Towed about 6k lbs this last weekend with my truck w/o factory tow package (i added tbc and 7 pin) did fine except the trans got very hot on some really steep grades coming up from the desert floor, from the tc slipping so dang much. Need a cooler. I have searched but couldnt find a how to.

So onto the questions - what do you do for the lines? Just cut and splice into the factory rubber hose and use barb fittings with hose clamps or is there an adapter for the disconnect I could use? I think the latter would make for a much cleaner install but not sure of anythings available for that?

Then how have you actually mounted yours? I see there is a flimsy plastic thing in front of the radiator where it looks like the factory cooler would go.....pics would be great.

And lastly any recomendations on which cooler to get? Id like to go overkill on it but not use a fan or thermostat just to keep it simple.

 

I put one of these on my F250 Powerstroke.

http://www.dieselsite.com/specialord...ioncooler.aspx

208K miles and still the original transmission.

 

Thinkin about going with this cooler.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/der-13614

Now can anyone comment on the install as far as how/where to tap into the factory lines and would I need any additional parts that dont come in the above kit?

 

M&d that cooler will work just fine. Don't forget to add fluid after you instal.

 

Ya for sure. Going to install it when I do a fluid/filter change and obviously it will take a bit more fluid.

Soooo no tips on how to actually install??? Im not that worried about it, sure I can make it work but if anyone has pics of how they did thiers that would be sweet!

 

If your converter was in fact slipping, then you have bigger issues to worry about.

What gear was it pulling in going up those grades?

 

2nd/3rd

It slipped more then I would like it too, but they are made to slip....curious why you say I have more issues???

This trailer was pushing the truck to the max, up some SERIOUS grades, with a nasty headwind.....if anyones familiar with the 8 west grade in san diego they'll know what I mean so Im confident with a cooler it will be fine since these were the worst conditions Ill ever subject it to.

But, ya its strange why it slips so much. I wonder if my bullydog tuner had anything to do with it? I remembered it was on the 87 tune after I got home, its been on so long I didnt even think to set it back to stock for towing.

Regardless, it needs a cooler.

 

What kind of temps were you getting?

 

I dont know, no true gauge. I was deep into the yellow on the factory dummy gauge up the grades, had to pull over once and let it cool. On flat ground or mellow hills it was normal.

 

There is a distinct difference between slipping and being unlocked. Slipping implies that the lock up clutch in the converter isn't holding and is spinning and burning itself out. Being unlocked means the lock up clutch in the converter is disengaged and you are running on fluid coupling instead, which as you know, will bring temps up.

I'm not sure how the bullydog is programmed. You could probably have them keep the converter locked up in 2nd/3rd gear. Stupid question but was tow/haul on? Not saying you don't need a cooler. Just curiosity.