I understand the torque converters are different between gas and diesel but is the transmission itself the same between the gas (302, 351 and 460) and the diesel? Are any versions beefier then others? Thanks for any info.

 

The bellhousing/ bolt pattern is different. also, gear ratios may not be the same but i'm not sure on that one.

 

from the bellhousing back they are the same, if you are comparing them from the same year model. did a little research and most of what im finding says as far as getting a beefier stock version, go with a 95 model or up. also, some 5.0's had the 4r70w tranny after about 94. so keep that in mind if you are looking for a used one. here is a list of some updates to the e4od by around 94/95.

Improved (thicker) converter clutch piston, prevents the formation of cracks which relieve fluid pressure from the apply side of the clutch, causing it to slip and even bluing the outside surface of the torque converter in extreme cases. Ensure that your new converter contains an updated OEM or "LuK" brand heavy-duty clutch. This can be difficult, as many torque converter suppliers and remanufacturers may not use this new style of clutch.

Higher displacement front pump provides more fluid capacity for faster engagement of reverse and greater lube flow.

4-pinion overdrive planet and input shaft assemblies replace older 3 and 4 pinion units which tend to develop cracks in the carrier under heavy loads.

Stronger overdrive clutch cylinder snap ring which will not dislodge.

Revised sun gear and rear case bushings provide longer wear life and better lubrication.

 

Gas will not mate to a diesel.
Over the years there has been upgrades to the E4 before
it became a 4R. As far as gas vs diesel internals. The diesel
trans has some more clutch area in it.

Bill

 

So basically how they work is the same but castings and internals are different, even when comparing the same years?

 

That's basically correct.

The cases are different to mate to different engines. The number of clutch plates varies with engine size, and in some instances smaller engines had two pinion planetary gears while the larger engines had four pinion. All E4ODs had the same gear ratios.

 

my 97 460 truck only had the cheap aluminum 3 pinion deal in it, i had to upgrade to the sd steel 4 pinion when it let go on me.

 

97 diesel also had alum but was 4 pinion.

Bill

 

my current trans is a ford reman installed when the truck had 11,000 miles on it, i assume the cheasy aluminum rig is what they used...... wont worry about it till she comes apart

 

I am not sure why they did this, but the gear ratios for a gas e40d and a diesel are identical. The differences lie in the valve body, fluid pump, accumulator spring, and the planatary gears in a diesel are a 6 pin instead of a 5.

 

Cost. It cost millions of dollars to develop a new gearset.

 

Besides, the parts are C6-based that have been in production since the 60's. Why reinvent the wheel?

 

The gearsets are not common between the C6 and E4OD. Ford did develop new ratios for the E4OD.

 

I apologize for the vague-ness and arrogance.