is it possible to use an external cooler and disconnect the stock leaking fittings?

[cutt]

do we have to use the factory cooler on 2006

 

[polizi212]

As long as you have a cooler to use and the transmission has the proper amount of fluid, it will make no difference if you use the stock cooler or an aftermarket one.

 

[Maniak]

do we have to use the factory cooler on 2006

I'm no expert on the trans in that new of an explorer BUT, if it has an internal thermal valve like the 5r55e trans then Yes, you can bypass the factory cooler.

The issue you don't want is over cooling which is possible if you bypass the factory trans heat exchanger (which heats the fluid in cold weather, not just cool it when it is hot) and drive in cold weather (below freezing etc)..

If the trans you have has an internal thermal valve then it won't let the fluid out to the trans cooler until it is warm enough anyway and you don't have to worry about over cooling..

You do need to make sure you get a big enough trans cooler if you are going to bypass the factory heat exchanger. Most Aux trans coolers are just that, Aux coolers. You can get bigger ones that can be used as the only cooler but you just need to get one big enough..

I use a big tru cool max trans cooler on the tow rig as the only cooler. TGVW of around 14k lbs (tow rig, trailer and X on the trailer) heading up a long grade in 100F got the fluid pan temp up to about 180F. It is a big cooler.. Tru Cool Max model # 4739

~Mark

 

[2000StreetRod]

radiator internal cooler?

Are the leaking fittings the ones to the internal cooler in the radiator? If so, no reasonably sized external cooler will be as effective as the radiator internal cooler. Liquid to liquid coolers are much more effective than liquid to air coolers.