ford 4.0 trans failure? AA wants comments

[Mbrooks420]

When did the 700r4 become acceptable?

I meant what year did they work out all the problems?

 

[slovic]

Here is an update. As posted earlier, Diff Wack Daddy (DWD) dropped off his explorer. We discussed several issues:
1. I talked with DWD concerning the build up of his 700r4 transmission. Keep in mind, The aftermarket transmission companies have been refining this transmission for over 20 years. They offer numerous options to consider. I will let DWD post about his choices, as this has no bearing with our conversion adapters.
2. DWD and I next talked about the transfer case. DWD decided to retain his existing Borg Warner transfer case, but also expressed a desire to easily swap to an Atlas in the future
3. DWD asked about the column transmission shifter. I am not sure if it can be retained. We agreed to look into it, but if an Atlas is in the future plans, maybe a floor shifter would be better. Why? Competition drivers often want to shift the Atlas into "front low only" under heavy torque load with a cutting brake. They often need to shift the trans into neutral to release the load. Very time consuming with a column shifter.
4. We also discussed issues concerning "converter lock ups", retaining the electric t-case actuater, cross members, drivelines, etc.

There is going to be many issues that I may need help on. I hope I can count on the great members of this board for assistance.

 

[slovic]

first help!!

1 Are all 4.0 explorers electric shift for the transfer case? Why? We may need to make linkage brackets for manual shift t-cases

2. I'm concerned about lengths, The a4ld and Mazda are both around 29" in length. Any other trans used with THE 4.0 that maybe shorter? Mitsubishi or Toyo Koygo?
I know 2.8 and 2.9 trans had several lengths with rangers and bronco II's. Did they find their way into explorers too?

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Slovic,

I am Glad that you are looking in to the Explorer more and more. Since the Explorer also came with an optional Manual Shift T-case and the Shift lever mounts to the Side of the Transmission, if we retain our Stock T-case we might would need the mountings for our T-case shift levers.

Both my Navajo and Explorer have Manual Shift 13-54 T-cases.

I have Heard that Some Explorers did come with the Mitsu. tranny but the ones that did are very few. I can not confirm this as I have never seen a Mitsu tranny in the Explorer and I have seen Lots of them. Most came with the Mazda 5-speed and A4LD

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

One thing I have never seen though is a A4LD mated to a manual transfer case. I am pretty sure that all the auto tranny equipped explorers came with a electric shift xfer case.

As for the retaining the stock xfer case, it's just a money thing and with it being easily swapped over to a Atlas in the future, it will also accept a Klune V to go between that for an even deeper crawl ratio.

I decided to go with a 700-R4 that is equipped with a reverse manual valve body. That means the shifting order goes from park, reverse, neutral, 1st, 2nd, drive, OD. As Vic pointed out it makes it able to easily shift into neutral when in a very low crawl ratio that would overpower braks. I asked AA to look into retaining the columnn shifter, but I am pretty sure that I will be electing to go with the a floor ratchet shifter of some sort.

Vic, the only functions of the A4LD controlled by the computer are the 3 to 4 shift(overdrive) and the locking of the torque converter. It may be possible into tricking the PCM into thinking the 700-R4 is an A4LD and retain it's capability to lock the torque converter. Jusr an idea that may be worth looking in to.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Kevin,

Yes the Manual T-case came behind the A4LD. Again not as common. But they are out there.

 

[slovic]

We tested your rig on the rock garden after you left. First we picked up a couple of cases of budweiser. Sorry I broke a few things, but that JBweld fixes broken stuff good! Super glue stops cracks in glass! Sorry I puked on your dashboard and my dog pissed on your seats. Other than that, your vehicle is in good hands!!
rock garden? check out this link
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=96830


just kidding!, all in good hands!

 

[Rick]

Good one Vic Man you guys have a great looking shop!

I'll tell you what... I wish the rest of my driveline would hold up as well as my Atlas II!

 

[ttabbal]

So, any word on the 700R4 adapter? I may be in the market soon. I have a 95 with more electronic controls than some of the others here, any word on tricking the computer to work with the new trans?

Figgures, I swap IN a drivetrain with a weak auto. I wish I would have heard about this before.

Owell. If I can run this till it blows up and replace it with a 700R4 and maybe an Atlas, I'll live.

 

[Hotweels]

OK just toasted tranny #2, since there has been no word on this new adapter from AA think i might as well buy some 5.0 motormounts and do it up right. cha ching$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[cccIE666]

f.o.r.d.

yeah, im on tranny #2 with barely 5000 miles on it & its already actin up. tell me you know-it-alls, what should i put in my 92 that will actually perform?
i dont do any rock climbing, but i do some towing with a tow dolly.
~help~

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

There is work in progress on this swap. There is another thread in this forum somewhere that explains it better. I plan on calling some time this week to get an update as well.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Go her for the latest info.
Dead Link Removed

 

[dw_420]

I have the 5 speed tranny auto. i think 5R55E. On a SOHC 4.0. And yea its ****. I see everyone talking about conversions and other tannys.Could i put like a mustang tranny or more high performance on it and how would i go abou tdoing it?

 

[Mbrooks420]

No, the only way to get a better trans would be a 302 swap, until the 700r4 kit comes out. I am thinking of doing this swap.(302, AOD, 4404) I am on my 3rd trans in less than 60k. If this one goes I'm burning the damn thing down.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

I am pretty confident that the swap kit for the 700-R4 is going to end up being cheaper than the rebuild of a stock tranny.

 

[Mbrooks420]

The swap kit may be cheaper, but your new 700r4 will also need to be rebuilt.

 

[SteveVB]

Originally posted by Mbrooks420
The swap kit may be cheaper, but your new 700r4 will also need to be rebuilt.

Most likely true, but the 700r rebuild will last more than 20-30k miles, which seems to be about the length of an A4LD rebuild. And you can get a really WELL BUILT 700r for much less than A4LD rebuilds go. But the big plus is the 700r first gear thats 3.06 vs the 2.47 of the A4LD. Which makes the 4.10s in my truck act like 4.88s 20% or so lower first. So some may be able to run either bigger tires with less gear, or elimnate the need to swap gears front and rear. Saving some bucks on both install and gas for DD's. Bunch of positives.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

I bought a brand new built up 700-R4 from bow tir overdrives for just under $1300. The adapter kit doesn't have a set price as of yet but if it close to some of their other adapters of the same type (parts), then it should be in the 500 to 700 dollar range. Even if you figure in the high range, for $2000 you have a rliable tranny. If I am not mistaken, thats the starting price for rebuilding an A4LD.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Originally posted by Diff Whack Daddy
I thats the starting price for rebuilding an A4LD.

That depends on who you have rebuild it. I on the other hand I can come out better having my A4LD rebuilt.