Better filtration.
Also acts as a check valve, that is easily replaceable.
Greater fluid capacity. (trans can run cooler)
Another surface to radiate heat.... (kind of a side benefit.)

 

What's the service interval for the filter? Just check the fluid color? CHange when dirty?

 

i ran one on my 97 explorer for about 4yrs. after i installed it i ran the first filter for about 3k mies, then when i changed my oil (engine oil) i changed the external filter.. then after that first change i did mine every other oil change (around 6k miles). never once had a problem and it also helped w/hard shifting issues i was having. some ppl on my explorer forum run about 8-10k thru each filter. a new filter dont cost much so i like to replace every other oil change.. oh, dont forget to check/top off fluid or fill the new filter up.

after that first filter change, cut the filter apart and see what you kept from going back into your trans. the external filters are a great value and will only help out in the long run.

 

Don't some oil filters have built-in check valves in them? If so, wouldn't this help the converter drainback issue?

 

Exactly.

 

freakin awesome conversation here guys. I am going to go the route of the external trans filter. 2 questions:

1.) did you increase the line size of the tranny hoses for voulume?

2.) is there any flow concerns? Ususally adding a filter (in most cases) causes a pressure drop.

 

Guzman:

looking at your setup - it looks extremely cost effective as I noticed you didn't have to buy a buch of fittings. Have you ever had any issues with leaks?

 

i just did the check valve delete, anyone have pics with the filter added?

 

Pressure drop on the cooler lines isn't really an issue, as the return line just dumps it back into the pan.

No need to run larger lines either. (same reasoning.)

 

I did have a leak issue with one line after I had run the truck for a day or two so I made sure the hoses were slid onto the metal lines at least an inch and used double clamps, snugged the clamps again after a drive or two and no more problems.

The setup came with clamps and the brass fittings, filters are the same as motor so very cost effective.