Question for Tranny Experts

[RiverRat]

I have to take apart my 4R70W to replace the output shaft for the Advanced Adapters T-Case adapter.

Should I o/h the tranny or do anything while it's on the bench? It looks to be in good shape, fluid is ok, 100k miles.

When I get this trans into my truck i will be pounding on it so It needs to be reliable

 

[james t]

go to Dead Link Removed and buy everything there. lol Baumann makes some awesome stuff for the 4R70W, at the very least get their shift kit.

 

[jon42]

Not an expert but have redone a few.I would definately replace the front seal to begin with.Since overhaul kits are fairly cheap I would purchase one that contained clutches and seals since youll be going past all these parts to get to the output shaft. As your replacing these parts youll be contemplating the chore of re installation and how much you dont relish the exersize of it.From this mindset you will observe the various other components such as the bands that are rather inexpensive that you might as well (should)replace also. To go the extra mile there are ,i believe, "2" oneway clutches(sprag clutchs) in that trans. These clutches have the full load of torque placed on them in certain gear selections and you might seriously consider thier replacement.Inspect all the thrust washers for severe wear and if any is found, buy a washer and selectives kit to update those as well.I have to mention here tho that upon replacement of thrust washers:you will need to check the clearance of overall thrust when assembled so refer to your rebuild manual carefully on this subject.One more item worth mentioning is any bushings you find should be inspected carefully for wear as well.Im in the midst of redoeing an A4LD(still) because of a disintergrated horizontal style roller bearing between the O/D planet and centershaft.If your trans has a few of these i would suggest(after my experience)replacing what you find of these. Trans parts suppliers on the internet arent in the habit of including prices on thier parts but i believe you can get away with $100 on the rebuild kit ,$15 to 35 on the bands,anywere from $30 to 50 on the sprags,$45 for thrust washers(yours may vary greatly from the A4LD trans and use bearings instead...)selective thrusts ???....Bushings...depends on how many it has/you want to replace. O yeah...new filter$??.This is just an extemely rough etimate on $$.Actuall prices may vary. Dig for tech info on this trans and use the search on this forum and "Off road rangers/ford enthusiasts/ranger power sports forums too.Thier sites are the same layout and have search functions.Im sure you will find a few 4r70w owners who have taken the trany fluid sponge bath on this model. Keep us posted on what you find inside your aluminum tunnel of love and spread the knowledge...........jon

 

[RiverRat]

Thanks guys. While I would like to get a shift kit and mod my trans I'm leaving it stock for now. This Explorer/ranger swap is adding up in the $$$ department so no more mods. I'm going to tear down the "aluminum tunnel of love" and just do an O/H while it is on the bench. Hopefully the internals will be ok.