inh
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- June 30, 2005
- Messages
- 1,299
- Reaction score
- 5
- City, State
- Springfield(ish), MO
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '00 XLS
A well known fact among people with experience with the Ford 5r55e transmission is that it has an internal thermostat that blocks fluid flow to the radiator until it reaches a temperature of 150-175 degrees Fahrenheit. I believe the spec is 150 degrees, but personally mine doesnt open till 175, far too high in my opinion.
As seen in this thread most people see transmission temps significantly lower than the 175 I get. And once I start offroading, or hauling a truckload of junk up a hill on the highway, temps go up to 220, even as high as 230 sometimes. I have added an external filter, as well as a b&m cooler so seeing 230 degree temps was somewhat of a surprise. I think this is because at 175 constantly, it doesn't take much to heat up to much higher and more dangerous temps.
There is some controversy over whether or not it is a worthwhile mod to do, and only time will tell for sure. If you live on the north pole, maybe not such a good idea, but I think for most climates it's fine.
Superior makes a shift improvement kit that includes a small metal piece to bypass the internal thermostat. I THINK it keeps a little plunger from plugging a hole in a valve below a set temperature. Somehow, this allows fluid to flow to the cooler all the time.
As seen in this thread most people see transmission temps significantly lower than the 175 I get. And once I start offroading, or hauling a truckload of junk up a hill on the highway, temps go up to 220, even as high as 230 sometimes. I have added an external filter, as well as a b&m cooler so seeing 230 degree temps was somewhat of a surprise. I think this is because at 175 constantly, it doesn't take much to heat up to much higher and more dangerous temps.
There is some controversy over whether or not it is a worthwhile mod to do, and only time will tell for sure. If you live on the north pole, maybe not such a good idea, but I think for most climates it's fine.
Superior makes a shift improvement kit that includes a small metal piece to bypass the internal thermostat. I THINK it keeps a little plunger from plugging a hole in a valve below a set temperature. Somehow, this allows fluid to flow to the cooler all the time.