400 miles round trip to canada with my 2005 ST and i only have the stock ones that Richard L. talked about... so IMO i think youll be fine.
 
I havent had any problems to date with cooling at all. My concern is more based on towing in Texas hill county when it's 105 outside. I keep O/D turned off and have always babied the trans when towing. I have the trans flushed every 30K miles and have only seen clean fluid. I figured it can't hurt to add another small cooler. I liked the set up Todd put on his 04 Adrenalin. To me a small addition cooler can drop temps 20 degrees, should help keep the tranny going strong. It's just another project to get some garage time.
 
I installed one similar to Todd, but didn't put the fan on it. I have done some trailer towing, but not a significant amount. Before I installed it, I was having downing shifting problems (the infamous 'bump') but the cooler has greatly helped resolve that summertime problem. My Trac is an '02 with just under 190K at the moment.
 
An easier way to cool your transmission is to switch to AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Transmission Fluid. Service life is 100K Normal, 50K Severe Service. For DIYers, it's available in convenient package size quart, gallon, and 2.5 gallon containers. Get it at wholesale by using our Preferred Customer program.
 
Vic,

I notice that Mercon V, is in the list of compatiblity.

My question is. Our 5R55E trans behind the 4.0L is known to be tempermental.

Many trans specialist strictly recomend specificaly Mercon V. For the 5R55E. The claim is. They see too many problems with any subs. This is not only ford but some of the best, independents in my town....



From what I understand. It has to do with the exact chemical mix of Mercon V. Of any brand of Mercon V. All I have talked to, wont recomend any multi-vehicle compatible fluids. For the 5R55e.
 
Eddie,



I have put AMSOIL ATF in a couple dozen vehicles (both my own and customer) and here's what I've seen: The transmissions shift smoother, run cooler, get cleaned up and stay clean. This fluid resists oxidation (Ford MERCON V oxidation test) TWO times longer than required. It's also great in power steering systems that spec ATF. "Park" your car(s) in our free online garage and see what we've got. You'll be impressed.
 

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