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1986 Trans Cooler Location??

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Old Sep 14, 2016 | 11:52 PM
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Default 1986 Trans Cooler Location??

I have a 1986 automatic coupe. I am having a hard time trying to mount a transmission cooler. I have a Dewitts radiator and do not want to mount any cooler with those plastic ties to my new radiator. The only trans coolers that seem to fit would be the heat sink type. I would rather use a finned cooler.

Does anyone have pictures of their installed trans coolers??

thanks for the help...
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 12:42 AM
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Originally Posted by rrt898
I have a 1986 automatic coupe. I am having a hard time trying to mount a transmission cooler. I have a Dewitts radiator and do not want to mount any cooler with those plastic ties to my new radiator. The only trans coolers that seem to fit would be the heat sink type. I would rather use a finned cooler.

Does anyone have pictures of their installed trans coolers??

thanks for the help...
I just bought one tonight on kijiji for my 87 700r4.

Are you saying you cannot get the plastic mounts through your rad or you don't want to? Is there a reason that would be bad?

I read grumps thread and then a few on here and it seemed like the right way to do it was as you said, in front of the rad. Looking fwd to other replies as I'm right there with rrt898

Last edited by VikingTrad3r; Sep 15, 2016 at 12:43 AM.
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 08:16 AM
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Is the trans getting that hot or is it even necessary?
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 09:18 AM
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for me its because i have to start towing with my 87.
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 09:20 AM
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^^^^^
KIDDING!!! hahaha.


im doing it because im going to start running my 87 700r4 on the road track and i figure its prudent.

Last edited by VikingTrad3r; Sep 15, 2016 at 09:20 AM.
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by VikingTrad3r
for me its because i have to start towing with my 87.
Didn't know if they made good hitches for the C4 or if it makes a good tow vehicle
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by VikingTrad3r
^^^^^
KIDDING!!! hahaha.


im doing it because im going to start running my 87 700r4 on the road track and i figure its prudent.
Any idea if it gets hot enough to warrant one?
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 09:31 AM
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im basing it purely on research here on on the forum for how to safely road track a 700r4.
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 03:22 PM
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I have a 1994, so yours may be different. I added a B&M trans cooler because I installed a 3000 stall converter. I placed mine between the condensor and radiator. I didn't want to add brackets or drill holes, so I just got old radiator hose, cut four pieces, each several inches long. I slit the pieces longitudinally, and placed two pieces on the bottom of the trans cooler and two on the top side. They fit snugly, and it held the cooler in place between the radiator and condensor, with absolutely no movement. I've been driving it for about four months like this with no problems and the cooler is still firmly in place. I know purists like to drill holes and add brackets to keep the trans cooler in place, some even cut the wheel well and place it in there. Mine isn't the only way, maybe not the best way...but it is super easy and works.
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 03:32 PM
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I just used the plastic things and mounted mine to the AC condenser, right out in front.
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Old Sep 15, 2016 | 08:01 PM
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Originally Posted by VikingTrad3r
im basing it purely on research here on on the forum for how to safely road track a 700r4.
IF that was what you are doing, IIRC, the optimum temp is 175 or so. On my Powerstroke, I have a higher than stock stall but the temp is about 75 above ambient, give or take. Ford experimented with all kinds of sensors in the trans but found that you cannot do much with the larger pans so in the 6.0 they went to a larger cooler instead of the small one. That is good for towing though and the trans is mated to an 8000# truck.

If I was going to go that route, I'd first get a trans temp gauge in the pan and see what kinds of temps I am running. That way, I know if I need more cooling, less cooling or just right. Also guides me on what size cooler I need to have.
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Old Sep 16, 2016 | 10:04 PM
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Since I have done some engine work with a 2400 stall. My trans is heating up very quickly and running at about 240 degrees. It used to run around 190-210 (depending on the driving and weather). I have a trans temp gauge, a finned aluminum pan, and a heat sink type cooler. The cooler is mounted in the opening on the front of the car. I think I need a bigger cooler and or a different type.
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Old Sep 16, 2016 | 10:06 PM
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Originally Posted by VikingTrad3r
I just bought one tonight on kijiji for my 87 700r4.

Are you saying you cannot get the plastic mounts through your rad or you don't want to? Is there a reason that would be bad?

I read grumps thread and then a few on here and it seemed like the right way to do it was as you said, in front of the rad. Looking fwd to other replies as I'm right there with rrt898
I am saying that I do not like that type of mounting. I would rather mount the cooler to the car.
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Old Sep 16, 2016 | 10:37 PM
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Originally Posted by rrt898
Since I have done some engine work with a 2400 stall. My trans is heating up very quickly and running at about 240 degrees. It used to run around 190-210 (depending on the driving and weather). I have a trans temp gauge, a finned aluminum pan, and a heat sink type cooler. The cooler is mounted in the opening on the front of the car. I think I need a bigger cooler and or a different type.
Anyone know if the finned pans do anything? Based off what one of the people on the Ford team that designed the trans, it doesn't. They had sensors all over the trans but it did nothing which is why they went to a much larger cooler when they made the 6.0 using a 5R110 while the 7.3 using the 4R100 had a cooler about a third of the size.
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