Can you have factory tranny cooler without the tow package ?

[Explorer_PL]

Yesterday, I was under our 2007 EB v6 that as far as I knew did not have the tow package, since it had the class 2 receiver, and I am pretty sure there are transmission lines going up to a cooler by the radiator.

I always believed that any model with the small receiver would not have the auxiliary tranny cooler.
Am I wrong here ?

 

[michael loibl]

My 2006 v6 Eddie with class 2 hitch has the factory trans cooler. Not sure if it's smaller than what I would have had with the tow package.

I was also happy to find the grey brake controler plug under dash, and the blue brake wire by the rear bumper

 

[Tech By Trade]

Pretty sure they all have the aux cooler. Its built into the rad and there is only one rad listed, well two but the only difference is the fittings for the early vs late 06 builds.

 

[Explorer_PL]

I probably misused the word "auxiliary". I know they all have it in the radiator. I am talking about the external small cooler behind the grill.

 

[michael loibl]

Yup PL, mine is small and in front of the radiator. Line coming out of radiator goes to it, then out and back to the trans.

 

[Explorer_PL]

That's interesting....

It was going to be my summer project to add a cooler to the 07. I would be for a surprise there
It also kills my theory that the extra cooler helps prolong the live of 5R55, mine went at 117k miles, lost the reverse, and messed up few forward gears.
If I can, Ill measure the cooler on the v8 and compare to the v6, most likely they are the same. Also, you can't get to them easily.

Next thing, I need to check the axle code, maybe I have 3.73 already.

 

[tripplec]

I doubt the factory grill in front cooler is sufficient for heavy duty towing and especially plowing. Its quite small IMO and not the very efficient flat plate design I have installed myself in other vehicles. Moderate loads and non extreme distance towing in temps under 30C it should be ample. Otherwise I'd seriously consider replacing it with one of much better coolers out there and know for sure your cooling is more than bare minimum in ability. Every one of my vehicles has had one in it and tranny's alway lasted. Hence it depends on many factors if its good enough for your use or not. If the temperature can be determined then you'll quickly fine the answer. There is no dipstick to even feel the status.

 

[Explorer_PL]

I know I am a very small sample to prove anything, but as you know I am plowing (non commercially) and tow frequently different trailers. In metric units, I am at about 393,000 km on the original 6R60 tranny so I can't complain. It may go south any moment, but it shifts same way id did 10 years ago. Fluid changed every 100,000 km or less. I believe the 6R is a completely different animal that 5R.

 

[ExplorerDuece]

I am looking to add a transmission cooler to my '07. Is it better to connect to the existing metal lines or just straight hose to hose?

 

[tripplec]

Not sure but if you're in series with the existing system and it goes to the tranny from you add - on cooler then you're golden.

 

[thebrakeman]

This question is not about what I would call the bulb-type "oil-to-water" cooler that is housed within the engine-coolant radiator. He's asking about an auxiliary cooler that would be run in-line with that radiator-cooler.

According to the Ford Towing Guide, (2007, page 14):
Explorer with Std tow package (1¼" receiver) has an "X" for the "Transmission Oil-to-Air" cooler, which means it has this cooler. If it did not have it, there would be a "-".
Explorer with the optional 53G tow package (2" receiver) has "(Std)" for the Trans Oil-to-Air cooler, again, indicating that it's standard for all Explorers, regardless of which receiver/package you have.