on a 2003 ford f-150 how can you tell what tranny you have? i was going to change the fluid(49000) and don't know what fluid to get(mercon or mercon v), the transfercase in the owners manuel states to use mercon and if you have a 4x4(4r100), then the dipstick states use only mercon v(which would be the 4r70w). does the transfer case and the tranny use different fluids? seemed kind of odd to me. so i was hoping someone could shine a little lite on the subject. thanks andy

 

nevermind i figured it out, i see this this another worthless forum about which bolt ons are best. and what cat back sounds the best.

 

Good to see you can use the owners manual. And this isn't just a forum about which bolt on is best. There are some really knowledgable guys here that can answer just about any question.

 

don't take it the wrong way, i just a playin around.

 

So which fluid are you changing? You mentioned transmission and then talked about the transfer case.

Door code "U" is 4R70W and that's Mercon V.
Door code "E" is 4R100 and that's Mercon.
Transfer case is a BW44-06 and I'm pretty sure that's Mercon.

4R100 is only found on trucks with a 5.4. The 4R70Ws could also be found behind the 5.4s, however the 4.6s and 4.2s with autos definitely will have the 4R70W from '97-'04(Heritage).

-Kerry

 

changed both of them, i was curious as to how the transfer case would call for a different fluid, then the transmission. are they sealed (transfer & tranny)from one another? by the way the guy at the parts desk stated that depending on where your truck was manufactured depended on what tranny was struck in the truck. that didn't make much since to me.

 

They are sealed by seals... then there's the joint between them.

Sometimes it's a wonder parts people know what planet we're on.

-Kerry

 

My 97 4.6 auto 4x4 has the 4r70w and it takes mercon and not mercon V. Could it be that my truck was built in March of 96.

 

You know, I was thinking about that when I replied the last time, perhaps that what the parts guy was trying to say...

I believe the cutoff was the '97 or '98 model year. Problem is I've heard of trucks coming with their factory operating manuals that say Mercon and the dip stick top saying "Use Mercon V." In ACF's case (2003 model) I'm very certain the 4R70W was a Mercon V unit, though.

-Kerry

 

Thanx kspilkinton my manual says mercon and so does the dipstick for the tranny. I have seen a lot of posts about guys saying that the 4r70w took Mercon V. I know when my dad and I changed the filter he had to call and see what would work.

 

Actually I should be thanking you, if you hadn't have spoken up we could have had a few people damage their trannies by adding the wrong ATF based on this thread. We're all here to help, right?

So, thanks skilife17... I always need someone to point out when I'm wrong, just so I don't get too deep into trouble.

-Kerry

 

Kerry your welcome, almost made the same mistake by almost putting Mercon V in mine. Wouldn't be good using wrong fluid. That's the whole point of this site is to help each other.

-jason