Transmission Cooler Recommendation For A 1989 Ford F-250 With 460 c.i. Engine And C6 Transmission

Published 03/10/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class IV - Efficient

(884)

$120.43

Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings for Ford and Lincoln

(13)

$15.72

Question:

I have a 1989 f250 460 f/i with a c6 trans. The stock cooler is very small 5x11x1.5 and am looking for something that will cool better. The truck is mainly used for towing a 26 toy box approx 7000-7500 lbs loaded There are so many coolers on the market so do you have a recommendation for this truck??? I want a stacked plate design. Been looking at the true cool line but like I said so many different brands. Found you guys when I ordered a repair kit from you for my small motorcycle trailer. FYI the cooler lines are 5/16. I just did a trans service on this truck so nows the time to make a change to keep the new fluid in good shape. Thanks for your help

asked by: Bill J

Expert Reply:

Thanks for checking back with us for your towing needs. For your 1989 Ford F-250 with the 7.5L (460 c.i.) engine and towing a 7500 lbs trailer I would recommend using a Class IV transmission cooler. The Class IV rating will handle towing up to 12000 lbs.

The Derale Series 8000 Transmission Cooler Kit, # D13504, that you have referenced is a plate-fin cooler and is one of the best Class IV coolers we carry. The Derale transmission cooler will fit inline with your factory transmission cooler.

The best location for the Derale # D13504, cooler on your 1989 Ford F-250 would be between your vehicle grille and the air conditioning condenser. This location will give you the most airflow and allow the maximum cooling ability of the heat exchanger. You will want to measure to make sure you have clearance to install the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger measures 11 inches wide x 12 inches tall x 7/8 inch deep.

On your 1989 Ford F-250 you will need to check the size of your transmission cooler fittings on your radiator to get the correct fittings to work with your 5/16 inch cooler lines. The Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings, part # D13024, will be used if you have 1/2 inch-20 inverted flare fittings and the Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings, part #D13014, is used if you have 1/4 inch NPT or 3/8 inch NPT fittings.

Use kit # D13014 for snap-in (duckbill) trans-line type fittings, or use kit # D13024 for 1/2 inch-20 partial thread fittings.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on transmission coolers.