4R70W Rebuild Diary Discussion, Questions, ETC

*CDW6212R* · 01-06-2011, 03:37 PM

If the trans does need the extra work done to replace the piston seals etc, find someone who can do that for you. The tools used to be about $150, but they have gone up from what I've read. The piston compressor is over $100 now, and the seal tools I read were near $100(which is too much). I'd suggest finding a person or shop that will "bench build a transmission." The trans R&R is the hard part, and the basic rebuild needs a lot of care and cleanliness.

Concentrate on the things you can do which rebuilds do not include, the VB kit and upgrades, get the VB solenoids etc.

greythorn3 · 01-06-2011, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDW6212R

If the trans does need the extra work done to replace the piston seals etc, find someone who can do that for you. The tools used to be about $150, but they have gone up from what I've read. The piston compressor is over $100 now, and the seal tools I read were near $100(which is too much). I'd suggest finding a person or shop that will "bench build a transmission." The trans R&R is the hard part, and the basic rebuild needs a lot of care and cleanliness.

Concentrate on the things you can do which rebuilds do not include, the VB kit and upgrades, get the VB solenoids etc.

wonder if they tools can be used on the 4r100 tans also, im sure i will be rebuilding that one too. im gonna try to find the tools used. i dont like other people working on things for me.

*CDW6212R* · 01-06-2011, 07:57 PM

Cool, that's why I began doing my own long ago. There will likely be a different seal tool or two for the 4R100 because they are sized for each piston.

Go to the many parts suppliers and find the places who sell a lot of performance parts, solenoids and VB kits etc. Some of those will also sell the tools to build a trans.

greythorn3 · 01-06-2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDW6212R

Cool, that's why I began doing my own long ago. There will likely be a different seal tool or two for the 4R100 because they are sized for each piston.

Go to the many parts suppliers and find the places who sell a lot of performance parts, solenoids and VB kits etc. Some of those will also sell the tools to build a trans.

i have many different size seal pullers and drivers. whats so special about the tools?

*CDW6212R* · 01-06-2011, 09:39 PM

The "pistons" inside the drums have an inner and outer seal on them. They are a ring of a rubber material which fits onto the inner and outer edge of those pistons. Their profile is "L" shaped, and the lip of each doesn't go down into the drum without the tool to "compress" the lip portion. Some people have had limited success by other methods to install the seals. The seal tools are simple plastic pieces that fit snugly inside/outside of the pistons, making the installation a fast drop in step. I think I paid about $35 for the AOD set, I would call that a price to shoot for.

There are a few brass/copper races inside the case and several hard parts. If those are all unhurt then you reuse them. Damaged transmissions often need many of those replaced, which those take the typical seal drivers to R&R. There are a couple of specialty tools for a couple of those, like the rear case bearing/race. Just check all of those carefully.

greythorn3 · 01-06-2011, 11:32 PM

dropped the pan and the fluid all full of little bubbles. doesnt look to bad in pan, what struck me odd was the filter was laying in the pan and not attched to tranny and the oring was cocked in the hole..

wonder if this was the problem.. we will see when i put it back togeather to test..

looks like these pan gaskets are reusable with little metal things in them to keep from over tightening them, am i correct? im gonna reuse it all for my test.

fluid was clean on the stick, but pretty dark in the pan, some small metal sparkles, didnt look that much different then any other tranny fluid change ive done, maybe a little more black.

*Spdrcer34* · 01-27-2011, 03:59 AM

Bringing back an old post....

Glacier991, or anyone else out there listening...

I am in the process of getting all the tools together for the rebuild of my wife's 4R70W in her 1998 AWD Mounty.

What is the part number of that Cup Shaped Spring Compressor?

Thanks,
Ryan

*CDW6212R* · 01-27-2011, 06:08 PM

Ryan, I'm not sure what that is for, possibly to work with the piston spring compressor for a certain drum. I haven't R&R'd the pistons of a 4R70W or AODE yet, but the AOD parts are the same size. I'll find out soon.

Which tools do you have so far, and how many miles are on the trans?

*Spdrcer34* · 01-27-2011, 08:29 PM

In his thread, it shows him using it to compress a wave spring lock in the reverse clutch assembly.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=159597

Ryan

*CDW6212R* · 01-27-2011, 08:37 PM

Hmm, I didn't catch that in the thread. I have the same compressor, but I didn't need that special tool to do the wave snap ring. I cannot recall how I did it, but that was about 1998. You can get it done without that, if you need to.

*Spdrcer34* · 01-27-2011, 11:31 PM

I have purcchased, or already had the following tools:

Lip Seal protector set (seen in various posts/pictures, here are a couple)

Pilot Bushing Puller

Clutch Spring Compressor

I also just bought THIS spring compressor:

Rear Case Bushing R & R Tool

Direct Drive Solid Sealing Ring Installer Kit

I have also purchased a new Digital 6" Caliper, and the 4r70W manual from ATSG...

