98 tranny on a 97 x

[dogfriend]

Computer from a 98.


That may open another can of worms, because the harnesses may not be the same, different sensors may be used etc.

I'm very surprised that there would not be a location for the VSS to bolt onto the 98 transfer case even though they decided to combine ABS/VSS functions. That would mean that they retooled the outer case of the t-case - seems like a lot of trouble.

I think the best bet would be to add the VSS to the transfer case if possible.

Another possibility: Change out the rear extension housing/transfer case adapter to allow the 97 transfer case to bolt to the 98 transmission.

 

[SteveVB]

Originally posted by dogfriend
I think the best bet would be to add the VSS to the transfer case if possible.

Another possibility: Change out the rear extension housing/transfer case adapter to allow the 97 transfer case to bolt to the 98 transmission.

Can anyone help out here- did the transmission output change in 97??

I dont think that it did, and that the transfer case should bolt up. Even if the transfer case doesnt match they should be able to use the 97 trans parts to change the tailshaft on the tranny, which in my view would be a better option than putting in a mishmash of computers and wiring. Ford has done some wierd stuff, but I dont think that the transfercase bolt patterns would have changed that dramatically - esp since people on this site have bolted up pre 94 cases to later model transmissions(which are really the same basic transmissions with updates)

I would double check with them on the transfer case bolt up problem. I dont think they are correct.

Ill reiterate this- I would not change or modify the wiring and or harnesses- yu will create problems for yourself down the road- particularly since you dont work on the vehicle yourself.

Good Luck

 

[SmokeGrinder]

guys!
thanks so much for all your help. I called a dealership in Houston and they said the same. I then got on the phone to my ford dealership here in the UK and told them to take the transfer case of the old tranny and put it on the new one so we can get the VSS.

OK i will let y'all know when i get it working!!!

thanks again!

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by SteveVB
Can anyone help out here- did the transmission output change in 97??

I dont think that it did, and that the transfer case should bolt up.

I kind of doubt that it changed that much also, but I don't have any info on the 98 to prove it one way or the other.

I would speculate that both the 5r55e trans (which as you said is just a variation of the A4LD) and the 4405 BW transfer case probably did not change very much for any of the 2nd gen years - probably just minor variations in the wiring and sensors used. I do know that the front output of the transfer case changed when they switched from 95-96 style (w/ vac disconnect) to 97 and up (w/ no front disconnect). The 97 and later transfer cases have a CV joint at the front output.

At least it sounds like they may be on the right track now - I agree that cutting and splicing harnesses is a bad idea.

 

[SmokeGrinder]

ok my old Transfer case is hosed so they just want to take off the end of it and put it on the new Transfer case. so they can still plug the vss in.... they say the old Transfer case has like a spinning drum inside to control the vss. but they want to know if the new one would be the same... any ideas?

thanks

 

[dogfriend]

I'm guessing that the 97 / 98 transfer cases should be very similar, but I don't have any info on the 98 transfer case so I can't verify that it will work.

It would seem that if they swap the part of the case that contains the opening for the VSS, then they should be able to add the "drum"(from the old t-case) that drives the VSS , if it doesn't already exist in the new case.

I was wondering if your old transfer case was okay, because the noise that you described earlier in this thread sounds similar to what others have described when the transfer case goes bad.

 

[SmokeGrinder]

they say they hope they will be able to find the drum in the new transfer case.....
my old transfer case was shot they said and that cant go back on... :'(
i just hope this can be done. if anyone has moreinfo plese reply..

thanks dogfriend

 

[section525]

I can tell you thats how the newer 4404 transfer cases are. The gear is inside to run the VSS although the hole in the case is not present (in the '98+). So all you have to do it change the housing from your old one (with the VSS hole) onto the newer tcase.

That's what I have to do on mine still and I know Heath has already done it.

 

[JoshC]

Alright, i'm going to wake this thread up.

So if i get a 98 or newer tcase, then all i need to do is change the case out on it so i'll have my VSS hookup?

 

[SmokeGrinder]

yup thats what my dealership did