Tranny/Towing Question...

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by Chris0nllyn

The trans cooler will keep the oil temps down, and the servos don't let the clutch packs slip as much when changing gears (firmer shifts), in turn, prolonging the life of the trans..

Along those same lines, you might be able to reprogram the computer to do that, depending on year and engine/tranny. I use one on my 4.8 L GMC. In "high power" mode which is designed for towing, the shift points change and the shifts are much firmer.

Downside is that I have to use 93 octane fuel and get really bad mileage.

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by GWguy

Along those same lines, you might be able to reprogram the computer to do that, depending on year and engine/tranny. I use one on my 4.8 L GMC. In "high power" mode which is designed for towing, the shift points change and the shifts are much firmer.

Downside is that I have to use 93 octane fuel and get really bad mileage.

Originally Posted by Chris0nllyn

There's no specific number, but usually it's around 100,000 miles at 175*, and closer to 75,000 miles at 200*

Once you start getting toward 300*, trans life drops dramatically. To the tune of 15,000 miles.

The effect is also cumulative. Short term exposure to high heat levels (or even prolonged exposure to moderate heat) can break down the oil to the point where even very short episodes of overheating will lead to failure.

IMO, Keep your trans fluid, and filter changed regularly, I'd ad a trans cooler, along with some servos (or get a tune to bump the line pressure up).

The trans cooler will keep the oil temps down, and the servos don't let the clutch packs slip as much when changing gears (firmer shifts), in turn, prolonging the life of the trans..

[GWguy]

Originally Posted by Chris0nllyn

(or get a tune to bump the line pressure up).

Didn't realize that's what you meant.....

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by GWguy

Didn't realize that's what you meant.....

No worries, I call it a tune, I should have clarified.

[HollyRockJT]

I have a programmer/tuner installed on the truck. It has a tow mode which I do use when I'm towing the camper. Granted, the shift isn't 'smooth' but it isn't jerky either.

I have the stock trans cooler which I am considering changing out. But I'm not sure if I should try changing it first, or just adding an AUX cooler. Driving around yesterday and today, I noticed I was running around 140F (from what the programmer was saying).

I may just be getting a little paranoid trying to make sure I don't end up killing my truck before I can easily afford a new/newer one

The truck tows it fine, I mean, I know it's back there, and etc..etc... I just want to make sure I'm being fair to the truck

[Chris0nllyn]

Originally Posted by HollyRockJT

I have a programmer/tuner installed on the truck. It has a tow mode which I do use when I'm towing the camper. Granted, the shift isn't 'smooth' but it isn't jerky either.

I have the stock trans cooler which I am considering changing out. But I'm not sure if I should try changing it first, or just adding an AUX cooler. Driving around yesterday and today, I noticed I was running around 140F (from what the programmer was saying).

I may just be getting a little paranoid trying to make sure I don't end up killing my truck before I can easily afford a new/newer one

The truck tows it fine, I mean, I know it's back there, and etc..etc... I just want to make sure I'm being fair to the truck

Personally, I'd run an aux cooler, with a filter in-line. The filter will allow you to go longer without changing the trans filter. Plus, if you place it right, it can be an easy change.

Can't go wrong with keeping the trans cool.

[TimTheToolMan]

Originally Posted by Chris0nllyn

Personally, I'd run an aux cooler, with a filter in-line. The filter will allow you to go longer without changing the trans filter. Plus, if you place it right, it can be an easy change.

Can't go wrong with keeping the trans cool.

I second that. The AUX cooler and extra filter won't hurt!

[kom526]

Hotels.com

Problem solved. (I don't think trannys are a part of their search parameters though.

[bcp (Premo)]

Originally Posted by HollyRockJT

I tried doing a quick search on google, but I'm not really finding what I'm looking for. I could be asking the question wrong as well.


When towing a heavy load, ie - camper. Any guess what a good transmission temp is? At what temp do I want to start getting worried? With the hotter days coming along, and some of our trips being a few hours of driving, I am curious to see if I need to upgrade my tranny cooler or not.

I want to say, the warmest I've seen it was 210F, and that was going up the mountains to Luray Caverns. I think normally it runs around 180-190 towing the camper though...

The F150 forums I found 2 links on didn't really give ideas on temps though, just where to find them, and if you need to upgrade, which style to go with.

(2003 F150 SCrew 4x4 if it helps any with info)

I cant speak specifically as far as the ford goes however
with the Allison T-1000,
empty the trans runs anywhere from 150 to to 180 depending on outside temp. ( good guess is 100 degrees above outside air temp, but never goes over 180)
With 12k on the back, up to 80 degrees outside it will run around 180, if it gets a bit hotter outside you can expect it to hit 200, if it goes over 220 the cooling fans come on to cool it back down. over heat is at 260 to 300. Ive never seen it that high even in mountains.

One more thing, if you are thinking about a trans upgrade, check out Sun Coast. I think they do Ford transmissions also.

[HollyRockJT]

Driving home yesterday I was running at 155ish. I talked to WickedWrench, my good ole trusted Ford mech, and he said stop thinking about it and do it

Had me crawling under the truck telling him which trans I had, etc... gave me the whole run down on how to install it, the whole 9 yards. It's nice having friends that know your rig and have 99% of the answers


I am going to get one ordered today, hope to install it Saturday, and will run my first tow with it on Tuesday. So I will def have to post how well it works. Tuesday will be roughly a 2.5-3hr haul up to Gordonsville Va. So not to terrain horrible, but a few hills to get an idea on at least. And with it being the 3rd, I'm sure I'll hit some stop and go traffic along the way.