Now I still need to source the following parts:

Small tipped snap ring pliers:

I still need to buy that bowl shaped spring compressor, once I have everything here, I will make a build diary like Glacier991 did..

Ryan

*CDW6212R* · 01-28-2011, 01:38 PM

Very good, you have just about everything to do it all.

5.0 merc · 02-15-2012, 08:22 PM

I have a question? I replaced my transmission (4r70w) with a used one. My OD light is blinking, and when it shifts from 1 to 2 the rpms jump up about 500 just before it shifts in 2nd. I think from 2nd to 3rd is fine as far as I can tell. Any Ideas would be helpful. Thanks!

Cobraguy · 02-16-2012, 07:39 AM

You need to find out what the fault code is and go from there. If you aren't experienced diagnosing electronic transmissions, you may want to take it to a shop and have it done. These can be tricky...or it can be something as simple as a disconnected or bad sensor.

5.0 merc · 02-24-2012, 08:50 AM

It was throwing a code for shift solenoid A. If I am not mistaken isn't that located on the valve body? What is involved in replacing it and are there any threads about it. Thanks!

*CDW6212R* · 02-24-2012, 10:38 AM

It's easy to change the solenoids, pan down etc. You have a pre-98 trans, you should for sure replace the EPC, the accumulators, and the DTRS(range sensor). For high mileage I'd change all of the solenoids, they aren't really that expensive.

JCat · 02-27-2012, 10:34 AM

I am experiencing the notorious shift flare at about 45mph. Is the easy fix to just replace the valve body ?

Cobraguy · 02-28-2012, 08:53 AM

On the 3-4 shift?

JCat · 02-28-2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobraguy

On the 3-4 shift?

Yes

JCat · 03-06-2012, 08:11 AM

RE: Shift flare from 3-4 on a 4r70w (Automatic tranny used on 5.0 engines)

Rant: This thread is useless. I don't see why it is a sticky.

I am the average joe who knows a little about cars, but I have never re-built a transmission. I know that there is a lot of members with tranny problems on this forum, but unless you are a tech with tranny experience, all the forum discussions on this topic seem (to me) like mumbo-jumbo.

I have gleaned a lot of helpful information on this forum related to many different problems that I have had . . . . but I must say that I am really disappointed and confused about the postings on transmission problems. I need a transmission for dummies thread.

01-06-2011, 03:37 PM	#121
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 12,940 Vehicle Specs	If the trans does need the extra work done to replace the piston seals etc, find someone who can do that for you. The tools used to be about $150, but they have gone up from what I've read. The piston compressor is over $100 now, and the seal tools I read were near $100(which is too much). I'd suggest finding a person or shop that will "bench build a transmission." The trans R&R is the hard part, and the basic rebuild needs a lot of care and cleanliness. Concentrate on the things you can do which rebuilds do not include, the VB kit and upgrades, get the VB solenoids etc. __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer)

01-06-2011, 07:57 PM	#123
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 12,940 Vehicle Specs	Cool, that's why I began doing my own long ago. There will likely be a different seal tool or two for the 4R100 because they are sized for each piston. Go to the many parts suppliers and find the places who sell a lot of performance parts, solenoids and VB kits etc. Some of those will also sell the tools to build a trans. __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer)

01-06-2011, 09:39 PM	#125
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 12,940 Vehicle Specs	The "pistons" inside the drums have an inner and outer seal on them. They are a ring of a rubber material which fits onto the inner and outer edge of those pistons. Their profile is "L" shaped, and the lip of each doesn't go down into the drum without the tool to "compress" the lip portion. Some people have had limited success by other methods to install the seals. The seal tools are simple plastic pieces that fit snugly inside/outside of the pistons, making the installation a fast drop in step. I think I paid about $35 for the AOD set, I would call that a price to shoot for. There are a few brass/copper races inside the case and several hard parts. If those are all unhurt then you reuse them. Damaged transmissions often need many of those replaced, which those take the typical seal drivers to R&R. There are a couple of specialty tools for a couple of those, like the rear case bearing/race. Just check all of those carefully. __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer)

01-27-2011, 03:59 AM	#127
Spdrcer34 Speed Bremerton, WA 1992 Explorer XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,884 Vehicle Specs	Bringing back an old post.... Glacier991, or anyone else out there listening... I am in the process of getting all the tools together for the rebuild of my wife's 4R70W in her 1998 AWD Mounty. What is the part number of that Cup Shaped Spring Compressor? Thanks, Ryan __________________ 1992 Ford Explorer XL - with a few bolt ons...

