2015, Upgrade to Heavy Duty Towing

[Langer]

@Bigfishfin I’m looking to do this now to my 2017 XLT, am I understanding correctly you only needed those 4 pieces to upgrade to HD cooler? Thanks in advanced.

 

[chuck s]

2017 HD Tow includes the following so you won't get full HD Tow with just the auxiliary transmission radiator.

Seven wire harness
Aux trans cooler
Radiator upgrade
Brake wiring kit
Brake controller

The receiver on the back is good to 9200 pounds with a WDH (same Class IV receiver with HD Tow) but the truck is only rated at 6000 pounds without the HD Tow option which includes the two radiators -- watch your engine coolant temps even with the aux trans cooler. Transmission temps are paramount.

-- Chuck

 

[Langer]

Thanks, Chuck. In a perfect world I’d have the time and spare cash to do both hd radiator and trans cooler, but for the type of towing and limited distances I’ll be going, I’m not as worried about engine temps as I am trans temps. Will monitor engine temps while towing and adjust the current plan as necessary.

 

[LovinPSDs]

Sorry, don't intend to be difficult, but I am not convinced. I have seen the same exploded parts diagram, with the slightly different part numbers on a "standard" VS "HD radiator" (with the standard radiator sans transmission cooler). But, there are probably no auto transmissioned vehicles produced (including Expys) that do not have a transmission cooler integrated into the radiator...But, not wanting to "beat a dead horse) if I ever experience engine overheat conditions, I can add a HD radiator for some $300...not a big deal. I will report back if that event happens...In the mean time, here are photos of the factory transmission cooler I added to my '15...Cost $150.00 slipped into the factory bracket (already in place), add a couple of factory pipes and life is good!...

View attachment 21907

View attachment 21908

View attachment 21909

BigFishFin - Digging up an old one here.... Did you ever experience high temps with the "Non HD radiator" that has only kinda been proven exists? I'm thinking about the DIY HD tow package as well... Perhaps with better than factory parts if you will.

 

[Bigfishfin]

I have posted elsewhere my real world results from my new to me 2017 Outdoors RV Creekside 21RDS trailer. ODRV units are considered heavy, I have towed over mountain passes in 85 degree temps and never had the engine temp raise over center normal. The trans temps never have gotten over 210 degrees and most level travel have shown less than 200 degree trans temps...Set up with a Equilizer 4 way, 1,000 pound hitch and 10 ply LT tires, towing is very comfortable...

 

[07navi]

Howdy!...I wanted an Expy to replace my very old Durango, and did research on late model Expys to see what would fit my needs. A major requirement is that I have a cargo trailer I pull frequently and thus needed a HD tow package. In my investigation, (aided by this forum, thank you all) was information that trailer wiring for a 7 way plug was largely a factory wired item for the standard XLT and the stock hitch receiver was class 4. In addition, I checked high and low and could find NO viable evidence there is in fact a "standard VS HD" radiator option, (checked online and with local dealership parts dept.) To be clear, only one radiator is available, that I could find, and the fin count on my stock unit is 19 per inch, which some postings of Ford pickups, etc., indicate to be HD.

So, the only issues I could find that would prevent me from having the factory equivalent HD tow package on a standard late model XLT was: 3.31 differential gearing, an auxiliary transmission cooler and a trailer brake controller.

Armed with this information, I search for and found a 2015 XLT with low miles. I have now added the 10 gauge battery wire from the plug under the power brake unit to the rear and installed a 7 way plug, added a factory transmission cooler and a trailer brake controller. All this cost about $300.00 and my time of maybe 5 hours (used to twist wrenches). The only difference I see now from this rig having a factory HD tow package (15,200 lb GVW) is the 3.31 gearing as opposed to the 3.73 gearing and I don't consider that an issue because of the minor 0.42 gearing difference as well as the low rpm torque range of the Ecoboost. I also use a weight distributing hitch on my trailer. BTW, tows great!...

Any thoughts? Have photos of transmission cooler install if interested.

I don't think the 3.7 rear end is part of the tow package, I think it just came in the 4wd and maybe the ext length trucks.

 

[LovinPSDs]

BigFishFin - Digging up an old one here.... Did you ever experience high temps with the "Non HD radiator" that has only kinda been proven exists? I'm thinking about the DIY HD tow package as well... Perhaps with better than factory parts if you will.

Good stuff... has anyone actual proven visually that the HD radiator exists? I know there are two part numbers that eventually land you to one part number.... Just curious. I'm going to go for a bigass transmission cooler and brake control, then monitor accordingly.

Been doing a ton of reading and trying to figure if below is a direct replacement. I'm about 2x the size of the factory HD tow.. I think this is what the F150 guys refer to as the "Saudi Cooler"

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-oil-cooler-asy-dl3z7a095b

 

[07navi]

Good stuff... has anyone actual proven visually that the HD radiator exists? I know there are two part numbers that eventually land you to one part number.... Just curious. I'm going to go for a bigass transmission cooler and brake control, then monitor accordingly.

