transmissions interchangeable from early powerstroke [Archive] - PowerStrokeNation : Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

transmissions interchangeable from early powerstroke

bobb
10-04-2009, 12:54 AM
Hi All,
I'm new to this forum. I have a 95 E350 7.3 powerstroke and the tranny shifts late and hard and I would like to find a functional alternative that will last six months or a year without breaking the bank until I can get the original repaired or rebuilt. I asked this same basic question on another powerstroke forum, and the person that responded indicated that an old C6 from an IDI wouldnt work period. He said only E4OD or 4R100 would bolt up and function but didn't give me a reason or indicate any model year conflicts. I read and have the same dilema as the fellow in the other thread concerning transmissions interchangeable with a 96 E350 with conclusion that although it came with E4OD any 96 or newer E4OD 4R100 would bolt up and function with existing ECU, but I am learning that the 94-95 model years seem to be in a class of their own. Can anyone tell me definitively if this interchange would hold true on a 95 powerstroke with E4OD? Someone also indicated that they interchanged a tranny from an old IDI with a powerstroke application in an older thread on this forum and the only mod they had to make was re-drilling the flex plate from 4 bolt pattern to 6 bolt circle. Would there be any issues with the engine ECU not getting a tranny signal that could potentially cause ECU damage or erratic engine performance? I also need to know if the E4OD and 4R100 are interchangeable electronically and mechanically (like length or will the driveshaft have to be changed or modified) from model year to model year? If you give an opinion as speculative logic, please state it as such. No offense intended, but please only give advice as gospel if you have actual experience or definitive knowledge concerning these questions as it has already cost me more than I can afford to make this road worthy and I can't afford any speculative application purchases. I bought this van on an ebay auction from a fast talking shyster and the guy took my money and hightailed it out of there. I didn't pursue recourse because the body is in pretty good shape and the diesel vans with extended body are a little harder to find and it is the configuration that I need. The Ford dealer was of Zero help. Also if someone has definitive insight on tranny conditioners like Lucas that would be awesome. Are these conditioners just snake oils that ultimately do more damage than good by softening and swelling seals to stop the bleeding etc. or do they really work legitimately on a long-term basis? Thanks in advance for any insight anyone can offer

blageurt
10-04-2009, 01:27 AM
I was told by a few people that ONLY the E4OD will work for my truck (Also a 95) . Programming is different in the 4r100. I have the TEE5 PCM. For a 4R100 to work in my truck I would need the PCM for that particular model Like a TDEO or the like .The shift strategies are a little different .It would probably work , but not 100%

bobb
10-04-2009, 03:48 AM
thanks for your input blageurt, nice to hear from someone else with a 95 I have only had this a month. I have had an '01 7.3 for 7 or 8 years and haven't had a single major problem, but I know the 95 was early in the development. have you had any other problems with the engine? The intake airbox was a little busted up when I got it and when I went to a salvage yard to find another, all the lids on the clean air side seem to have a crack just above all the gussets on the side opposite the clamps. I am a little hesitant to put on an after market air cleaner because I have read that they dont have OEM micron ratings. Any other thoughts?

blageurt
10-04-2009, 04:06 AM
My truck runs real strong. It has 392,000 kms which translates to 245k miles. I will go at least one million kms . My engine has virtually no wear , and only uses 1.5 litres between changes (every 10000 kms). Oil tests come back consistent . I rebuilt the fuel system when i got it and did the usual UVC harnesses/ gaskets / engine harness clips that got burn't . I also replaced the Injector o-rings myself , not fun in a Van , along with the IPR . I use Napa filters and change them every 10,000 -15000 kms . I test my oil every change , I use rotella T . I used Grace Ice/ Water Shield to seal the airbox joints in the back and some small cracks ( I'm a roofer) . Put the biggest trans cooler you can find on it and install a trans temp guage. when the TC starts to go downtown It's basically a boat anchor. I will be installing stage 1's soon and will be installing Sun Coast (Precision Industries) TC (Triple disc billet 1200 lb-ft rated) before I blow the rest of it. Temperature is the enemy . The Solenoid packs are also in the habit of going. Maybe thats your problem . Lucas works great . Change the fliud / filter and drain the TC too . I used Mobil Dextron/mercon semi synthetic ATF , the add the lucas . I used 2 quarts of Lucas . you will need 15 quarts of ATF . The only other thing is change the UVC's /gaskets if they are burn't . Lose the cat and BB shimm the FPR. The 95's are simple that way, as are all First Gen's . I also lost the fuel heater since it shorted out and I just unplugged it.

sixiron
10-05-2009, 11:26 AM
I would check a few other items B/4 giving up on your tranny...

I am not sure if your model is electronic, if it does please

check all your ground wires and connectors...

had a BTS built tranny that did the same deal, turned out to be a ground wire offshoot from a harness in the engine valley ...It was partially frayed...

bobb
10-06-2009, 12:12 AM
Thanks sixiron, that is a very good point. I'm still recovering from all the other little issues that seem to cost me a hundredfifty bucks every time I pull a cover off something. So although I have had little to no ambition to attack this, I guess it has sort of been in the back of my mind as a possibility, after all I have had more than one starter not kick hard enough from poor or corroded ground, and my share of distributor caps corroded enough to kill a gasser, but my "just my Luck" mentality keeps whispering that would just be way to easy and inexpensive so I haven't spent any time chasing wires on the tranny as I brace my checkbook for the worst. But I will definitely give it some attention before I open my wallet for a rebuild. The factory manual also suggests re-torquing the bolts that hold the Valve body in and checking for debris that may have gotten pinched between the gaskets during previous repairs for a lot of performance symptoms. Apparently it doesnt take much mechanically or electronically to mess with the performance of these Electronic shift trannies. I'm also trying to locate an appropriate scanner on Ebay or other used equipment venue to diagnose this and the ABS brakes before I spend more money on parts which will also help narrow a harness fault search. thanks again for your input