01-27-2011, 06:08 PM	#128
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 12,940 Vehicle Specs	Ryan, I'm not sure what that is for, possibly to work with the piston spring compressor for a certain drum. I haven't R&R'd the pistons of a 4R70W or AODE yet, but the AOD parts are the same size. I'll find out soon. Which tools do you have so far, and how many miles are on the trans? __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer)

01-06-2011, 11:32 PM	#126
greythorn3 Wannabe Elite Explorer alaska 98 eb 5.0 2wd Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 16 Vehicle Specs	dropped the pan and the fluid all full of little bubbles. doesnt look to bad in pan, what struck me odd was the filter was laying in the pan and not attched to tranny and the oring was cocked in the hole.. wonder if this was the problem.. we will see when i put it back togeather to test.. looks like these pan gaskets are reusable with little metal things in them to keep from over tightening them, am i correct? im gonna reuse it all for my test. fluid was clean on the stick, but pretty dark in the pan, some small metal sparkles, didnt look that much different then any other tranny fluid change ive done, maybe a little more black.

01-27-2011, 08:29 PM	#129
Spdrcer34 Speed Bremerton, WA 1992 Explorer XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,884 Vehicle Specs	In his thread, it shows him using it to compress a wave spring lock in the reverse clutch assembly. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=159597 Ryan __________________ 1992 Ford Explorer XL - with a few bolt ons...

01-27-2011, 08:37 PM	#130
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 12,940 Vehicle Specs	Hmm, I didn't catch that in the thread. I have the same compressor, but I didn't need that special tool to do the wave snap ring. I cannot recall how I did it, but that was about 1998. You can get it done without that, if you need to. __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer)

01-27-2011, 11:31 PM	#131
Spdrcer34 Speed Bremerton, WA 1992 Explorer XL Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,884 Vehicle Specs	I have purcchased, or already had the following tools: Lip Seal protector set (seen in various posts/pictures, here are a couple) Pilot Bushing Puller Clutch Spring Compressor I also just bought THIS spring compressor: Rear Case Bushing R & R Tool Direct Drive Solid Sealing Ring Installer Kit I have also purchased a new Digital 6" Caliper, and the 4r70W manual from ATSG... Now I still need to source the following parts: Small tipped snap ring pliers: I still need to buy that bowl shaped spring compressor, once I have everything here, I will make a build diary like Glacier991 did.. Ryan __________________ 1992 Ford Explorer XL - with a few bolt ons... Last edited by Spdrcer34; 02-02-2011 at 01:20 AM.

01-28-2011, 01:38 PM	#132
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 12,940 Vehicle Specs	Very good, you have just about everything to do it all. __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer)

02-15-2012, 08:22 PM	#133
5.0 merc Wannabe Elite Explorer Georgia 97 merc awd Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 11 Vehicle Specs	I have a question? I replaced my transmission (4r70w) with a used one. My OD light is blinking, and when it shifts from 1 to 2 the rpms jump up about 500 just before it shifts in 2nd. I think from 2nd to 3rd is fine as far as I can tell. Any Ideas would be helpful. Thanks!

02-24-2012, 08:50 AM	#135
5.0 merc Wannabe Elite Explorer Georgia 97 merc awd Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 11 Vehicle Specs	It was throwing a code for shift solenoid A. If I am not mistaken isn't that located on the valve body? What is involved in replacing it and are there any threads about it. Thanks!

02-24-2012, 10:38 AM	#136
CDW6212R Elite Explorer Knoxville, TN 98 Mountaineer A4WD Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 12,940 Vehicle Specs	It's easy to change the solenoids, pan down etc. You have a pre-98 trans, you should for sure replace the EPC, the accumulators, and the DTRS(range sensor). For high mileage I'd change all of the solenoids, they aren't really that expensive. __________________ Don 91 Lincoln LSC/SE, 99/93 Explorer Limited 4WD, 98 AWD Mounty with 255/55/18's, big sway bars, and 12.75" x 1.25" rotors. Soon a BW4406, built trans, stereo and interior. The best thing that could help us all, is the Fair Tax Plan. Be American, Buy American (Manufacturer) Last edited by CDW6212R; 02-24-2012 at 11:14 AM.

02-27-2012, 10:34 AM	#137
JCat Wannabe Elite Explorer Atlanta 98 Mountaineer Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 361 Vehicle Specs	I am experiencing the notorious shift flare at about 45mph. Is the easy fix to just replace the valve body ? __________________ 1998 Mountaineer & Yamaha FXHO WaveRunner 1978 Ford F150 4x4 and 1998 Mountaineer 5.0 4x4 Chrysler Hemi Nissan 350Z Honda CRV 2012 Grizzly SE

03-06-2012, 08:11 AM	#140
JCat Wannabe Elite Explorer Atlanta 98 Mountaineer Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 361 Vehicle Specs	RE: Shift flare from 3-4 on a 4r70w (Automatic tranny used on 5.0 engines) Rant: This thread is useless. I don't see why it is a sticky. I am the average joe who knows a little about cars, but I have never re-built a transmission. I know that there is a lot of members with tranny problems on this forum, but unless you are a tech with tranny experience, all the forum discussions on this topic seem (to me) like mumbo-jumbo. I have gleaned a lot of helpful information on this forum related to many different problems that I have had . . . . but I must say that I am really disappointed and confused about the postings on transmission problems. I need a transmission for dummies thread.