Been doing a ton of reading and trying to figure if below is a direct replacement. I'm about 2x the size of the factory HD tow.. I think this is what the F150 guys refer to as the "Saudi Cooler"

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/ford-oil-cooler-asy-dl3z7a095b

Somebody in here measured them so yes.

 

[LovinPSDs]

Somebody in here measured them so yes.

So I keep hearing.. love to see it. It’s all good though. Can always throw in a high quality aluminum if it poses a problem

 

[cptncmmndo]

I don't think the 3.7 rear end is part of the tow package, I think it just came in the 4wd and maybe the ext length trucks.

My '16 is a 4x4 XLT EL w/o the heavy duty tow, and has 3.73 gears. I'm thinking all 4x4 EL's have 3.73, and I've heard all EL's in general have them too. Not sure about the 2WDs though.

 

[JasonH]

My '16 is a 4x4 XLT EL w/o the heavy duty tow, and has 3.73 gears. I'm thinking all 4x4 EL's have 3.73, and I've heard all EL's in general have them too. Not sure about the 2WDs though.

Some of the 2WD ELs with HD Tow are 3.31. The 3.73 was an option with the LSD.

 

[HavasuMike]

Went to order the parts for the upgrade to my 2016. Got the cooler and one of the tubes, but when I went to order BL3Z-7B028, I got 3 different items. -A says lower return pipe, -C says lower return tube, and -B says says automatic transmission oil cooler hose assemble. Anyone know which one to order?

 

[Rmcculloch]

I have the exact same question as HavasuMike...
3 different hoses pop up for BL3Z-7B028
Any idea which it is?

 

[Bigfishfin]

Seems the problem is the ending letter in the part number...

Off of my original order:

7L1Z-7A095-B...Trans cooler

FL1Z-7C410-A....Inlet tube

BL3Z-7B028-C...Pressure line

9L8Z-7Z465-A...Pressure line connector (in case of breakage of this nylon part)

N804837-S...Sight shield retainer (You might consider a few of these because of breakage removing the top trim piece)

This is of course for a 2015 Expy!...Hope this ends confusion!...

 

[HavasuMike]

Thanks very much, Bigfishfin

 

[nater]

I highly recommend the larger trans cooler, part number
DL3Z-7A095-B

You will need to cut the top hose exactly 2.5" but otherwise it is a perfect fit and has twice the cooling capacity.

Here it is mounted in my Expy:

 

[Scott Lundberg]

Hi guys, I know this thread is old but I hope someone has some input! I just got my transmission cooler today, and while looking it over, noticed that there is no inlet or outlet labeling.
Might seem like a dumb question, but does the direction of flow matter? Or either way it is installed will work? Help! Thank you in advance!

 

[Anthony DeVor]

Howdy!...I wanted an Expy to replace my very old Durango, and did research on late model Expys to see what would fit my needs. A major requirement is that I have a cargo trailer I pull frequently and thus needed a HD tow package. In my investigation, (aided by this forum, thank you all) was information that trailer wiring for a 7 way plug was largely a factory wired item for the standard XLT and the stock hitch receiver was class 4. In addition, I checked high and low and could find NO viable evidence there is in fact a "standard VS HD" radiator option, (checked online and with local dealership parts dept.) To be clear, only one radiator is available, that I could find, and the fin count on my stock unit is 19 per inch, which some postings of Ford pickups, etc., indicate to be HD.

So, the only issues I could find that would prevent me from having the factory equivalent HD tow package on a standard late model XLT was: 3.31 differential gearing, an auxiliary transmission cooler and a trailer brake controller.

Armed with this information, I search for and found a 2015 XLT with low miles. I have now added the 10 gauge battery wire from the plug under the power brake unit to the rear and installed a 7 way plug, added a factory transmission cooler and a trailer brake controller. All this cost about $300.00 and my time of maybe 5 hours (used to twist wrenches). The only difference I see now from this rig having a factory HD tow package (15,200 lb GVW) is the 3.31 gearing as opposed to the 3.73 gearing and I don't consider that an issue because of the minor 0.42 gearing difference as well as the low rpm torque range of the Ecoboost. I also use a weight distributing hitch on my trailer. BTW, tows great!...

Any thoughts? Have photos of transmission cooler install if interested.

Where did you get 15K tow capacity? The expeditions to my knowledge can only tow up to 9,200lbs according to the manual and that is at most. Thanks

 

[LovinPSDs]

Where did you get 15K tow capacity? The expeditions to my knowledge can only tow up to 9,200lbs according to the manual and that is at most. Thanks

That’s gross combined (SUV + Trailer)

just remember there are lots of numbers, all have to be in line to be legit. Gross, payload, rear axle, hitch, etc

 

[Anthony DeVor]

That’s gross combined (SUV + Trailer)

just remember there are lots of numbers, all have to be in line to be legit. Gross, payload, rear axle, hitch, etc

Ok that makes sense now lol. I was thinking you maybe swapped an expy body onto a working superduty frame and engine etc. lol