Installing Oil Cooler in 2004 Ford Escape to Maximize Towing Capacity  

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I did some online research, and from what I read, it seems that the 2004 Escape will already have a transmission cooler if it's equipped with an automatic transmission. I saw several references that stated the Ford 'Tow Package' for that vehicle included the hitch, trailer wiring and an oil cooler.

As a first step, I'd confirm that your Escape has the tranny cooler. Look for a smaller heat exchanger (radiator) mounted directly behind the front grille of the vehicle, that's probably about 12 to 16 inches long and about 8 or so inches tall. The cooler would have two steel lines leading to your transmission.

I would install an oil cooler like the Derale # D15605. The cooler would install using a oil filter sandwich adapter. You would remove the existing oil filter, install the sandwich adapter, and replace the oil filter. You would install the cooler itself at the front of the radiator, behind the grille where air flow would provide cooling. You would then use the hoses and fittings to connect the cooler to the adapter. Be aware that the cooler and lines will slightly expand your crankcase capacity, you might need to add a bit of oil to bring it up to the proper fill level. Also be aware that the sandwich adapter will add between 1-1/2 and 2 inches to the length of your oil filter. Before purchasing the kit, make sure there aren't any obstructions that would prevent you from easily changing the oil filter when necessary.

For a hitch, I would highly recommend the Draw-Tite # 75118, the ball mount kit, part # 989900. If you don't already have a trailer wiring harness with 4-pole trailer connector, you can install one using part # 119178KIT.

expert reply by: Mike L

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