Trans cooler options

[jeffncs]

Build: 77 bronco, 3.5” lift, 35s, 4.11s, 94 5.0, c4, PS box ported for a ram (hydraulic lines prevent using trans cooling fittings), 94 Explorer radiator (reverse flow and trans fittings on drivers side)

Truck will see lots of time around town and as much time on the rocks / mud as possible in NC (mild winters, hot summers).

I’ve essentially exhausted options to use the 94 Explorer radiator trans cooler so I’m looking for alternate trans cooler options.

Option A: largest possible, single, stacked remote trans cooler that will fit in front of the radiator. 13”wide x 20”tall will fit without interference with the hood latch

Option B: 2 small-medium stacked remote coolers run in series in front of the radiator, one on each side. Maybe 10”wide x 20”tall.


I feel like “A” should work fine and “B” may be a bit of overkill…. But I also like overbuilt rigs. Is there an option “C” I’m missing?

A….. B…. C?

I need to order parts ASAP so advice is appreciated!

 

[Yeller]

This may be too long to fit, but is my go to Transmission cooler cools everything I’ve ever put it on exceptionally well.

This is the Cooler in my bronco. It’s a direct fit for an early 7.3 power stroke truck. I know a particular bronco builder that puts these in just about every build.

 

[904Bronco]

This is on Clifford, in conjunction with the trans cooler in the US Radiator. Biggest one that barely fits on the passenger side, never tried it on the Drivers side.

Hayden Rapid cool trans cooler #689

Summit Racing

2/11/25

Hayden transmission cooler with an fittings

HAD-689

$ 78.99

 

[toddz69]

I've run combinations of A, B, C, D.... . In my opinion, there's no "overkill" options when it comes to cooling autos in EBs.

For the longest time, I ran a B combo with a cooler of the dimensions that the @904Bronco has (in about the same location) in combination with the second cooler that @Yeller links in his post. I ran the second cooler down behind the front bumper and also in front of the radiator. It generally worked pretty well but I could occasionally still get the transmission pretty warm on long climbs/hot days/slow speeds (200-215). That second cooler was also replaced by a Setrab cooler at some point too.

About a year ago, I switched back to running it through the radiator and then out through a cooler like the first one that @Yeller linked. That has worked pretty well although I only have one hot AZ summer's worth of testing on it. I don't think it's gotten over 200 at any point yet. That's about the largest cooler you can fit in an EB. It's based on the Super Duty V10 cooler of yore - slightly larger than the 7.3 PSD cooler in @Yeller's second link. A note of caution/recommendation - if you do go with the first option that @Yeller linked, please be sure and seek out a genuine Tru-Cool cooler - the one linked and many out there are cheap knockoffs. The real ones are more $$ but I like the piece of mind of using a quality piece.

And if for some reason you decide to go with the second one in @Yeller's post, I have a brand new/never used Dorman one that I'd sell for cheap .

Todd Z.

 

[pbwcr]

I tried several ways for a tranny cooler. Some were very expensive. Then I studied my 96 Bronco with the HD cooling.( tow Package. A quick trip to he junk yard and picked up several . Discarded the ones with leaks of bent fins. Also I got the associated tubing so I would not have to search for fittings. The Ford coolers are the stack plate design which is always the preferred kind if cooler. All the purchased coolers were not stack plate ,but were the typical tub/fin design.
Anyway it fit nicely in front of the radiator, Cooling result was good. Cost was very low. Keep an eye out next summer when I put the left over coolers on the market place site.
By the way, I would never try to cool the trans with the engine radiator option. I believe in cooling not heating. Also living in Colorado the high and low temperatures I always my various rigs. that way.

 

[lars]

After installing a 4R70W behind my 408 I initially set cooling up just like @904Bronco described in post #3. That proved adequate until I pushed things on a high altitude slow speed steep mountain road during a trip last year and saw temps spiking past 200. I replaced the small external cooler with one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6XJG3JP/?tag=classicbroncos-20

I'm running an Explorer serpentine system behind my 3 row US radiator (thanks again @toddz69). While I was at it I followed @Viperwolf1's guidance and replaced the OEM fan clutch with one of these: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/FSS-46049

While I drove it regularly with AC blasting during the usual hot Sacramento Valley summer last year I haven't pushed it like I did on the trip, but so far I haven't seen anything hotter than 165.

 

[Yeller]

@lars posted a better, known manufacturer, of the same cooler I posted. Thank you Lars!

 

[ntsqd]

I prefer to use the liquid to liquid heat exchanger in the radiator to moderate the ATF temperature as well as cool it. Doesn't sound like that's an option for the OP.

 

[jeffncs]

The stock radiator really isn’t an option. This is a 94 radiator from an explorer. I let and outlets are correct as well as it’s a reverse flow design.

The issue is at the lower trans fitting location. See pic. The lower fitting needs a bushing to install a 90° fitting to turn the hose down. The 90 comes close to where the PS box hydraulic line will be. Things may squeeze on but not optimistic. The distance is closer than it looks in that zoomed in pic.

Edit to add - the rad is just standing in place. It’s not mounted yet. Clearance to the PS box will be better at final install.

 

[ba123]

I've got a remote trans cooler that's almost new for sale in the classifieds section.
https://classicbroncos.com/forums/threads/deral-hyper-cool-remote-cooler-13960.329629/