Recommendation for a Supplemental Transmission Cooler for a 2007 Ford F-150 with 5.4 Liter Engine

Updated 10/29/2013 | Published 10/26/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury

(17)

$15.72

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

(867)

$120.43

Derale Atomic-Cool Remote Transmission Cooler Kit w/ Fan, -6 AN Inlets - Class V

(8)

$372.05

Question:

I have a 2007 F-150 SuperCrew 4x4 with the 5.4L, 3.73LS and auto transmission. I recently acquired a 30 foot travel trailer that has an empty weight of 5000 pounds. I use an Edge Evolution programmer, which gives me the engine and transmission temps. In the attached picture, youll see a transmission temp of 150F, this picture was taken WITHOUT the trailer being towed and unfortunately I didnt get a picture while in tow, my hands were full at the time. But the MAX temp that I recorded while towing for the transmission was 221F and 210F for the engine coolant. These temps were recorded while going through the Continental Divide along the I-10 with the ambient temp around 90F. So, now for the question... I believe I need to add an addition transmission cooler to the loop. Currently it goes, transmission - radiator - factory transmission cooler I have the tow package - remote spin-on transmission filter - back to transmission. Im thinking of getting a remote cooler with the fan on it that is thermostatically controlled, but Im not sure which one I need and if I even need it rather than a standard transmission cooler.

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

Based on the information you have provided, which I greatly appreciate, a standard supplemental cooler should be sufficient for your needs. Ideally you want the transmission temperature to be no more than 200 degrees F. Mounting a larger cooler directly behind the grille (in front of everything else) such as # D13504 should get you to the ideal range. You will also want fitting # D13025 so you will not have to cut and flare any lines.

A remote cooler with its own fan will provide the optimum amount of cooling and is recommended if you do a lot of towing or tow in stressful (to the vehicle) terrain. If you go with a remote cooler kit I like # D13950. It comes with multiple fittings and all the mounting hardware needed for installation. The fan puts out 500 cubic feet of air per minute. It also includes a 180 degree in line thermostat.

The path will go from the transmission to the factory cooler, then from there to the Derale supplemental cooler, then back to the transmission.

I have included some links to instructions and videos for you to view.

expert reply by: Michael H