Replacing C6 for E4OD
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 162
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From: Denair, California
Replacing C6 for E4OD
My C-6 went out the other day, I lost to complete tranny no gears work. I have a 1991 E4OD tranny that I was thinking about putting in the truck instead of rebuilding the C-6. Can this be done and how hard is it to convert? The 4-spd will give me another gear so I should get better gas mileage and according to some people on FTE, it the strongest auto Ford has. If I can use the E4OD, then I'll keep the truck otherwise I'm going to sell it for "another vehicle". Help keep the Ford F-350 survive and give any suggestions you may have, if anybody out there has links to websites where this conversion goes into detail let me know.
Thanks to all,
Tom
Thanks to all,
Tom
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: SW Maryland
Replacing C6 for E4OD
I don't know this can be done quite so easily. I believe the E4OD requires computer input for it to operate, so unless you have a compatible computer already in place, it may not be too easy. You may want to try an AOD transmission. It too is a 4 gear, but without the electronics requirements. I will tell you that the auto yards mark them up pretty good. A rebuilt C6 can run you $400 while the AOD from the same place can be $800. I also remember reading that the latter year AOD's were stronger / better for towing than the early ones.
I believe the AOD is fairly similar to the C6 in terms of hooking it up to the column shifter and mounting brackets (haven't done this myself). One thread indicated you may have to make some home-made riggings. Search this forum, there is a good thread with "C6" and "AOD" in the title discussing the swap.
I believe the AOD is fairly similar to the C6 in terms of hooking it up to the column shifter and mounting brackets (haven't done this myself). One thread indicated you may have to make some home-made riggings. Search this forum, there is a good thread with "C6" and "AOD" in the title discussing the swap.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
Replacing C6 for E4OD
Rebuild the C-6. The E4OD will be nearly impossible to retrofit because of the computer and the AOD is too weak for a heavy truck with a turbodiesel. I think the C-6 is much stronger than an early E4OD anyway.
Jim
Jim
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Replacing C6 for E4OD
Tom,
Jim is right! Rebuild the C-6.
The C-6 IS MUCH stronger than a pre-95 E4OD.
My father's E4OD in his '92 quit at around 50,000 miles. Granted he was towing a 5,000 lb trailer quite often, but this truck had the towing package and was rated for it.
I just bought a C-6 for my '93 F150 4x4 to replace the mazda 5spd.
Apparently you can upgrade and buy a computer to retrofit a pre-95 E4OD...but it sounds quite costly! You can read about it here:
http://www.baumannengineering.com/e4odinf.htm
Good Luck
Ray
:-X23
Jim is right! Rebuild the C-6.
The C-6 IS MUCH stronger than a pre-95 E4OD.
My father's E4OD in his '92 quit at around 50,000 miles. Granted he was towing a 5,000 lb trailer quite often, but this truck had the towing package and was rated for it.
I just bought a C-6 for my '93 F150 4x4 to replace the mazda 5spd.
Apparently you can upgrade and buy a computer to retrofit a pre-95 E4OD...but it sounds quite costly! You can read about it here:
http://www.baumannengineering.com/e4odinf.htm
Good Luck
Ray
:-X23
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Denair, California
Replacing C6 for E4OD
Im still waiting to hear back from Baumann, I did find another company Jet Performance that does the same thing. I much rather update and rebuild the 4-spd for the lower rpm and better gas mileage reasons, but the c-6 is simple to keep and not retrofit with computers. Time and money will be the deciding factor, but first I need to get every thing laid out.
Thanks for your input.
Thanks for your input.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 966
Likes: 2
From: Crooked River Ranch, OR
Replacing C6 for E4OD
Rebuild the C-6 using quality parts and a shift kit. Make sure you replace the converter at the same time. The E4OD is very problamatic unless you get a late 1995-96 (they had all the upgrades). Expect to pay over $1,000-1,200 for a late low mile E4OD out of a wrecking yard. Add to that $400-$450 for the Baumann Engineering controller and another $100-$150 to have your driveline shortened and re-balanced.You can rebuild and upgrade the C-6 much cheaper. Deen
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 59
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From: Gibsons Canada
Replacing C6 for E4OD
Does anyone know of anybody who has actually used the Baumann E4OD controller? I corresponded with Karl Baumann almost 2 yrs ago about his unit, but then he just stopped replying to my e-mails. I see their site hasn't been up graded for a long time too. How about the Jet unit? Any feed back there?
Robert
Robert
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Gibsons Canada
Replacing C6 for E4OD
Tom,
I didn't notice that you are running a 7.3. On pre Power Stroke days, all the power train management computer did was run the E4OD. A wrecking yard PCM from one of these trucks will run your E4OD for you, if you can live with the factory programming. You'll have to be quite comfortable with doing the wiring though, it gets a bit involved, what with sensors and all. The whole installation won't be a small project, only you can make the call if it will be worth it to you.
