I asked in the transmission section but I'm guessing that doesn't get as much attention...

I've got a 90 E4OD of unknown history that I'm considering using to replace a C6. I'd be using the OptiShift controller so I'm not worried about the computer.

The trans works and shifts fine but I have no information about it, if it's original or rebuild, how many miles (the truck it's out of had 160k) and would want to rebuild it. I would be upgrading it to 96/97 specs or whatever the latest version is that they've fixed all the problems.

I've been doing a lot of reading and have seen people refer to a Tips and Tricks zip file but haven't been able to get a copy of that yet. I plan on getting and studying the overhaul manual but I'd also like that tips and tricks file too. Yes, I plan on rebuilding it myself.

So if anyone has that file I'd appreciate a copy if I could get one. Also, any tips or tricks you have would be great.

 

As to longevity a lot depends upon how the previous owner treated it. If it say had a sansor failure, or say a VSS failure and it was run for some time in limp mode, that spells early death.

I have always had good luck with automatics, and that is ALL I personally run.

My current work truck is a 99' 7.3 with a origional E4OD at 255,205 miles currently, and I do tow up to 13.8k behind the truck at times. The origional transmission is still going strong!

My little dump truck, a 90 with 86k is still going strong.

I had a 90 with 160k + miles and it was still going strong.

As to the rest of the shop trucks, we had a spate of bad TQ's in the 1999/2000 era, that were evidently a bad batch as there have been no more Torque converter issues since replacement and on any other year trucks. My own work truck did not have this TQ faiure, so I guess I won the luck of the draw on this one.

No doubt that the later E4OD's were better and stronger than the early ones. Just remember, if your speedo does not work, your E4OD will go into limp mode and MUST only be driven to your home to be repaired or a shop, NOT continued to be used. Other things also will send your E4OD into limp mode, and those also must be repaired prior to using the transmission to either get home or the shop.

I guess I cannot say it enough, job to do or not, if your E4OD is in limp mode, park that thing until repaired. Period. No job is worth a $4000 transmission, and if it were, RENT a truck at the local rental shop to finsh the job, it will be cheaper than a $4000 transmission repair!

My thoughts, David

EDIT - I just bought a 88 E150 van with a C6 / 5.8 EFI combo. I sure miss the extra gear of the E4OD!!!!

 

delete. cant read

 

They have classes for that issue. No reason to delete because others can..... but then, if you are on here typing ya must now how to read!

So in the words of Sat nite live - never mind!

D~