Well, I'm slowly acquiring parts to swap a built 460 (build thread to come) into a mid 90's ('94-96) F-150. I started thinking about it a little, and I realized that I've never heard of a half ton pickup coming from the factory with the 460 BB. Assuming that is the case...

Will the E4OD bell housing for a 300, 302, or 351 mate up to a 460? Or will I need to find a transmission that came from the factory mated to a 460 to make it work?

 

The E4OD transmission has an integral bellhousing so no swapping from SB to a BB is not going to happen. You need an E4OD from a 460.

Could be a simple mechanical swap depending on year of computer (PCM) and transmission. The are electrical differences for 1995 and up versus 1994 and earlier. Same for internal differences that make later versions more desirable.

 

That's kind of what I was afraid of. The engine itself is (allegedly) a '96, though the casting numbers I've found cast doubt upon that information. More investigation needs to be done on my part to verify the date of the engine. I guess I'll have to hunt for a transmission off of a 460, then.

Am I correct in thinking that the 460 wasn't offered in the 150? If so, will I have problems mounting a 460 version E4OD into an F-150 pickup?

 

The 460 version of the E4OD will fit the F-150 just fine.

 

Excellent, thank you. I have another question regarding the E4OD. I know it's called a 4 speed transmission, and it's said that it has an overdrive gear. I can't seem to find clear a clear explanation though. I apologize for my ignorance, but is it 1-2-3-4-OD? Or 1-2-3-OD? Four gears plus OD, or four gears including OD?

 

4 gears total. 4th gear is overdrive.

 

Four forward gears. Third is 1:1 (drive), 4th is overdrive.

edit: What rla2005 said

 

Hmm...

Will I regret using this transmission for the build? I believe the 4R70W is one quite similar to the E4OD, is it a transmission worth looking into?

 

Casting numbers reflect the vehicle that part was *first designed* for.
460's had D1VE blocks until they went to external balance in 1979.
460's were not to be found in cars and the D9TE blocks reflect that.
Did they change again in the '90's?
Certainly bricknose trucks like mine are d9te.

You are better off with the e4od in stock form.
A 4r70w never came behind the 460 or diesel for a reason.
Think of it like aod v/s c6...
It can be built to handle power, but then you're looking at serious $$$ when the e4od only needs a good cooler.

How much hp/torque do you intend to build your 460 to?

Mark is the resident tranny expert, so I will differ to his opinion.

 

The 460 was found in 150's back in the 1970's.
There is simply no reason for the weight and strength of a 385 engine in a half ton truck.
Spring wrap and front coil sag is a big problem.

150, 250, 350 trucks all have the exact same cabs (except for the badge)

 

Already said, but you are not going to find a 4R70W with a 460 bellhousing. Only other AT option would be a C6, but that loses overdrive.

Don't forget E4OD also is electronically shifted and you must either use the correct ECM for your engine/transmission or go with an aftermarket standalone controller.

 

There are no 4R70Ws that will bolt behind a 460. A 95-97 E4OD is the best choice for a 460 truck. Just make sure you get the matching computer to go with it.
F-250 2wd front coils and stronger rear springs/ladder bars can fix those issues....and who cares if there's "no reason" for it? I've seen a RCSB Ranger with a 4.6 DOHC 32V Cobra V8 swapped in it. What a blast that was.

 

I'm not saying you *can't* do it, I'm explaning *why* Ford *stopped* doing it.