I had posted this over on the "transmission, clutch, and drive-line forum, but I'm posting it here too in case there is more traffic here.

'92 F150 4x4 4.9L E4OD

A quick backstory then I'll ask my question. I bought this truck a few years ago with the engine knocking, installed a good used engine, had what I thought was some misfire issues at higher rpm, but it turned out to be bad MLPS and bad harness/connection issues at the solenoid pack on the transmission. Repaired all of that, and the everything runs good, except for low MPG. I have checked everything out and have determined the transmission is at fault, needing rebuilt. If I'm going to rebuild it, then I'm going to update and make any necessary design improvements I can without going crazy on the budget. I'll probably pull a tranny out of a later model year to swap the updated internals out.

From my understanding, everything on the E4OD is interchangeable throughout the years, except for the obvious 2wd/4wd differences and the solenoid pack because of some diodes for the pcm being on the solenoid pack on earlier model years vs. those diodes being in the pcm on later model years. I've watched and rewatched the transmission bench rebuild video series on youtube, and have a good understanding/confidence on tackling this project without issues.

Now here is my question; If everything is interchangeable, then what would be the merits/demerits on using a later model year of the check ball arrangements in the valve body? Was the valve body internals itself different between model years, even though it still bolted up to the case? If I get a donor trans from a '96 would I be better off using that valve body/check ball arrangement and using my model/year solenoid pack vs. using the valve body/check ***** arrangement out of my '92?

Thanks.

 

im pretty sure everything isn’t interchangeable it’s more like everything can be brought up to newer designs which may involve more than one component. Like a cork vs elastomeric gasket needing the pan for the appropriate material

 

You shouldn’t swap valve bodies as the channels in the case are different. Use the one from your truck but put a shift kit in it if you want to upgrade it.

 

Thank you for the input. I am aware of the interchangeability of the internals. What I'm really after is knowledge from a transmission guy with understanding of the different check ball arrangements between years and their functionality. I've R&R'd multiple transmissions, including E4OD's, for our bench guy to rebuild, but he has since retired, and I've since went back into aviation maint. I no longer have his number to pick his brain, and I'm trying this resource before moving onto others. Thanks

 

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a tab or something on the subject but I can’t find it on googling. Basically there is changes and they have break points in compatibility which you seem to understand. The specifics idk

 

Then you should know the answer.
The differences are well documented in any rebuild kit, the ATSG manual as well as the E4OD update manual.
I'm not a transmission guy, rebuilt one (1) E4OD, and I understand why there are different check *****, different worm paths, etc. and not to swap valve bodies of different years.

Just to be complete, I think what you are asking is "What does each check ball do between the different years of E4OD?"
The following picture may help:

E4OD Check *****

 

Use the valve body that came with the case, do not swap 96 valve body into a 92 case.
With out going crazy, there are minimal hard parts you need to upgrade your 92 with. Not all 96 E4ODs will have the upgraded parts, you'll still have to buy them new.
Parts from a diesel E4OD is your best bet, but that all depends on the following question;

What is it you are wanting to upgrade?
What is it you are using the truck for?
How much power you putting out with your engine?

When I did my trans, the most important upgrade is the center support bearing, sun shell, large clip that holds coast clutch (or overdrive, cant remember), also the front pump(1995 better, 1998 best but then you need different hard parts). Then there are planetary pinions, 3,4 and 6 gear, aluminum and steel. Diesel trans will have 6 pinion steel, I have read. My parts trans came with 4 pinion aluminum, better than the 3 pinion aluminum it had.