trans cooling lines

[rgs858]

Hello all can anyone tell me if you have to use preformed transmission cooling lines or can you use transmission rubber coolant hose to replace the coolant lines on a 2000 ford windstar?,,,thanks

[12Ounce]

I've never had to replace my tranny hose asseblies. If I had to, and I may as I replace my sub-frame sometime "soon", .... my first choice would be replacements from Ford. But if those were not available to me, I would have little problem using aftermarket hoses. The fluid pressures are not that great, so if you use hose made for the tast ... hot oil... and have leak-proof connections .... you should be OK.

[wiswind]

Bulk transmission fluid hose will work.....It is what we use when we install a auxillary transmission cooler.
The factory size is 5/16"......if you cannot find that, 11/32" will work, but 3/8" is too big for the metal nipples (might come off).
Power steering uses 3/8"......but tranny uses 5/16"
On my '96, 1 end of each had a hose clamp, the other had a "permenant" crimp type of clamp.
I had to cut the crimp type clamp off in order to remove the hose at that end....and I used a normal hose clamp at both ends.
Take care to avoid having the hose rub anything rough or sharp......and to avoid having the hose hang down or be drawn too tight.