Robert
I didn't notice that you are running a 7.3. On pre Power Stroke days, all the power train management computer did was run the E4OD. A wrecking yard PCM from one of these trucks will run your E4OD for you, if you can live with the factory programming. You'll have to be quite comfortable with doing the wiring though, it gets a bit involved, what with sensors and all. The whole installation won't be a small project, only you can make the call if it will be worth it to you.
Robert
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Denair, California
Replacing C6 for E4OD
I have the complete wiring harness with the control modules that were tucked away on the drivers side kick panel, is one of these the PCM you're referrring to? How hard of a wiring job is it to retrofit the tranny into a 1986 truck with no computer system? If I'm gonna have a pain in the *** time making the 4-spd work, I'll probably just use the C-6 and have it rebuilt stronger. From what you guys are telling me this would be easier, cheaper and best.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Gibsons Canada
Replacing C6 for E4OD
I don't think I agree that the C6 is a better transmission than the E4OD. The C6 is tough, simple, and proven, which is good. But the E4OD, especially with the latest upgrades is just as good and gives you the benefit of a locking torque converter and an additional overdrive speed.
Having said that, it will be a pain in the *** to install it in a non EFI vehicle, so unless you're really in to it, you might be happier just rebuilding or replaceing the C6.
Robert
Having said that, it will be a pain in the *** to install it in a non EFI vehicle, so unless you're really in to it, you might be happier just rebuilding or replaceing the C6.
Robert
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Denair, California
Replacing C6 for E4OD
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Nov-02 AT 12:33 PM (EST)]I never said the C-6 was a better trans than the E4OD, the E4OD is basically a C-6 with overdrive, I would like to use the E4OD because of the overdrive, but if impossible to make it work in my truck I would probably take your advice and rebuild the C-6.
Now, what about those computer module I found in the kick panel, is one of these the PCM?
By the way, what does PCM stand for?
Now, what about those computer module I found in the kick panel, is one of these the PCM?
By the way, what does PCM stand for?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 5
From: Running Springs CA
Replacing C6 for E4OD
Powertrain Control Module.
The E4OD was a completely new transmission, not a C-6 with an overdrive gear and lockup converter. It is 100% electrically controlled. The shift cable drives a selector switch and a bank of solenoids, driven by the PCM, control fluid flow in the valve body.
Jim
The E4OD was a completely new transmission, not a C-6 with an overdrive gear and lockup converter. It is 100% electrically controlled. The shift cable drives a selector switch and a bank of solenoids, driven by the PCM, control fluid flow in the valve body.
Jim
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Gibsons Canada
Replacing C6 for E4OD
Tom,
PCM, powertrain control module. Similar to ECU, electronic control unit. Different names to discribe the same thing. The computer that controls the electronic fuel injection on the engine, and electronic controls on the transmission. The EECIV unit that I have some experience with controls both engine and transmission on EFI gas engine applications. With the non electronic 7.3 diesels, it is called a TCU, transmission control unit, and just controls the transmission. Depending on year , model, and rear axle ratio, each one is a bit different in its programming. If you want to use one of these, or an aftermarket one, you'll also need a throttle position sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor for inputs to the PCM. The PCMs are located in different places in different models, but it normally has an aluminum case about 6"x7"x1-1/2" and has a 64 pin connector.
Transplanting an E4OD into your truck is certainly not impossible, but it is not a simple job. I'd suggest getting a wiring diagram for a truck like yours with a non electronic diesel and an E4OD. Study it well, collect your parts, and have fun, if that's the way you want to go.
Robert
PCM, powertrain control module. Similar to ECU, electronic control unit. Different names to discribe the same thing. The computer that controls the electronic fuel injection on the engine, and electronic controls on the transmission. The EECIV unit that I have some experience with controls both engine and transmission on EFI gas engine applications. With the non electronic 7.3 diesels, it is called a TCU, transmission control unit, and just controls the transmission. Depending on year , model, and rear axle ratio, each one is a bit different in its programming. If you want to use one of these, or an aftermarket one, you'll also need a throttle position sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor for inputs to the PCM. The PCMs are located in different places in different models, but it normally has an aluminum case about 6"x7"x1-1/2" and has a 64 pin connector.
Transplanting an E4OD into your truck is certainly not impossible, but it is not a simple job. I'd suggest getting a wiring diagram for a truck like yours with a non electronic diesel and an E4OD. Study it well, collect your parts, and have fun, if that's the way you want to go.
Robert
