I've got a 95 F250, 5.8L w/ what appears to be a C6 automatic transmission. There is a serious leak of transmission fluid, which I have traced to what appears to be two metal tube lines going from the tranny to a small unit in front of the radiator: I'm assuming this is a fluid cooler.

A few questions:

(1) Is this a repair that a not too experienced guy like myself could perform (replacement of the lines that is). They seem to squirm their way through the engine/frame, and I'm not too sure what is involved in replacing.

(2) Next, could the tubes be repaired rather than replaced? I know there is some patch tape you can use for holes in your exhaust system ... maybe I could use something similar?

(3) Could the coller be bypassed? I don't do much towing, but I do plow snow with the truck.

(4) The Haynes manual I have says nothing about this system. Would the shop manual be worth getting for this type of thing ($90 at Helm) ... of course I would use it in the future for other things.

Thanks in advace for your input ... I would really like to fix this myself and extend my skills.

Just so you know, to repair tranny cooler lines you can cut them, put a single flare on each side of the cut and run fuel-rated rubber hose. Other than that, you usually have to get out the old tubing bender and make new ones.

Do not remove cooler unless you have a lot of spare change for a tranny rebuild.4 wheel drive extra expensive.Keep it as cool as possible at all times.
Not a real difficult repair.
I prefer to use new steel line and compression fittings.Fittings and line readily available.
Report back

Reporting back ...

I found exactly where the leak is, on one of the cooler lines (basically as suspected), near the engine block.

Most importantly, I found that it is only a pinhole size leak (it actually sprays quite a stream). I think it might be able to be fixed easily using something like JB Weld. Hoping actually, since this would be much easier than cutting a section away, or replacing the line.

So, my follow-up question is, what should I use to patch this leak?

Try to get mini-tubing cutter in and cut a section out.Before cutting get a compression fitting so you know how much to take out.JB Weld is great for some applications,but not this.
Do it right you'll feel much better.Also take a close look at the other line.