Recommendation For Transmission Cooler on 2005 Ford Excursion 6.8L / V-10

Question:

I recently purchased a 2005 Ford Excursion Limited, 6.8L/V-10. I previously owned a Chevy Suburban 1500 5.3L/V-8 and burned up 2 transmissions pulling an 8000lb Jayco Travel Trailer. Ive learned from my bad experience with the Chevy, and want to avoid overheating the transmission in the new Ford when towing a fully loaded trailer what type of aftermarket transmission cooler do you recommend to fit the Ford and are any additional parts/accessories needed for the install any installation video links are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

asked by: Richard R

Expert Reply:

I would strongly recommend to add an aftermarket transmission cooler to your 2005 Ford Excursion 6.8L vehicle to prevent any damage to your transmission. The ideal operating temperature range of your transmission fluid should be 160 to 200 degrees. Adding the cooler will not bypass the existing factory cooler which is located inside the radiator. Adding a cooler provides supplemental cooling to the your factory cooler.

Transmission coolers are universal fit items. What you will need to do is find out how much room you have to work with in front of your radiator and find a transmission cooler that will fit your application. Choosing the largest available cooler like Derale Series 8000 Transmission Cooler Kit, part # D13504, you have referenced, is a good choice, because you cannot over-cool a transmission.

This particular cooler measures 12 inches tall, by 11 inches wide and is 7/8 of an inch thick. Check your truck and make sure you have enough space in front of your radiator and if you do then this cooler would work for you.

When installing a transmission cooler like Derale Transmission Cooler, # D13504, to your factory cooler, the path of the fluid needs to be from the transmission to factory cooler, then to Derale cooler, then back to the transmission.

When you run the aftermarket transmission cooler in-line after the original transmission cooler you will need a Derale Radiator Adapter Fitting, part # D13025. This adapter will allow you to connect the aftermarket cooler to the factory coolers output fitting to allow you to run the coolant line from it without having to cut or flare the original fitting on the factory cooler.

I am including links to a couple of FAQ pages on transmission coolers and a couple of video links to a review on the cooler and a installation video of a transmission cooler being installed on a vehicle. The vehicle is different but the installation would be similar on your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jeff D