4r70w help!!

[B29FE]

I have a '96 2 wheel Drive 5.0, am having problems finding a replacement transmission. What other years or model Fords are interchangable??

 

[410Fortune]

96-2001 5.0L explorer 2wd, I think thats it.
the F-150 and expedition used a 4.6L V8, the bellhousings are different

 

[CDW6212R]

You have a lot of choices, but to use in your 96 truck you have to use a 96 MLPS range sensor, and your TCC solenoid. For ease of swapping the 96/97 2WD Explorer is the first choice. But any 2WD 4R70W from a 5.0, 3.8, 0r 4.2 will work. The 98+ had an upgrade or two worth having, but to swap into a pre 98 needs a rewiring of the main trans connector at the trans. Meaning there are many to select from, but you need to know these small details to finish the swap.

Feel free to ask more detailed questions if you turn up a later 4R70W to use, we can help you make it work. Just avoid the 4WD versions, unless you are ready to take it and your old one apart to change the output shaft.

 

[B29FE]

Thanks for info, I am looking at having mine rebuilt also. Looking for my options. I got 200K on this one so I think I got my monies worth. I think I have a solenoid failed as I only have forward in any position. I removed the pan and the linkage works fine.
Steve

 

[B29FE]

Got the trans out and in the shop. He said the case is shot, clutch bands welded together and much more. $1800+ in parts alone. So now I need to go to plan B. I did find a 4R70W from a Mustang GT will find out more details tomorrow. The shop did say my tail shaft and housing was okay. Anything else I need to look for that will work.

 

[CDW6212R]

Sorry to hear that, take it slow getting the right parts to build one. Get the two bolt starter 4R70W, for the 96 you have to use a 96 model TCC solenoid and MLPS/DTRS. Those have to be compatible with your PCM.

Carefully save your trans wiring harness now. You can use that, or you might need it to help rewire a later 98-01 Explorer harness. It depends on what you come up with for 4R70W parts.

FYI, I've replaced almost all of my internal parts, and I'm way under $1000 now. Regards,

 

[B29FE]

Wow, I guess I have a real rare beast. Can't find a 5.0 two wheel drive Explorer other than mine. I did find a 97 5.0 with all wheel drive. I also found a 98 Mustang G.T. with a 4.6 but it is a 3 bolt starter. Also found a 97 Expedition also three bolt starter. I do have quite a bit of mechanical experience so removing tail shaft is not an issue if I don't need special tools. Did not quite understand all the accronyms off hand. I put so much work into getting this back on the road after the full front clip, dash lights and heater core replacement don't want to throw in the towel now.
Thanks for your help.

 

[CDW6212R]

You can use any 4R70W with a 2 bolt starter, that is the easy way to differentiate the two bell housing bolt patterns. The 4.6/5.4 engines have different pattern, including the 3 bolt starter.

The 98+ models have a better mechanical diode intermediate clutch, and very slightly improved VB's, and electrical parts. None of that is critical for a stock build, so don't worry too much about that. The differences affect you just for the parts I mentioned before, to make the 98+ models work for you.

Your output shaft will surely be okay, so feel free to get a 4WD or AWD trans if you have to. The 5.0/3.8/4.2 should all be the same 2 bolt trans case, and almost all internal parts are the same from 98 up. That gives you a lot to choose from.

Have them replace all of the electrical solenoids, they don't cost much. Remember that you need to use a TCC solenoid made for your 96 model, that's the torque converter clutch solenoid. You also have to use your range sensor(DTRS/MLPS), as it has fewer wires. The electronic signals changed in 98+ model PCM's, thus you have to use the correct TCC and DTRS.

 

[B29FE]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, You have been most helpful.

Steve