Opinions please....

[pb1998]

Ok, many of you have seen my post on our tranny being dead....


well, we have the option to install or not install a tranny cooler. We had decided to do it, but it will cost and additional $500 to do so.

We are not able to finance this and have to scrounge up the moola to fix the van in the first place.

The van has 107,000 miles on it and is a 2000. We don't tow anything.

What would you guys do in my situation? If we do go ahead with the cooler, we'll have to borrow extra money from family....can't stand that thought, but we do plan on keeping the vehicle as it will be paid for in less than a year.

I need some opinions from other Windstar owners!!! ASAP!!!
Thanks a bunch!

[RickMN]

$500 for a tranny cooler is OUTRAGEOUS!. Have this shop do the tranny and then find another shop that will do the coolerfor less. The part is less than $100 and labor shouldn't be more than 1 hour.

[MARZBX157]

I agree, 500 dollars for a tranny cooler is way to much money. I also have a 2000 windstar and purchased a B&M Supercooler for 50 dollars. If you have some mechanical knowledge you can do the job yourself; here is a link on installing this cooler: http://www.carcraft.com/howto/transm...cooler_install
If not, I suggest buying the part yourself and taking it to a shop and get a quote before having it done. Hope this helps

[PTG1212]

I Agree. Get the tranny fixed then shop around for prices on the cooler.

[pb1998]

You guys are awesome! Thank you for giving your opinions. We are getting it fixed tomorrow and we can put the cooler in later on if we so choose.

Thanks so much, now I know I made the right decision!!!

[Ed_Strong]

Just a word of advice... Make sure to check with the tranny shop that you don't void the warranty on the new tranny they're going to install by putting an aftermarket cooler.
They might get slick on you if new problems arrise after all the work is completed.

[MARZBX157]

another word of advice, if the shop is rebuilding the old tranny or installing a new one make sure that they flush out the old fluid that is still in the radiator and lines which may be contaminated and can harm the new tranny. According to the Ford TSB this procedure must be done to assure a healthy tranny. Also, I recommend using a synthetic fluid like Mobil 1 which handles heat better than regular tranny fluid.

[garync1]

If they are going to charge an extra 500.00 for a cooler. I am wondering what they are charging for rebuild or replacement.Most times if you add an extra job while they are doing one thing they tend to cut you some slack on the other. sounds like they are trying to milk you..