External Trans Filter - help/advice needed

[HotRaud90]

I was preparing to drop the pan on my transmission for the first time since owning it to change out the filter and add some new fluid when I noticed a sticker on the bottom of my pan that read "warning: external transmission filter installed in cooler line" or somethin to that extent. Well, I start lookin around and sure enough, tucked behind my lower radiator hose is an external trans filter (see attached pic) :depress: ford part number is XC3Z-7B155-BA. Not sure what to do from here as I do not want to keep using an external filter. I've read these are temporary fixes for our trannies and should not be used permanently. PO must've put it in shop for trans work and the mechance prob installed one during process :confused: :mad:

Any advice? Where to go from here? I'm a novice when it comes to trans work like this.

[MOTOWN]

I would remove it , and run new hard lines , or braided lines.

[fastblackmerc]

Remove it and run new hard lines. They may still be available from Ford.

Must have had a trans problem before and the filter was installed so any remaining junk won't circulate in the system.

[RF Overlord]

That filter is made by Magnefine and is a quality unit.

Ford required the addition of one of those filters whenever a reman transmission was installed, ostensibly for warranty purposes. They no longer require it as it did not have the desired effect on their warranty claims.

There's no need to remove it...in fact, it negates the need to change the in-pan filter any more. Just change the Magnefine every 30,000 miles and rock on.

[HotRaud90]

I read somewhere that it lowers the inline pressure of the fluid. Does this sound plausible? And I'd so, would this create problems? For reasons I cant explain, it just feels right to have the filter in the pan, not externally installed. Not to mention I've found evidence of leaking from the external filter lines near the nipple on the unit. Doesn't seem to clamp well.

What would it take to replace the lines and replace them with new hard lines? Not sure if I could do this myself.

[MOTOWN]

Just get new hardlines from the dealer , or the boneyard , remove , and replace

[RF Overlord]

I read somewhere that it lowers the inline pressure of the fluid. Does this sound plausible? No. People have used Magnefine in-line filters for decades without issue.

If it bothers you, take it out.

[88grandmarq]

I read somewhere that it lowers the inline pressure of the fluid. Does this sound plausible? And I'd so, would this create problems? For reasons I cant explain, it just feels right to have the filter in the pan, not externally installed. Not to mention I've found evidence of leaking from the external filter lines near the nipple on the unit. Doesn't seem to clamp well.

What would it take to replace the lines and replace them with new hard lines? Not sure if I could do this myself.

Yes, take it out.

Those filters are great when they are new, but with any filter, they require regular replacement. most people install them and never change them. This causes a restriction in fluid flow the trans the cooler, drops fluid pressure and increases heat.

and as you noted, most people don't install them correctly and it eventually causes leaks.