My son says that the tranny in the ST will wear out quicker if I were to do any towing of the Triton SF-21 (ski/fish - 21') boat. And, does the manual tranny come with a tranny cooler? Do I need to add one? Any input is appreciated. 
Question on towing & transmision
- Thread starter Rodger Tellefson
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Mike Wilson
Well-Known Member
I'm thinking increased wear on the clutch and pressure plate on the manual, due to the
fact that you are trying to put a heavier load in motion with the same transmission from a
dead stop (more slip). As far as the trans cooler for a manual, I've not heard of one yet.
Might want to increase the frequency of your gearbox/trans maintenance (fluid changes
lubrication, etc...).
fact that you are trying to put a heavier load in motion with the same transmission from a
dead stop (more slip). As far as the trans cooler for a manual, I've not heard of one yet.
Might want to increase the frequency of your gearbox/trans maintenance (fluid changes
lubrication, etc...).
Scott Tanner
Well-Known Member
I've got about 15000 mile of towing a 5000 travel trailer behind my 02 w/o any issue.. just flush and change the fluid before each season. your ST has a cooler, although it could be bigger in my case. boats are easier to to because of the aero front end of the boat. tow w/ the OD off, and let the thing cool if you go up a long hill for a while or otherwise put a heavy load on it..
of couse, after reading your post again, I could infer that you have a manual tranny. you know then that your rating is much less. i had an 87 aerostar that had a 5 spd manual, towed a pop-up w/o issue, although the gear spacing left a lot to be desired.had to wind it out in 1st before grabbing second... manuals do not have coolers, and due to the less internal friction by way of it's design, i wouldn't think there would be an issue. i would again flush and change out the fluid. your clutch could be the weak link, tho.... in fact, i'd worry about that before the trans itself.... good luck,,,, JMHO
of couse, after reading your post again, I could infer that you have a manual tranny. you know then that your rating is much less. i had an 87 aerostar that had a 5 spd manual, towed a pop-up w/o issue, although the gear spacing left a lot to be desired.had to wind it out in 1st before grabbing second... manuals do not have coolers, and due to the less internal friction by way of it's design, i wouldn't think there would be an issue. i would again flush and change out the fluid. your clutch could be the weak link, tho.... in fact, i'd worry about that before the trans itself.... good luck,,,, JMHO
Robert Sayre
Active Member
Manuals are pretty strong, simple transmissions. With a LOT of heavy towing use, the clutch will have a shorter life, which means instead of getting 80 to 100K out of a clutch you'd get maybe 50,000 out of it. Manual transmissions are not as sensitive to heat as automatics are - they generate a lot less heat due to the fact that they aren't as complex. They don't make manual transmission coolers because it's just not an issue.
To extend the life of any manual transmission, switch to synthetic fluid of whatever kind your vehicle takes.
--Bob
To extend the life of any manual transmission, switch to synthetic fluid of whatever kind your vehicle takes.
--Bob
Gavin Allan
Well-Known Member
What Bob said!
Change to synthetic lube and start saving for a new clutch assembly.
Change to synthetic lube and start saving for a new clutch assembly.
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The manual does not have a cooler.
Install better fluid and you will be fine....
Todd Z
Install better fluid and you will be fine....
Todd Z
Thanks everyone! I've been running Royal Purple Syncromax in the tranny for the past 2 yrs. I'll see about finding a transmission cooler. I've got a Trick Flow diff. cover too.
I've been running Royal Purple Syncromax in the tranny for the past 2 yrs. I'll see about finding a transmission cooler. I've got a Trick Flow diff. cover too.
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- Joined
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- Messages
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- What engine do you have?
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- What year is your Sport Trac?
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- 2n Gen Owner
Rodger, THE manual tranny does not have any pumps, cooling lines or any thing on it from the factory.
YOU can add a manual cooler kit for it, but that is involved and close to $500 bucks because you need pumps, coolers, lines, electrical and all sorts of stuff...
I don't think you need any thing extra at all.... Just tow the trailer, you will be fine..
Todd Z
YOU can add a manual cooler kit for it, but that is involved and close to $500 bucks because you need pumps, coolers, lines, electrical and all sorts of stuff...
I don't think you need any thing extra at all.... Just tow the trailer, you will be fine..
Todd Z
EddieS'04
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What ToddZ said...
