I have a Ford aluminum 4 spd trans from an 85 2wd truck. It has overdrive, it's a toploader, and its a Ford piece; not tremec, borg-warner,new-process, etc. I don't have the casting number in front of me, but it has the ford oval cast into it, and the part number starts with e4tr-... I can't find anyone who lists a rebuild kit for this Ford made transmission. Is there a kit from a different trans that will work, or does anyone know where i can find a good, inexpensive kit with gaskets, seals, bearings, and synchros for this thing? any help is appreciated.

 

I think it is a Tremec, like mine, as Tremec made some trannies for Ford. Look at my pics in the gallery under "the project" (gotta update that thing)--it's painted red, but you should be able to tell if it's the same or not.

On the passenger side the tag says:

RTS AJ K026
E4TRJA 1015

On the driver's side, is stamped onto the housing:

RF E4JA(?) 7008(?) AJ(?)
82804877

5J626179 2
FORD L (that "Ford" is the oval stamp)

It's an RTS (Rug top-shifter), T-170 (I think). Just go to a transmission parts place and they should be able to get you a rebuild kit. When I went to Ford, the guy could see the tranny on his screen, but couldn't tell me who made it, or any identifying numbers (guy looked new too, so that didn't help).

Shifts like this:

1 3
2 OD R

Case is all aluminum, and it doesn't say "Tremec" anywhere. No drain plug either. Sound like yours?

Check it out.......maybe it is, maybe it isn't.....

 

Tremec made those for Ford. The top shifter is also known as the SROD, Single Rail Over Drive.

Go to Google and search "transmission rebuild" and/or some variation. You will find an outfit with kits for these. I posted the link here a couple of times, so you might search here for rebuild also.

Or you might swap that box for a ZF, M5OD, T-5 if you don't tow, a real top loader if you have 4.11s and like to race, etc etc.

 

Took a bit to find the pic of yours, but it looks very similar to what i have. I'm pretty sure that's what i'm looking for. I actually got ahold of a local trans shop, and he said that he could sell me an overhaul kit for a RUG trans for $160. It would include bearings, seals, gaskets, and brass synchros. Seems kinda steep to me, i had figured around $100. Does it sound about right to you?

The trans is actually going in my hotrod. It will go behind a '50 merc flathead in a 31 tudor sedan. i wanted overdrive with my 4.11 rear, and someone told me about this simple adaptation. You'll notice that the trans has two bolt patterns drilled, but only the outer ones are used. I have a bellhousing from '53 ford, and the smaller bolt pattern lines up. I had to bore out the hole for the front trans bearing retainer, but other than that, it was pretty straitforward.

Thanks for your help.

 

I got my kit for like $110 (can't remember exact amount) from a transmission place in Providence--but it did not have the synchros in it. When I came back because one of them (synchros) was bad, they just gave me one they had laying around.... They were very helpful in many ways, info and such.

I did the "refresh" on it almost a year ago, but if you need help or have a question, post or send a pm. I usually check in here at least once a day.

Good luck.

 

How can you tell if it needs a rebuild? I just put a T-170 into my '72 302. It shifts OK but is very noisy (as in whinny) in 1st, 2nd and 4th. Is that a bad sign or is that normal?

Thanks

 

I'm not so sure...I did a rebuild on mine because the shifter was rattling (in all but 3rd, but esp. 4th) and there was a general growling noise coming from it (the truck sounded like a diesel at idle, kind-a liked it actually). Found some of the roller bearings in between the input and output shaft inexplicably missing. If yours is quiet in 3rd (where it's 1 to 1), it could be a bad countershaft bearing perhaps.

 

I called local transmission shop and asked if they can get a rebuild kit for my T-170. Sure the guy says but why not just buy a rebuilt tranny from them. "How much would that cost I said" "oh about $1700" he said. So how much is a rebuild kit I asked...about $1200. Holy XXXX!!

I found a "Master Rebuild kit" on the internet for a T-170 for $104.LOL

 

Wonder what was included in the "rebuild" kit....obviously a lot more that bearings and seals.........? When I got mine, they termed it "refresh" kit.

 

"MRK Kit (RWD): Main case bearings, gaskets, seals, nuts, dogs & wires, thrust bearings, needle bearings, extension housing bushing, small parts kit, shifter bushings and other miscellaneous parts which vary by transmission. "