Budget Trans Cooler Install

[MAX89K5]

Well, I have been searching for an inexpensive option to keep my 700R4 cool since I recently lifted it, and plan on running 35s. I ended up employing a gently used trans cooler from an E350 and flared my original cooling lines, using band type high pressure clamps and 5/16" oil cooler hose. I decided to run my add on cooler post factory cooler since I live in Florida, and all is working great so far. The only thing I had to fab up was a mounting bracket to hold the cooler. I did all this for under $20 and the most expensive item was the oil cooler hose. No more worrying about trans temps!

 

[big dan]

Good idea, looks like a nice cooler as well.

I used an old a/c coil (from a house) and welded in a u-tube at the bottom and two flared fittings at the top to connect lines. Works good but doesn't look near as nice as yours.

 

[MAX89K5]

Great idea, I'm sure yours has quite a bit of capacity. Mine should do everything I need it to, and am quite pleased. I leaned toward that particular cooler because it has barb fittings on it and made the install much easier by not having to fool with threaded fittings. Granted the barbs are 3/8" and the cooler lines are 5/16", nothing a little lube couldn't fix lol. By flaring the stock line I eliminated the cost of compression barbs, but got the same result.

I keep a 5/16 compression union in my toolbox now in case I'm ever in a remote camping area and the hose were to rupture, I can always tweak the factory line back and fix it up just to get me out of the woods. Helped ease my mind when modifying the stock line lol

 

[Greg Ducato]

Those Ford coolers are quite good and I like that you routed the cooler flow through the radiator first. The radiator cooler really pulls the heat out of the fluid much better than air does, good job!

 

[MAX89K5]

No doubt, I have been impressed so far. With my trans recently rebuilt I wanted to make sure it stayed cool.