Derale Transmission Cooler for 2003 Ford Explorer Towing 3200-lb Boat Trailer

Question:

Im interested in the Derale 13504 trans cooler for my Explorer. Will it fit and do I need the optional install kit ? You dont have them, but I also am planning on adding a Trick Flow deep trans pan 2 qts. Additional capacity,and a temp guage. Ill also be adding a Curt class 3 hitch. The vehicle has a 4.6 v-8, 5 speed auto trans, 355 rear, and 4wd. I bought it mainly for towing my 3,200 lb boat. Ive heard the trannys on these vehicles are notorious for overheating ! Your opinion on this set up ?f

asked by: Gil

Expert Reply:

Generally the priority for cooling fluids in a tow vehicle is engine oil first, followed by transmission fluid, and then power steering fluid, if desired. Coolers like the Derale # D13504 are not fluid-specific; this cooler can be used for engine oil or transmission fluid. Coolers are also not vehicle-specific; you can use the largest cooler that will fit the space available for mounting one.

Since you are planning to use a deep-pan tranny cooler I suggest you consider adding an engine oil cooler if your Explorer does not already have one. We do offer both single-fluid and combination coolers in case you wish to have both engine oil and transmission fluid cooling in one unit. If you do choose a transmission cooler (in addition to the deep transmission pan) you will need the Derale Radiator Adapter Fittings for Ford, part # D13025.

Engine oil coolers require either a spin-on or a sandwich adapter. Spin-on adapters mount on the oil filter landing and supply external lines for the cooler; these require you to move your oil filter from its factory position and remote mount it elsewhere in the engine compartment for easier oil changes. Sandwich adapters mount between the engine and oil filter and supply external lines for the cooler; these allow the oil filter to remain in its factory-installed position.

Your first step is to measure the space available for mounting a cooler. Generally the best location for maximum efficiency is in front of the AC condenser. Coolers can be mounted in other locations with slightly reduced cooling performance. Please take a look at the linked article which details the types of coolers available as well as guidance for selecting a mounting location.

Once you know your available mounting space in your preferred location you can choose largest cooler that will fit. Be sure to allow enough room for the inlet and outlet hoses; avoid routing those lines in such a way that they have to make sharp bends that could restrict fluid flow. I have linked our main page for oil coolers. For maximum cooling efficiency I suggest a Class V sandwich adapter cooler such as Derale # D15405, but you can select any that fits your preferred location.