Transmission Cooler Recommendation for a 2006 ford F150 5.4 with the Tow Package

Published 06/30/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(887)

$120.43

Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury

(20)

$15.72

Question:

My F150 has a Factory tow package with the external cooler about 6 inches in front of the radiator. Towing my 7000+ lb trailer up mountain switchbacks and one long 8* grade I was seeing 235+ degrees on me edge tuner. I actually stopped at one point halfway up then again at the top to let everything cool back down. I want to run another cooler in line after the fluid leaves the factory external hardline cooler, but adapt to the output of the factory external cooler. Any suggestions to make it a clean a installation as possible? I REALLY hate leaky worm screw clamps everywhere!!

asked by: Phil

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track, installing a supplemental transmission cooler to go along with the factory cooler to maximize the cooling of the transmission fluid is a great idea to prolong the life of your transmission. The Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13504 would work great.

To make installation easier on your 2006 Ford F-150 you would also want the Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings # D13025. This will thread into the radiator and on the outlet line to provide you with barb fittings to install the rubber line onto. If you tighten the screw clamps good and tight you shouldn't have any problems with them leaking. I have had a transmission cooler installed on my car using this method for 6 years now and haven't had a problem.

I attached an install video and an FAQ on transmission coolers for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jameson C