2001 Windstar Sport Transmission Questions

Here are a couple of pictures of the transmission lines (pictures 4 & 5 in the album). I want to know when changing the oil, do I disconnect at the cooler or up at the transmission? Which hose at the transmission is supply to the cooler and which is return (top or bottom line)? Which side of cooler is supply or return (passenger or driver)? Or am I looking all together at the wrong lines?

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562944382zkXSra

You are looking at the correct lines.
If that is the factory cooler that you are showing in the other picture, then the line that goes from the cooler in front of the radiator, to the transmission is the RETURN line.
That is the line that you want to disconnect and direct into a container.

From what I remember, the factory cooler has 4 lines......as it is 2 coolers in 1.
I think the driver's side is the transmission cooler (you will be able to tell......1 line will go from it to the transmission).
The other side is for the power steering.

The way that the factory transmission cooler (and most aftermarket installations) are set up.....the transmission fluid goes from the transmission......to the standard "in radiator" cooler......which is located on the passenger side of the radiator....inside the "side tank".
The fluid ENTERS the radiator cooler at the TOP,
and comes OUT of the radiator cooler at the BOTTOM.

Then the fluid flows from the bottom connector of the radiator cooler....Into the auxillary cooler.....and then back INTO the transmission.

That photo that you have that says trans cooler? I dont think is the trans cooler. That is the Power steerin cooler. Unless the sport is different, but dont think so.. Follow the lines to see what is what. the power steering return is on the drivers side, right near the trans lines..

Thanks guys, I traced the lines and found that the tranny cooler is on the passenger side. The top line from the tranny goes to the passenger side of the rad at the bottom and then a line comes out of the top of the rad and goes back to the bottom of the tranny. The other picture IS the power steering cooler.

I am assuming that the bottom connection to the tranny is the RETURN. Can anyone confirm? Also, is there any kind of trick to taking the line apart at the tranny conenction so I can change the tranny oil or should I take apart the line at a different location?

The fluid flows IN to the radiator side tank at the TOP....and OUT of the radiator side tank at the bottom.
From the bottom of the radiator tank.....the line goes IN to the auxilary cooler, as you mention.

I prefer to work with the rubber hoses....and not mess with the metal line connections into the transmission or radiator side tank.....but that is just me......I don't want to end up with an issue of the metal connector not seating correctly and leaking (due to my being clumsy).

So....I would then look for a re-useable clamp on one of the tranny cooler hoses....
FORD uses 2 types....the spring clamp type that you can squeeze and release.....and the single use type that you have to cut off.
I would recommend that you get a standard hose clamp of the correct size before starting the job.....as even the re-useable type can break....and having the replacement on hand will make the job go smoother.

Here is a link to the first in a series of pictures that I posted that show the transmission fluid exchange and pan drop / filter change on my '96 3.8L.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1503284711011220610kYSGCI

I am sorry that I am a bit vague about the return line connection......it IS the bottom one on my '96, but I don't want to jump to the conclusion that it is the same on all years.....I only have experience with mine.
Worse case.....if you direct the wrong line into your container......you will get fluid running out the other spot when you start the motor.......messy, but not the end of the world......

Go through the pictures that I posted.....and you will see that it is not a hard job.
Of course, to get to the pan...you need to get the front end up.....best to use ramps......remember to set the parking brake and put a block behind one of the rear wheels.

One thing that I found......the 15 quart pan that you get at many places....is a nice big pan.......but the pan on the bottom of the transmission is bigger.
Many of us loosen all the bolts around the pan....and then remove all but a couple....and then drop 1 corner of the pan....to drain the fluid......but be careful and avoid bending the flange on the pan.

One item of very good news......the transmission pan gasket is re-useable....and is better than the cork gasket that comes with many of the filters......so DO re-use the gasket.

I measure the fluid that comes out with each run.....and add new fluid in the same amount that I drained out.

I would run at least 15 quarts of new fluid.
The total capacity is 12.25 quarts......the extra that I am recommending is due to the fact......that even though you are cleaning out the pan....and have a nice clean place to start the new fluid.....there WILL be some mixing of fluid inside the torque converter (it does NOT have a drain plug on it).....so the couple extra quarts is to give you a more complete exchange.
REMEMBER to have a quart set aside to "top off" to get the correct fluid level.....make sure to fill the fluid to the TOP of the full range.

Thanks for all the help.

Don't hesitate to post back if you come up with any questions.....I have addressed a few questions that can come up during the process....in my pictures (like the filter gasket that likes to stay stuck in the transmission)....but I am sure that, as with any project.....other questions can come up.