I know there has been a lot of info on this, but I wanted to hear some opinions about an issue I am wrestling with right now regarding rebuilding options:

I am considering a rebuild for my transmission. I have a 95 F-150 351 with a Vortech supercharger and the E4OD at 118,000 miles (supercharger was installed around 40,000). The engine is running great, and I anticipate having this truck for awhile. The tranny seems to be the weak part right now, and I want to explore some options for rebuilding it. Talking to some shops I have had good dealings with, I have heard some things about the options they include for full service rebuilds. They all offer the usual Ford updated parts and components, which is standard I imagine. What does anyone know about a billet heavy duty torque converter, or a heavy duty troque converter. I was also offered a different shifting (internal) that the shop uses for their tow trucks for better towing performance (I tow on occasion, but this will be a daily driver as well as weekend warrior). Are things like heavy duty troque converters and shifting packages like this beneficial and good things? Should I stay with Ford recommended updates? Thoughts? Thanks.

 

Are you racing this truck? Or is it a daily driver?? LOL
The E4OD is dream come true, and may be able to handle what you give it..only problem with the E4OD is the "E" part of it..the tranny is controlled by a puter and all its sensors. I would evaluate the codes in your system and see if any of them (if any) are tranny related. I would make sure all systems are online and reporting, and the tranny is being properly controlled by the puter first, or at least you should know this before you talk to a shop, many of the guys here walked into the shop thinking rebuild /replace when they just needed something simple like a manual lever postion sensor.
First step..check your diagnostic codes..see fordfuelinjection.com
You must start any project on the engine or tranny by first pulling codes, fix what may be broken, re-evalaute your needs, and go forward from that point. It would also be a good idea to search thru the forums,there must be 10 zillion comments questions about how the 4OD works.
I would hope that all your tranny needs is a good cooler, and some new fluid.

 

924! I haven't seen you on here in forever! Either that or I'm just blind! How've ya been?

The E4OD can be a damn good transmission if built right, and controlled right. 924 pretty much covered it all!

 

No, there will be no racing, but I tell you its like a dream when pulling a trailer. Dropping down to drive throws you back in the seat as you roar past cars uphill!

I am still exploring the options of the sensor package and replacements, but am concerned overall. It already has an aux transmission cooler, and I have not taken the codes yet. With the more powerful engine (the guy I bought it from was claiming 300 hp, though I am skeptical) are these kinds of upgrades worth it, or are the stock E4OD components tough enough? Thanks for the reply.

 

I'm voting it is tough enuf..I think the E4OD has been behind some big bears..but I can't quote from memory. My E4OD really had some bad times. Poor shifts, rough shifts, etc. every problem turned out to be some external problem, loose wire, or something wrong with the engine sensors.
I have the standard 4.9L 6 and my original E4OD with 180,000 miles. I killed the engine, but the tranny survived, and it's working perfectly at this time.