Mod (Ret.)

It was driving my nuts trying to figure out why some folks who tow were seeing lower temps then I was. I went and had a chat with a Ford mechanic the other day, and he took me over to the parts guy to look up some part numbers.

If you tow a trailer and experience higher engine and trans temps (I use my tuner to show true temps), check to see what factory transmission oil cooler and radiator you have. My factory transmission cooler is the standard duty, 4 rings; good to have one, but when towing in heated climates, the super duty trans cooler is much better to lower the temps. Ford's "super duty", part number 7L1Z7A095B, has 7 rings. For the radiator, the factory "super duty" for a 4.6 or 5.4 is part number 7L148005BC, making it larger in core width, and more fins per inch. A direct swap for the 4.6 or 5.4.

Perhaps this was the tow option for the 5.4's. My 4.6 has the tow package, but that only included the 3:55 rear gearing, and standard transmission oil cooler.

First on the purchase will be the trans cooler, followed by the radiator for me.

Moremoney

What temps were you seeing? When I'm towing my 27' camper fully loaded to the nuts in warmer weather I'm seeing 195 to 210 coolant temp and a range of 170 to 190 or so in the trans.

I keep it in overdrive if the converter stays locked but have to be doing 70mph or in 3rd depending on grade and winds if 60mph or less

I get 13.2 mpg in 4th / 11.3 in 3rd

650NutKase

I think you are correct that those part numbers were the installed options for the "Tow Package" in the 5.4. I have a 7 row trans cooler and 3.73's

Bobby Lane

I just did a 1500 mile round trip from San Diego to Utah and saw mostly similar numbers to yours pulling my 26ft trailer. Only difference for me, on long grades, where I slowed down to 45 climbing, the transmission temp would creep up as high as 220. Always stabilized back to 180-190 once on level ground. This was in 100 degree weather too. I wish it'd stay a little cooler on the climb. Transmission shop I use told me that it would throw a code if it hit 240. I have to get real patient on the climbs.

I also was curious about how people are only seeing temps in the 160's and was curious if there was an after market cooler that might help since I have the "heavy duty" cooler. Maybe an additional fan?

69587

That's good to know information. How ever you sparked my curiosity, I went out and looked at mine. My trany cooler has more than seven rings. It's ten I believe. I looked up the part numbers and found images of the said parts. Mine is taller than both. My truck is a 2006 XLT 5.4 4x4 with factory tow. 3.55 rear end.

650NutKase

interesting...i went out and counted mine and i have 9 as well, not 7...not sure what the 7 was used for...

w/o towing package - (f) 4-channel with 4.6L/5.4L engine.
with towing package - (g) 4-channel with 4.2L engine; 9-channel with 4.6L/5.4L engine.

69587

We are just special, we drive special trucks with super powers. Haha jk

Mod (Ret.)

I have the 4.6 with a tow package; it came with the 4 row trans cooler. When towing my 17 foot camper (5600 pounds) in the current Florida summer temps, I'm seeing temps in the 200 range.

When I counted the rows in the picture for the part number I listed for the super duty trans cooler, it appeared to be 7 rows (7 sets of "finned" rows). In looking at googled pic's of the part number, I see 10 rows of fins. In any event, 9 or 10 rows of fins has got to help cool the oil because of its larger surface then the 4 rows I have now.

650NutKase

You are correct. A larger surface area allows for faster and more efficient heat dissipation.

leojr

Have you done this yet? Any installation tips, pictures or advice?

My brother has a '04 with a 5.4 and wants to improve the trans cooling.

Many thanks!