E4OD Interchange/Upgrade Rebuild

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 27, 2014 | 02:03 PM

msorros

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

E4OD Interchange/Upgrade Rebuild

I just had my 1990 F350 dually towed 250 miles due to the trans going out. The trans initially started slipping from a standing start and then it lost all the forward gears. The trans has been regularly serviced. I have read that the E4OD was upgraded throughout the years and since it looks like I'll be rebuilding it, I would like to upgrade it where I can. I picked up a donor E40D from a wrecking yard out of a 1997 E350 van.

Should I rebuild the trans from the E350 or should I take the parts from it and put it into my original trans? I know the trans solenoid was changed around 1995. Am I correcting in thinking that I'll have to use the 1990 type solenoid in what ever trans that I use? I don't know what unforeseen issues that might come up with my intended rebuild.

Specs:
1990 F350 Crew Cab Dually, 150K miles
7.5 Gas engine, E4OD trans
Used to tow race cars

Donor Trans: 1997 E350, 7.5 Gas

Thanks for the help.

Mark

Apr 28, 2014 | 02:49 PM

Encho

The Southernmost Mod

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 6,902

Likes: 20

From: Caracas, Venezuela

It has been long since I've read anything on swapping newer versions of the E4OD into older trucks, but I think you're right, and wil only require to swap the solenoid packs if the plugs are different. Are you sure the dono trans requires an overhaul?. And finally, there is a link in my signature with a couple of simple mods to the E4OD, you might like them.

If you decide to rebuild, I heard BTS in Arkansas does an amazing job with these trans.

Apr 28, 2014 | 05:55 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

Before you lift a finger to replace or rebuild the trans in your truck you need to be absolutely sure there is actually something wrong with your trans. That may sound pretty silly right now but there is an endless parade of people here with E4OD problems and most of them are totally unaware that this trans is completely computer controlled and that there are a couple issues that can produce the exact symptoms you describe and it's got nothing to do with the trans. Those issues relate to the speedo and speed input to the PCM and the shift lever position sensor. If your speedo has been acting up or if the computer loses contact with the shift lever sensor codes will be set so the next thing you need to do is pull the codes and post up what you get. You don't need any special tools to do this but a simple code reader like the Equus 3145 makes is mistake proof, often the monkeys are the parts store will not be able to pull codes on a vehicle this old, when they can't find the diagnostic port under the dash they get lost quickly.

Apr 28, 2014 | 07:27 PM

wag53

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 286

Likes: 0

From: Sumter SC

Something else to think about before you put that '97 e40d in your '90, I believe the 97 has a psom and the trans does not have a speedo gear as the psom, ecm, and trans get their speed info from the sender in the rear axle. Might want to use your original trans or one '91 or earlier.

Apr 28, 2014 | 09:44 PM

Lead Head

Lead Driver

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 7,868

Likes: 9

From: Rhode Island

The '97 E4OD is the best of the bunch, but you will have to swap your '90 Solenoid pack into it to be compatible.

As mentioned, there is a catch. Your truck uses a mechanical speedometer, while the later ones switched to an electronic one driven by the rear axle. If it's a 4x4, there will be no issue, as the speedometer cables goes into the transfercase. It's a little trickier if you have a 4x2 however.

The 2WD transmission has the speedometer cable going into the tailshaft housing of the transmission, and later E4ODs do not have this provision. You'd have to swap the output shaft and tailhousing, which requires complete disassembly of the transmission.

I would not recommend putting another 89-91 E4OD in, unless it has been rebuilt with 95-97 internals.

May 6, 2014 | 04:12 AM

msorros

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Thanks for all the replies.

In my case the forward clutch is toast.

After investigating the donor E350 trans and going under my truck, it appears the cases are different. The donor trans doesn't have any bosses to mount the shifter bell crank. Also a monkey at the wrecking yard punched a hole in the accumulator body.

It looks like I'll be using my case and upgrading the trans with the parts from the donor.

Thanks,
Mark