Looking @ Frankentranny

[Flip4ford]

Well after a recent trip to CO I was not very happy with the a4ld's performance going up hill for a long time at low highway speeds... (I know I know - Larger tires, week tranny ect ect ect)

I decided to do the frankentranny build... The write up is mostly over my head but I have a friend who rebuilds Allisons for a living, and if I show up with all the parts - he would do the work for beer and pizza.

After reading the write up fully I guess I still have a few questions (in no particular order):

1. What would be the overall parts cost? (est)
2. Was there an overall parts list? I saw several part numbers peppered throughout the thread, but no full on list.
3. The last post was awhile ago --- anyone else do the frankentranny build and how did it work for them?
4. Am I right in assuming the internals are from a 4/5r55e do I need all the "hard parts" and just the mentioned soft parts?

Just curious It really sounds like the way to go, but I want to be sure - before I sink too much money into it.

I'm a little nervous actually- mostly on my end, and having what I need up front-- not in the write up.
Thankis for any and all input.

 

[BrooklynBay]

A regular rebuild is probably 1/3 of the cost unless you could find a donor 5R55E with low mileage.

 

[Jeffbethandkidz]

I built one. I like it, but I only did part of it. I did mine before I found the Frankentranny post, so I couldn't figure out how to get the low/reverse out of the case. I found the post and got the pieces out of the donor case, but I still haven't bothered to finish the swap.

You will probably have to measure your clearances and possibly change thrust washers to bring you tolerances into spec. I had to change mine. Also, you will need the piston seals for the 4/5r trans, not the a4ld. The clutches and steels will interchange between the two, so do the bands. I'm not sure about the servos...

I wasn't able to find a 4r pump/bellhousing, so I was forced to use the 5r bellhousing from a Sohc. The starter pocket was wrong, but I was able to grind it down w/ a carbide bit and make it work. If you don't want to have to mess with it like I did, then make sure you find the right bellhousing.

I don't remember running across anything else. I bought a couple of valvebody modification parts/pieces and a used valvebody to tinker with. I recommend making the mods listed in the post.

Hope yours goes well

 

[Flip4ford]

Thanks Jeff... Where did you get your parts? About what did it cost?

 

[Jeffbethandkidz]

I was working in a dealer at the time and used a core we had laying around (overdrive servo pin bore worn out on the case, but all the hard parts were pristine...the unit had less than 50k on it). You should try to find a trashed one at a trans shop or from a junkyard.

My overhaul w/ a convertor cost around $250 in parts. My time is cheap when I am working for myself. I was able to get all my parts from an outfit called Whatever It Takes. Try to google them and see if they have a center near you.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Their website is WWW.Wittrans.Com.

 

[Flip4ford]

OH wow that is great thanks guys... I am stoked about this again!!!

 

[jd4242]

ever think about the 700r4,might be better in the long run for a lifted truck with tires.

 

[Flip4ford]

I thought about it but it'll cost around $2,000-$2500 where I am hoping that this will only cost around $500... Have to get all projects through the W. A. B. (wife allocated budget)

 

[jd4242]

haha i hear that!
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