Recommended Transmission and Power Steering Cooler Options for 2002 Ford F-250 with 6.8L V10 Engine

Question:

I have a 2002 f250 with a v10. I want to add a transmission cooler as I will be towing alot of hills. Can you help recomend one. Thanks

asked by: Mark G

Expert Reply:

For your 2002 Ford F-250 with 6.8L V10 engine the most popular transmission cooler option is the Derale Class III model # D13503 which installs with Radiator Adapter kit # D13025. This cooler measures 11 x 8-3/4 x 7/8-inches and it is best installed in front of your AC condenser where it will receive the most direct air flow. A video is included for you. The cooler can be installed with the two connection ports facing in any direction.

Another option is to use a pan-style cooler. A pan cooler # D14208 replaces your transmission pan and allows much more fluid capacity (about 7 quarts) in the system to better take heat from transmission components. This heat is then released to the air via the turbulator cooling tubes that run through that fluid. This type of cooler is great if you prefer not to mess around with the truck's transmission lines and/or if you will soon need transmission service anyway. Have the new pan cooler installed next time you change out the trans fluid. You can use this cooler if you have one of these transmissions in your truck: E4OD, 4R100, 5R110 or 5R110W.

If your towing travels find you routinely pulling up steep grades in especially hot climates you could install both radiator and pan types of passive cooler at once. Transmission fluid really cannot be over-cooled.

After a transmission cooler the next heat-reduction priority for tow vehicles is a power steering fluid cooler like # D13200, also from Derale.