Transmission Filters

[Glacier991]

I am getting tired of explaining my strongly held opinions on this (and yes I know the old saying that the value of an opinion is generally inversely proportional to the strength with which it is held.)

If someone wants to do a side by side comparison of transmission filters available, they can be my guest. No more requests why this one is better or that one. Go buy them and disassemble them yourselves and draw your own conclusions. That said...I ONLY use Fram/SPX MICROFELT.

I post this as my LAST thread on filters for the A4LD and 5R55. FRAM Micro felt. I repeat... FRAM Microfelt. If you can buy Fram transmission filters that is what you will be getting. It is simply the best out there in my opinion. Now I know we rag on FORD from time to time, but what do THEY use? Here is their box:

And here is the filter:

SPX bought FRAM a couple years back.... and...MICROFELT!! Getting a hint? If you can buy a FRAM transmission filter you will be getting the same one FORD sells, for more. Buy FRAM. Please. Ok ..for those asking why, Purolater filters are a screen! A friggin screen! FRAM is a fibrous material, filter material. We can debate FRAM oil filters til the cows come home but these are transmission filters! Simply put, FRAM is the best for these transmissions. End of story. End of rant.

Oh another important thing .... besides the fact they need O rings on the snout ends.... the bolt. IS TOO LONG. So they send you a space filler.... MAKE SURE YOUR USE IT... otherwise your filter won't be securely fastened.

Put it on the bolt...

Some of the newer FRAM kits have 2 bolt sizes in them... use the short one for the 4WD filter.

Also that bolt is also a VB bolt, best to torque it to 90 inch lbs is you can.

Ok, I'll stop. This is the LAST THREAD FROM ME ON THIS SUBJECT. (Sorry if I sound testy - it's that time of the month).

ps. and yes if it filters better it needs to be changed more often. Change your fluid frequently. 30K to 50K.

 

[Glacier991]

I also notice no one had spoken up... smart move... you all must be married.

 

[IZwack]

married? pfft! no way i can afford to have an explorer and be married at the same time

tis a great side-by-side comparison though - as always

 

[spindlecone]

I used the fram on your recomendation when I changed to an oversized pan on my 4x2, was about 18 bux
Note: you need to go with the 4x4 filter with an oversize pan.

 

[410Fortune]

is that Micorfelt made of a Dacron material? Just curious because my trans builder insits that I use Dacron fiber filters only.
I know he is just trying to get me to avoid the crappy screen types with the rivited on pickup tube (WTF is up with that?) but I just want to clarify in my head that the "Microfelt" and Dacron fiber"" filters are one in the same...

Motocraft or better for me only when it comes to filters....

 

[IZwack]

Note: you need to go with the 4x4 filter with an oversize pan.

I dont have an oversized pan but please explain why for those readers who have a 4x2 and an oversized pan.

 

[410Fortune]

the sump on the 4x4 pan is MUCH deeper then the sump for the 4x2, so when you are making steep inclines the pickup on th efilter is still immerssed in fluid.
the pan manufacturer should tell you what filter you need.
My A4LD pan was a prototype, the 4x4 filter was still too deep, so we used clay to determine the correct depth to cut the the 4x4 filter off at, leaving approx 3/8" between the bottom of the pickup and the bottom of the pan.

 

[spindlecone]

I dont have an oversized pan but please explain why for those readers who have a 4x2 and an oversized pan.

Actually the tranny pan on the 3rd gens is identical,or for that matter any 5R55 4x2, 4x4.
The filters however differ in that the 4x4 filter has about a 1 inch extension on the pickup that go's deeper into the pan.

 

[Glacier991]

What they all said.

(warms my heart to see folks chime in, Especially smart folks who add to the discussion. Like you all)

Now for a cast aluminum pan with a temp sender boss for $89.

ps. 410 I have no idea what it is made of, but I do know there is nothing better out there, so if that is what they want it must be Dacron.

 

[BrooklynBay]

There is a guy on EBay that sells cast aluminum deep pans that are 2 quarts, and 3 quarts over stock. He mentioned that some vehicles with 4.0 liter engines had clearance problems with their catalytic converters. The cost is $195 plus $20 shipping.

 

[Glacier991]

Only about $126 over my budget.

 

[BrooklynBay]

These are also sold on WWW.Yourcovers.Com. Some other models cost more than this too. Here is the information from that website:

FORD 4R55E, 4R44E, A4LD, 5R55E DEEP TRANSMISSION PAN P/N 9614-2
Fits 2WD and 4WD vehicles with the 4R55E, 5R55E, 4R44E, and A4LD transmissions. These 4 and 5 speed transmissions are found in 1985 and newer Ford Rangers and Explorers.
On a 2WD vehicle, you must use the 4WD filter.

Please check your vehicle to be sure there is enough room to allow our pan to clear your exhaust system. Some customers with the 4.0 V6 have had contact with the catalytic converters or resonators that are located along side or in front of the transmission pan.

Has internal baffles to reduce sloshing.

Volume: 3 qts. over stock

As-cast finish
Price for as-cast finish: $195.00
Black powder coating
Price for black powder coating: $235.00
Polished finish
Price for polished part: $305.00

PML Transmission Pan Features:
Increased oil capacity for cooler temperatures
Sand-cast aluminum with raised fins
3/16-inch thick wall construction to add strength to the transmission case
3/8-inch thick gasket flange will not bend when bolts are tightened
Machined gasket surface for a secure seal
Boss cast into pan can be machined for a temperature sensor
Magnetic drain plug for easier, less messy maintenance
Mounting hardware provided
Gasket and filter not included (use stock parts).
This is a comparison:

This is the inside:

 

[spindlecone]

Glacier
See if they will sell you one wholesale, mine was like 125 bux.
I know of 4 installs on sporttracs, was no clearance issues.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Spindlecone, I see that you have a Fumoto valve on your engine oil pan. Do you have one on your transmission pan as well? I can't tell from the picture. What is that bar under the oil pan? Is it a magnet?

 

[spindlecone]

Spindlecone, I see that you have a Fumoto valve on your engine oil pan. Do you have one on your transmission pan as well? I can't tell from the picture. What is that bar under the oil pan? Is it a magnet?

Thought about installing one on the tranny pan but it's sort of in an exposed area, wheras the engine oilpan is protected by the front crossmember.
Besides it would not get used much to justafy the cost, also the PML has a mag plug.
Yep, thats a BF magnet, take it off when I drain the oil, just something I have always done, not a clue as to if its worthwhile or not, cannot hurt.

 

[BrooklynBay]

By the way, that is a nice job wrapping those exhaust pipes!

 

[spindlecone]

By the way, that is a nice job wrapping those exhaust pipes!

Thank you
Is a Random-Tech offroad SS Y-Pipe, Being that the dia, is much larger than the OEM pipe, it was closer to the pan and starter.
Best to keep the heat in the pipe I figured.

 

[Rhett]

Thank you
Is a Random-Tech offroad SS Y-Pipe, Being that the dia, is much larger than the OEM pipe, it was closer to the pan and starter.
Best to keep the heat in the pipe I figured.

Makes me want to wrap the pipes on mine. Surely it would keep the transmission cooler??

 

[spindlecone]

Makes me want to wrap the pipes on mine. Surely it would keep the transmission cooler??

Not a good idea on reg steel pipe, will rust out in a couple yrs

 

[BrooklynBay]

This link has a lot of detailed diagrams about installing the microfelt filters: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1087772&postcount=4