2003 4.6 V-8 Transmission Cooling Lines

[oldnnew]

I have a leaking transmission cooling line on my 2003 Explorer V-8 Limited and I am having a tough time finding replacement parts. It appears that there is NO trans cooler inside the radiator on this truck, just a standalone cooler. This truck does have the towing package. It's the first vehicle that I've owned that doesn't have trans cooling integrated into the radiator. Weird. Anyhow, has anyone else replaced their trans lines, and if so, what did you use? I'm leaning towards replacing all the lines with transmission hose. Apparently the stock lines are no longer available... Anyone chime in on this with their own experience? And what size rubber line should be used for this? Thanks!

 

[Donystoy]

Where is the line leaking? Generally on these types of low pressure lines they are repaired with tubing of the same size and compression fittings. I have even seen them repaired with rubber hoses and clamps. Unless you are restoring a classic car and want to be concourse correct anything reliable will work. Now if it is leaking at a special fitting you will have more of a challenge. Have not looked at mine to see how it is connected.

 

[oldnnew]

I'm definitely not worried about concourse correct on this vehicle! Lol! I just want it to be a reliable repair. It's hard to see, but it looks like it's leaking where the hose connects to the barb fitting at the cooler. It appears to be a 2 piece cooling line. Starts as metal lines out of the transmission, then towards the front of the engine the steel lines are connected to rubber lines that then run to the cooler. There is no trans cooler in the radiator so the system is pretty simple, just goes from the trans to the cooler. I'm starting to assume that the factory lines aren't available any longer because most people must just be swapping in trans rubber hose to repair?