Upgrading stock OEM trans cooler

[Tmesic]

I just used a hand pump like for differential oil etc. Tim

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[Krab]

Any updates on this?

 

[Z7What]

TTT, i am really wanting to get this cooler! Would be awesome to get a part number!

Wayne

 

[KaiserM715]

I'm still fairly certain that the 2009-2014 truck equipped with the heavy duty tow package (7-lug) have a 9-row cooler, but I haven't found a part number yet... still looking. If anyone knows of one of these 7-lug trucks, send me the VIN and it'll be easier to find the part number for the cooler.

By the way, in addition to the liquid-to-air auxiliary cooler that we're discussing in this thread, our trucks all have a circuit in the radiator that's a liquid-to-liquid cooler. I know our trucks have a larger radiator than some other F-150s, so we probably have a larger transmission circuit within it. Has anyone experienced high transmission temperatures to justify a larger liquid-to-air aux cooler?

ATTACHED PHOTOS: (All photos have a liquid-to-liquid circuit in the radiator.)
1 = No aux cooler
2 = Stock Raptor - 4 row aux cooler
3 = HD Tow? - 9 row aux cooler

After doing a ton of research, it looks like that 9 row cooler that you found was installed on a drivetrain test mule for a diesel in the F-150. The HD tow and payload packages get the same 4 row cooler that we get.

 

[KaiserM715]

Out of curiosity, I checked RockAuto, one of our vendors. They have this listed for $58.79, not including the 5% discount code they provide to us.
More Information for DORMAN 918234
Just search for the part number and there is a drop down for the manufacturer. As an interesting note, they list it as from a 2007 / 2008 Expedition / Navigator.

So I decided to order this one and install it, like @Tmesic did.

You can see the difference in size:


First, I moved my power steering cooler out of the way. Then I popped the factory cooler out of the plastic frame and disconnected the hoses (which was a feat in itself due to the multiple barbs on the fittings).

Next, put a piece of thin sheet metal in between the condenser and trim the two tabs shown above in the red ciricles. The sheet metal is to protect the condenser during the trimming. This was a big moron moment for me, I nicked the condenser with my utility knife and poked a hole in it. I was in too big of a hurry and wasn't being careful enough. Look for a future write-up on how to R&R a condenser.
And here it is:www.fordraptorforum.com/f170/c-condenser-replacement-37830/


Install the hoses and clamps and snap it back into the frame. Reinstall power steering cooler brackets. Then I secured mine to the plastic frame with zip ties.



Last, top off the tranny using the instructions BAJASVT posted here:
http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f52/upgrading-stock-oem-trans-cooler-16255/index5.html#post703118

 

[Yukon Joe]

Thanks for the write up. Looks like an easy install, as long as all precautions are taken. Sorry to hear about the condenser. That's gonna be a job. Good luck!
@KaiserM715 - how much fluid did you loose during the change out?

Yukon Joe
www.RUNRAPTORRUN.com

 

[Bulletnjm]

interested in seeing the cooling benefits, keep us posted!

 

[Tmesic]

I wanted to post this from my computer , but work is crazy so I will make it short from my phone..

I got a chance to test out the the two new coolers I installed, the slightly larger stock and the finned heat exchanger type I previously posted.

I towed my sandcar from Phoenix to rancho Cucamonga last week. The is a long stretch of desert with several decent grades. The outside Temps ranged from 100 to 115 until we passed through the desert areas which would be about the last 1/3 of the 359 mile trip .

The trans never got above 219 and only once did even get there. Mostly it was 210 to 212 . That was running pretty decent speeds up the grades with about 6k between trailer and cargo on board. So I would have to call that a success.

I did however have another major issue and that was when the temp was 115 and I pushed the motor up two of the grades the engine temp spiked until the computer put the truck in limp mode. After that I hit another lather grade and the outside temp was 103 and it was fine, only when the temp was 115 did u have the issue. I don't care for that so I am looking at the options for larger aluminum radiator like sdhq sells etc. I know oat of you Will never see a scenario like that but I will once in a while and I want don't want to have to baby the truck when I do. But this the subject for another thread. Tim

 

[Tmesic]

I should add that between both coolers and fittings , hose etc. I have less than $150.00 and less than two hours total, so a great value all around. Tim

 

[KaiserM715]

@KaiserM715 - how much fluid did you loose during the change out?

It was minimal, maybe a cup?. I had the shop that recharged the AC top off the tranny and they put in almost a whole quart (I supplied the Redline D6 ATF, which meets the Ford Mercon spec for our trucks).