need advice on my 08 ranger

[jakefyock88]

ok so i got a 2008 ranger with the 3.0 5 spd auto all stock except for the intake i put a spectre cone filter in place of the box and pannel filter ( after the MAFS ) it has 60k on it ive been running synthetic in it since about 30k i really want to get the most life that i can out of my truck without having to spend an arm and a leg i am probbaly taking it into get a tranny flush this monday even though ford says i dont need one till 90k miles should i look iunto getting a shift kit for my truck while im getting the tranny flush its like an extra 60 bucks but if it would mean smoother shift points for the truck it would it be worth it. would it mean longer life for the trans, or is my best bet to just save up and buy a tranny cooler... please give me some feedback let me know what you think
thanks jake

 

[exbass94]

A shift kit would make the shifts firmer. I don't know if it would help with longevity. I added an aux filter on mine. It attaches to the cooler line. I think the single best thing to do is simply change the fluid every 30k miles.

 

[jakefyock88]

alright so not much as far as life from a shift kit thanks for the input

 

[robertc1024]

I always heard they help with the longevity because of the firmer shifts. The bands slip less when shifting, so they don't wear out as fast. Don't know about the other effects on the drive train though. I would think it'd be harder on them.

 

[jakefyock88]

see that was pretty much what i was thinking you know smoother shifting would mean less strain on the trans

 

[strvger]

tranny cooler for an auto is always a good investment, and an oil cooler for the engine is another good investment... imho.

 

[adsm08]

A firmer 1-2 shift is good for trans life, the other shifts aren't as important overall. The shift kit wouldn't just be in and out, but a trans service interval is the best time to do it.

 

[JohnnyO]

A tranny cooler would be good since you are in FL. I would get a flush every 30k and change the rear diff lube every 50k and I would do the coolant every 50k. The 3.0 is a cockroach motor, it will run forever with minimal maintenance and never die. Just follow the manual. Bud of mine has a 96 Ranger with a 3.0, almost 250k and it's never been apart.

 

[snake]

Get the tranny cooler- heat kills a tranny quicker than anything. As far as a shift kit goes, I would just get a programmer and tighten it up electronically... then U can always put it back in just a few minutes. I've had my '02 programmed since it had 800 miles on it and the fluid has stayed spakling clean in it. I just flushed it at 90K just for maintenance. There is never any chunks in the pan at all, just a fine silt in the very bottom, just a dusting- so clean I quit changing the filter, just pull a cooling line at the radiator and run 12 quarts through it. It has 98,500 now and has never missed a lick yet.

 

[jakefyock88]

so the tranny coolers where its at and my manual says a tranny flush at 92k should i flush at 60k i got the extra cash for it right nowe but it dont make any sense to do it if its not really going to affect it and also how much of a pain in the ass is it to put a tranny cooler on could a person with average mechanicalk skills do it??? thanks again for all you guys help

 

[mn_smokeater]

your tranny cooler is hooked to your Radiator and attached to the front of it. to add a tranny cooler just tap into the lines from the one you have putting it in line with it. you will need to add more coolent to make up for the slightly higher capacity in the cooler same with the ATF

 

[06RangerXLT]

drive like a grandma, run high octane, full synthetic. replace every fluid on each oil change and avoid dirty, dusty areas and go slow over bumps. keep the truck clean and free of dirt and use OEM parts from ford.

 

[snake]

All the SOHC 4.0's had tranny coolers from the factory. Try to find a low mileage one at a junkyard and snatch it- then you'll have the factory mounting brackets, hoses, etc. Just be sure and flush it out really good if the lines were open. Try www.car-part.com to find a yard with a cooler. And ya- you should be able to do it, especially if you got it off of another ranger and you can see how it was installed...