Leaking Oil Cooler or Trans Cooler?

[ourjob]

Hi,

I'm new the forum and this is my first post. I recently purchased an '00 XLT 4.0L 4x4 with 95k mi for $6k even. :exp:
Pretty good deal and its in pretty good condition.

Four months later, I notice a large puddle in the garage. It has a very slight reddish tint so I initially assumed it was tranny fluid.

Seems the leak is coming from this cooler.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/tastycakemix/CIMG0322.jpg

Question: What is this cooler? Is it the oil or tranny cooler. I searched through previous posts so I wouldn't post a frequently asked question and annoy everyone. From my research, the tranny cooler is attached to the radiator so my guess is its an oil cooler.

I wanted to take my stab at fixing it.

Other facts:
1) My ex changed the oil in it last and overfilled it by 1.5 - 2 quarts. Haven't drained it yet.
2) Power steering fluid was a tad bit low. Didn't take much to fill it back up.

Your help is appreciated. Plan on keeping this truck for 10 or so years (yea I said it).

 

[JIGAWHAAT]

Looks like your tranny cooler to me.
As for the oil, I would drain it asap and you might want to think about going synthetic while you are at it. Most here use mobil 1.
As for the power steering fluid, Im not sure there was a question there.
Good luck.

 

[pumpkin]

2) Power steering fluid was a tad bit low. Didn't take much to fill it back up.

That is the power steering cooler. Right below that is the rack and pinion and that might be the culprit. Hose it off real good, drive around a little bit and see if you can find the leak. I have never taken a stab at one of those.

 

[ourjob]

I'm taking care of the oil tomorrow after work.

I figured it may have something to do with the power steering. I never heard of a power steering cooler and didn't want to sound like a distsy newbie so I didn't want to throw that guess out.

I did wipe a bit off and noticed the drip came from the bottom portion. I'm going to do some research. Found this so far just to see what is involved. I'm still going to locate a site for the specific application.
http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/Suspension_Steering_Axles_and_Brakes/Power_Steering_Cooler.htm


I found a few threads regarding this as well.
Thanks!

 

[JIGAWHAAT]

Well I am still waiting for someone else to chime in here because I still think its the tranny cooler. although I have been wrong before.

 

[Turdle]

could be the power steering cooler.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The P/S fluid was low. Did you see if the transmission fluid was also low?

 

[daves97sport]

That's the same location that my '97 4.0 OHV has the power steering cooler.
My Son's '92 Super Coupe had his leak a couple years ago and we thought it was the rack. That's the first time I realized they put coolers on the power steering. He bypassed it (it was cool weather) with a piece of high pressure hose until he found one cheap on the internet.

 

[IZwack]

The item pictured is the power steering cooler. The transmission cooler (if your vehicle has one) is mounted in front of the radiator. The power steering cooler is mounted above the rack/pinion unit.