Recommendation of Transmission Cooler For 2002 Ford Expedition 5.4L Towing a Horse Trailer

Question:

I am shopping for a larger trans cooler for my 2002 edpedition w/5.4L and 4R100 and I saw a previous recommendation you made to someone. The rec was For your 2001 Ford Expedition with 5.4 L engine, I would recommend the largest cooler that will fit in front of the AC condenser at the front of the vehicle. The Derale Series 9000 Transmission Cooler Kit, item # D13614, would be a good choice. My question is why that generic one over say Derale D12904 or D13504, which I get for my truck when I use the etrailer wizard. Is one a no mod bolt on vs a better one with mods needed? I pull horses and am pushing the limits of my truck. Thanks in advance!

asked by: Ron H

Expert Reply:

Transmission coolers are not vehicle specific, they are universal and we put together some options on our website that are recommended for your 2002 Ford Expedition with 5.4 L engine with other parts that are needed for installation. This does not mean that other transmission coolers can not work, it just gives a guideline for somebody that is shopping for a transmission cooler.

Transmission coolers are flow through devices so you can pretty much use any transmission cooler you want as long as it will fit in your vehicle. You cannot cool the transmission fluid too much so there is no worry of installing a cooler that is too large. The only precaution with a very large cooler is to let the engine warm a bit on bitterly cold days before taking off.

The most efficient place to install a transmission cooler is in front of the air conditioning condenser, so you will need to measure to determine which cooler will fit in the space available.

If the Derale Series 9000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, part # D13614, will fit between your vehicles grille and the AC condenser core, then it would be a good application for your Expedition. It is a Class V rated cooler that is rated for fifth wheel and gooseneck towing. You will also need the Derale Radiator Adapter Fitting for Ford, part # D13025. This adapter will allow you to connect the transmission cooler to the factory transmission cooler in your radiator tank without cutting or flaring of lines.

The Derale Dyno-Cool Tube-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, part # D12904, will fit your vehicle, but it is a tube-fin design which is not as efficient as the plate and fin design like the # D13614.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on transmission coolers.