97 to 98/99 4R70W interchange

[johnnym]

I just bought a 1997 Explorer 5.0 AWD on the way to work this morning the transmission started to slip figured the transmission fluid was low no big deal I had some at the shop anyways got to a stoplight (long stoplight) then started to go and the engine just rev'd then the trans caught made it to the parking lot and it wouldnt go forward had to back into the lot,anyways I have a 1998 F150 4WD 25.000m (roll over) and a 1999 F150 RWD 42.000m (bad motor) both have the 5.0 and both have the U in the VIN my question is will they interchange with my Explorer, I pulled the pan on the Explorer and it was a nice metallic sludge

 

[X6StringerX]

The 2wd and 4wd transmissions are different. The AWD Explorer uses the 4wd version.

 

[johnnym]

Thank you for the reply another question if I may will the 1998 4WD truck be a straight forward replacement or as I have read on the forums I might have to change the VB or rearrange some wires

 

[410Fortune]

HECK yes use the t case from that 98 4wd F-150 too if you can, its probably electric shift cut you can use it. Search this forum for "4406 conversion"

Ditch that AWD t case

The 4r70w from the 4wd F-150 should go in without much issue
You will want to convert it to use the Explorer shifter pawl and linkage, also use the DTRS and wiring from the explorer trans 97-98 should not be too many changes wiring wise. If both trucks use a 12 pin DTRS (not 8 older style) then you are likely golden (may have to re pin a couple of wires at the trans wiring harness.

 

[CDW6212R]

Welcome, and you can swap transmissions from 302 engines, but not from the 4.6 or 5.4. Those have different bell housing bolt patterns.

The wiring change happened in 1998. It is best to wire up the trans to match the 98+ components, the 98+ parts are better. Make it so that the 98+ trans can be bolted in, meaning move the vehicle wires at the trans connector. Leave the wiring alone on a 98 up trans, change the wiring of the vehicle connector to match. Search around here, the wiring colors have been posted before. Regards,

 

[CDW6212R]

The electric shift BW4406 TC's do not have manual shift capability. The holes are not there in the front.

 

[410Fortune]

right but he can wire up electric shift with Gem and all that, maybe a PITA but worth it all day long in my book if you already have a free 4406 E shift...

 

[johnnym]

thanks a whole lot really appreciate your info and your time think I will really like it here

 

[johnnym]

well went back to the shop seems the 4wd is a 4.6 not a 5.0 the 2wd is a 5.0 so it seems I should have left that penny that was tails up on the ground, I only have 400 dollars wrapped up in it so far I am not out much will let it sit till I find one

 

[CDW6212R]

You can swap the guts between the two, they are the same internally, besides upgrades for the different years. Do be careful with the old trans, and failed trans has potential debris still in it, especially the valve body. Flush the radiator and coolers, toss the torque converter, and replace the radiator if the debris may be too much. Install an inline filter on the trans return line of any failed trans vehicle. Regards,

 

[johnnym]

I can make a totaled vehicle look like new but going inside a motor or transmission and I am all left hands (no insult to lefty's) would hate to tear something apart thats not broken and not be able to put it back together again

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes well, can you find someone who can build a 4R70W? I don't deal with trans shops myself. I would rather buy a ton of trans tools and do it myself rather than pay their $1000 per day labor rates.

 

[johnnym]

well I am gonna give it a whirl and see what happens been reading up on the model and read through the 4R70W diary expect to see a lot of me on here

 

[johnnym]

decided to rebuild the one I have

which of these kits would be the best for my vehicle 1997 AWD 5.0 and another small question I was told today that my Explorer may be a 1998 something about being built in June of 97


27005 Ford 4R70W Transmission master kit 1996-03
4R70W transmissionn rebuilding kit with clutches and steels
Competitors Price $129.12
Your Cost $115.29
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27018 Ford 4R70W transmission banner kit 1996-ON.
4R70W transmission kit with clutches
Competitors Price $91.21
Your Cost $76.02
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27028 Ford 4R70W transmission overhaul Kit 1996-03.

Competitors Price $61.61
Your Cost $49.29
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[96eb96]

well I am gonna give it a whirl and see what happens been reading up on the model and read through the 4R70W diary expect to see a lot of me on here

If you are rebuilding the trans study this link: The tbird and explorer have the same trans. These articles were written by the man who designed it for Ford.

http://tccoa.com/articles/tranny/transmission/index.shtml

and this may be helpful too

http://tccoa.com/articles/tranny/transmission/shiftybusiness.shtml