Factory Ford transmissions of this era have a single internal pan filter, unlike the Allison used in GM applications. This filter is on the suction side of the pump, designed only to capture large particles. Fine filtration in the pan is not an option for transmission manufacturers, as transmission pumps should not be restricted; the only way to do so is with an external transmission filter kit on the push side of the pump.

The OEM filter location requires pulling the pan to change or check the filter. With this kit you can spin on a new filter element and know when you need to change the filter, with the optional line pressure gauge, avoiding unnecessary filter changes.

How it works:  

This filter is routed on the "push" side of the pump, allowing for a filter with increased efficiency (smaller micron rating). Normally, dirty fluid is in the pan, and we assume the OEM filter catches the really big particles before they enter the valves and pump. After running through the transmission, it leaves as "dirty" fluid, which is ultimately recirculated back to the pan. This fluid will have clutch dust and other impurities, which are all normal in any automatic transmission. With this kit, you can catch dirty fluid BEFORE it makes it back to the pan. Keeping the fluid clean keeps your valve body clean, which in turn maintains the highest shift quality in your transmission. After installation of our external kit the filter in the pan now acts simply as a pickup for the pump and virtually never needs changed. 

***With all this said, I still recommend replacing the in-pan filter at the time of installation and replacing the OEM stamped pan with an aftermarket unit, such as a Moroso. 

Our unit has a bypass valve in the housing as an added safety feature. This internal bypass valve in the housing is set at 25 psi to allow some fluid to bypass the filter should the filter become restricted. In addition, if the filter becomes clogged, our unit will switch to complete bypass mode, allowing the full volume of fluid to flow past the filter and ensure that your transmission always has returning fluid for lubrication.   With normal routine oil and filter changes and a properly operating transmission, the full bypass mode should never occur.

Our filters have a micron rating of 22 microns. That is extremely fine filtration for a transmission. Pan filters have no real micron rating. Many are nothing but screens.

Our kit also acts as a "mini" cooler since it is detached from the transmission and the air flow over the filter element would help to dissipate a small amount of heat.

Additional Benefits:

Protects your transmission in the event of a torque converter failure by capturing debris before it can reach the transmission. 

Applications:

Transmissions utilize different line connections, but fortunately, many use similar line sizes, allowing this kit to fit multiple applications. Inspect the return line (located at the rear of the transmission) to determine the size of the line.

• Most cars and light trucks are 5/16".
• Most pre-1997 E4ODs use a 5/16" line.
• 1997 E4OD can be either 5/16" or 3/8" - you will have to check your truck for the correct line size. 
• The 1999-2003 4R100 uses a 3/8" line.
• The Ford 6-Speed Manual uses a 3/8" line.
• The Ford 5 Speed Automatic 5R110 uses 1/2" Line.

If the flare nut takes a 1/2" wrench, then your line size is 5/16". If the flare nut takes a 5/8" wrench, then your line size is 3/8". If the flare nut takes a 3/4" wrench, then your line size is 1/2". 

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***New kit expected to launch late 2025 with updated design and cost- NO ETA