The truck:
2000 4X2 F150
4.2l V6
280k miles/ some towing

The problem:
The trans has a hard time getting into 1st gear. When you put it into gear you have to rev it to about 3k (when it's warm, 4k when cold) RPMs at which time you feel a definite engagement and it goes through the rest of the gears just fine. Once it's warm it will do stop and go traffic as long as you start it with the OD off.

The background:
probably the stock motorcraft filter on there, and I don't think the oil has been changed in the life of the trans, but I do know that it's never been ran low on fluid. I took a gander at it and found a plug where a gear type speedo went on older models to be loose and leaking. tightened it up about two full turns. also noticed what looks to be a leak where the main case meets the output shaft housing. now I know neither of these are the cause of my headache but I do wonder if the second leak might be a sign.

The research:
I've been looking for almost a week now for a solution. I've been all over TCCoA, Explorer Forum,10 pages of search here on FTE and various other Ford based websites and have come across a single thread with the same symptoms but the OP never came back with a solution.

The plan:
a fluid/filter change (and flush) is definitely in the plans as well as inline filter for my own satisfaction. from what I've read the stock 1-2 accumulator is known to go bad on some of these and if I have the pan off might as well check anyways.



So my question to you very helpful people is, is there anything painfully obvious that I might have missed? Have you heard of this symptom before? Do you have any suggestions other "take it to a shop"(1 that is not an option for me financially, 2 even if I did have the money my pride would never let me do it.)?


if I have to I'm prepared to yank one from a junker at picknpull but I even have a couple questions about that. I'm aware that the donor needs to be 4x2 non-modular motor (3.8,4.2,5.0) '98-'01. If it is the case that a truck is not available, an exploder or expidition would be my next choice. but by some chance of twisted fate those are not available either, would a towncar/crown vic/grand Marquis work? I read somewhere that the valve body is calibrated to vehicle weight and tire size.

I appreciate you reading my lengthy thread and any answers or advice would be appreciated even more so.

 

The forward clutch piston seal is prob torn or rock hard. Almost all 4r70w internals interchange so parts shouldn't be an issue. They are pretty easy to rebuild here is a very good build thread 4r70w rebuild

 

if the seals are just hard, I should be able to just throw a bottle of lucas transmission treatment in there and get a couple more miles out of it. I've read that entire diary and it's been a great source of information. I do plan on rebuilding one for the truck but I'd much rather do it at my leisure than rushing to get one into the truck.

thank your for your input.

 

You could put half of a pint of brake fluid in it, it will do the same thing as the Lucas. I put brake fluid in my old Beretta and drove it 50k more miles before I sold it, it still shifted fine with 208K on the clock.

 

from what I understand brake fluid will swell seals for the desired effect but will also eat away at them. I've had some old schoolers tell me a capful or two. half a pint kind of seems like a lot to me.

I went to the junk yard today and found two f150s (2000/2001) with the 4.2 but the gauge assy was missing from both of them so they have unknown millage. I came across a very clean grand Marquis with 115k but it has the 4.6 am I off base assuming I can't use one from a 4.6/5.4? as far as I know the only difference is starter bolt pattern (2 vs 3). will this prevent me from a swap? is there any other differences that might prevent a direct swap?

EDIT- 4.6/5.4 has a different bolt pattern and will not fit. Thanks to Mark Kovalsky

 

I dont' know about the brake fluid eating the seals but it will definitely swell them and make them pliable. Half a pint in 3 gallons of trans fluid is not a lot.

 

Mine did that for a few weeks and then the front clutch fried. Some mechanics said the electric switch behind the shift lever, the MLPS or something, can make them not find Low like yours does.
Did the truck sit unused for a long time, like six months or more? That can cause these transmissions to act up. A fluid change and gentle driving habits will sometimes loosen them up again.
I wouldn't try the brake fluid deal, just adding new problems.

 

If your going to try leak sealer, why not use the right conditioner made for the appliction.
Once it's put in you need to allow several hundred miles for it to work.
After doing this, don't let the truck set very long between uses like several weeks or you will see the leak again.