I notice references to upgrading to later model E4OD transmissions...I thought that there was a difference between the Modular motor bellhousings and the earlier 302/351/460 6bolt? bellhousing patterns.

If I where going to shop for a spare used trans to have handy or to try my hand at rebuilding are there any particular heavy duty versions and years that I should keep an eye out for? Are all E4OD cases and bellhousings the same? I've been dealing with manual transmissions for the past 10 years or so and really don't know much about autos.

 

Any of the "triton" series (4.6, 5.4, 6.8) bell housings are different from the earlier versions. And there are different cases/bellhousings for the 5.0 and 5.8 motors, 460s and Diesels. There are also early and late style electronics too. There are also different cases for different chassis too. Early and late versions are not interchangeable either. The 4R100W is a PWM type pump and has an input turbine sensor at the rear of the bellhousing. E4ODs don't have these.

You will want to get the type you have now and stick with that. If you have it rebuilt there are some updates that are available. Typical updates are an updated solenoid block (may require a new wiring harness connector), a bearing type center support and a six pinion steel OD planetary. We also install a Superior brand pump kit in every E4OD/4R100W we build. This really improves the torque converter lockup. There iare also a couple of revised torque converters available too. These updates would make it as durable as is necessary for anything but extreme use.

Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT