After seeing something similar in another thread, I figured I would add an external filter to the 6r80 transmission in my 2009. It's right around 100k miles and works great, but in an attempt to keep it working well (and to tinker with things), I added a hydraulic fluid filter to the cooler line. It has been in use for a couple of weeks and 1500 miles including a couple of 500 mile highway trips.

 

Interesting.

BTW ... If you were to plumb the filter input line to the trans' cooler output line (bottom) you would benefit having an additional cooler.
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It's between the radiator path and the cooler. Would order really matter? It would mean cutting a hose whereas this just replaces the short hose between the radiator outlet and cooler inlet.
Now:
transmission--->radiator--->filter--->cooler--->transmission

Proposed:
transmission--->radiator--->cooler--->filter--->transmission

not sure how much cooling happens on the steel filter or hoses regardless.

 

Yes (it does really matter).

REASON: The OEM tran's cooler has a thermostat. Any tran's cooler that is placed in-line with any OEM trans' cooler should always be -AFTER- the OEM otherwise the output temp' would be the same as if only the OEM was in-place.

And Yes, I know that because of the current filter mounting longer lengths of hose would be necessary. SOLUTION: Move the mount.

Ever try to remove an oil filter just after you shut-off the engine?

Given that the trans' filter is in-front of the radiator and in a direct air flow path via the grille, there's going to be cooling. Want to increase the effect, add the following ...

 

No, the cooler has no thermostat. It flows freely at all temperatures. It drains into the pan when you remove the upper hose. The thermostat is in the transmission itself. I've never seen over 213F and that only once after a hard uphill tow and then dead stop in traffic so not too worried about extra cooling.

Check out the 6r80 info section here:

http://bglsi.com/bgproducts_Oklahoma.../Tech_Tips.pdf

UPDATED: Ford 6R60 and 6R80 transmissions January 10, 2012 || Transmission Service || 12-338
Ford 6R60 and 6R80 6-speed transmissions, found in SUVs and F150 trucks are identical except for the torque converter ratings. These transmissions have a cooler bypass valve located inside the transmission. The transmission fluid has to be between 170°F and 180°F for this cooler bypass valve to open. If the fluid temperature is too low, it will not flow through the transmission fluid cooler and a BG Transmission Service can take 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
The simplest way to raise the fluid temperature is by setting the emergency brake and putting the vehicle in reverse. When the transmission fluid temperature gets between 170°F and 180°F the BG PF5 machine will begin to show pressure and flow. Put the BG PF5 in process mode. Leave the vehicle in reverse with emergency brake applied during the entire service.
By following this procedure, the service time for these transmissions should be around 15 minutes.
UPDATE: For a new procedure which bypasses the thermostat and takes a shorter amount of time, refer to Tech Tip No. 12-348.

 

Thanks! for the correction and providing a reference. Good to know for the 6R80 transmissions.
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Well...Ford figures raising transmission temps will benefit overall short-term failure.Being in the transmission rebuilding industry for .....let me think now lol 37 years....you get my drift guys! For example the Superior kit for the 4R44-E\4R55-E 5R55E kit uses a modified thermo blocker that allows cooler flow [as soon as the motor is started]Quote. There are a lot of ford rear wheel drives that uses those transmissions...LOTS. I'm waiting for Superior to develop the 6R80 shift kit.....then I will add a secondary cooler in series.Remember....COOLER the BETTER............just do a pan drop and change the Dacron filter.....no brainer...my rant.

 

Almost forgot...Called my torque converter shop for a 6R80 convertor rebuild unit.....I WAS FLOORED.....around the same price as a low stall dodge diesel billet cover unit if not more.Yikes!

 

Do not EVER have a shop do a cooler FLUSH gizmo to change your LV MERCON transmission fluid,would you do a engine oil flush without changing the spin-on filter...I think not,drop the pan and change the Dacron filter guys....jees

 

The hotter the tranmission fluid, the better the fuel milage, I'm pretty sure thats their thought process. I've read that over 200 degrees the tranmission fluid breaks down alot quicker than say 160.