Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

4R70W vs. The E4OD

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 14, 2009 | 05:41 PM
  #1  
rcn's Avatar
rcn
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ca
4R70W vs. The E4OD

Whats the better transmission? My f150 has the 4R70W, but it seems like many other owners have E40D. Why were there two different
transmisions offered?

Also, which do you think is the better transmision?
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2009 | 05:48 PM
  #2  
Sportruk's Avatar
Sportruk
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 3
From: Brampton, On. Can.
E4OD hands down. The 4R70W was used behind the smaller engines, while the E4OD was behind the 351, 460 and deisel.
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2009 | 05:50 PM
  #3  
6CylBill's Avatar
6CylBill
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,021
Likes: 5
From: Almost Heaven
Don't know much about the other transmission but I find my E4OD to be sloppy, power robbing, doesn't tolerate heat well and is very sluggish at going into gear, especially cold. However my transmission is still doing it's job - so I can't compain too much can I?

I'm not the original owner so I don't know all the work my tranny may have had in the past.
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2009 | 06:08 PM
  #4  
Old93junk's Avatar
Old93junk
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 23,849
Likes: 20
From: McKenzie River
E40D........without a doubt, for the heavy duty applications.........With a LARGE aftermarket trans. cooler, they will give no troubles........Failures with most any auto trans are heat related.
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2009 | 07:33 PM
  #5  
cjg1999's Avatar
cjg1999
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by Sportruk
E4OD hands down. The 4R70W was used behind the smaller engines, while the E4OD was behind the 351, 460 and deisel.
my 94 super cab is a 302 "smaller engine" E4OD. not sure if they ever put it behind a 4.9 6 cyl. E4OD is better though, its a C6 with OD.
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2009 | 08:08 PM
  #6  
Sportruk's Avatar
Sportruk
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 318
Likes: 3
From: Brampton, On. Can.
Originally Posted by cjg1999
my 94 super cab is a 302 "smaller engine" E4OD. not sure if they ever put it behind a 4.9 6 cyl. E4OD is better though, its a C6 with OD.
Yes, there was several different combos they put together in the Pre'97s and I have never been able to figure them out.
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2009 | 08:18 PM
  #7  
jroehl's Avatar
jroehl
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 4
From: Lafayette, IN
I don't know about trucks, but I have a friend with a mid-90's E150 that has a 4.9L/E4OD combo.

There are also a couple versions of the E4OD from what I can tell. For one, there are two different bellhousing patterns--300/302/351 and 460/diesel. With the different bellhousing also comes different torque converters, too, I think. The small V8s and I6 get a lighter duty T/C than the big V8/diesel. I think the lock-up clutch is 3 plates vs. 1 plate or something like that.

Jason
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2009 | 10:12 PM
  #8  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
All automatic trannys will benefit from a shift kit and some much more than others, these are mass produced components and tolerances vary a lot.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 14, 2009 | 10:19 PM
  #9  
dwrestle's Avatar
dwrestle
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 647
Likes: 3
From: Brumley, MO
The E40D is a very tough transmission I would trust it over any GM transmission TH400 included. It's not good for performance in stock form though.
 
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2009 | 08:00 AM
  #10  
TexasGuy001's Avatar
TexasGuy001
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11,958
Likes: 228
The E40D is definitely the heavier duty transmission.

I have the 4R70W in my truck. I will say that in a F150 with a 302 I would rather have my 4R70W. It shifts much better and more predictable than the E40D. My 4R70W has over 270k miles on it.

My previous truck that I had back in the late 90's was a 95 F150 4.9 E40D. It shifted just like 6CylBill describes.

It depends what the truck is used for, as to which is better.

While we are talking about transmissions, what makes a 4R70W different than an AODE from a Mustang or Crown Vic?
 
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2009 | 08:59 AM
  #11  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by TexasGuy001
While we are talking about transmissions, what makes a 4R70W different than an AODE from a Mustang or Crown Vic?
They're essentially the same thing just different steps of the evolution from the all mechanical AOD to a tranny with some electronic controls(AODE) to one with a deeper first gear and various internal upgrades for higher capacity(4R70W).
 
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2009 | 09:56 AM
  #12  
rcn's Avatar
rcn
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Ca
I think its wiered that Bills has the E4OD, and yet I have the 5.0 and have the 4R70W... especially because I have bigger engine with more output... My truck has 102,000 right now and seems to run perfectly especially after I changed the plugs, wires, and cap... The last owner never changed the plugs, so they were the original plugs from the factory

The transmission seems fine to me... no problems whatsoever...
 
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2009 | 10:01 AM
  #13  
lew52's Avatar
lew52
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,558
Likes: 2
You have the tow pac so your 4R70W should last a long time because of the trans cooler being on there since new . A shift kit will help them alot to ... Lew
 
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2009 | 10:10 AM
  #14  
Jason Lewis's Avatar
Jason Lewis
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 0
From: Central,Texas
I Love my 4R70W 135,000 miles i do a trany service every 14,000 fluid filter, My truck also came with a trany cooler No problmes yet "Not on wood"
 
Reply
Old Aug 15, 2009 | 03:26 PM
  #15  
6CylBill's Avatar
6CylBill
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,021
Likes: 5
From: Almost Heaven
Originally Posted by rcn
I think its wiered that Bills has the E4OD, and yet I have the 5.0 and have the 4R70W... especially because I have bigger engine with more output... My truck has 102,000 right now and seems to run perfectly especially after I changed the plugs, wires, and cap... The last owner never changed the plugs, so they were the original plugs from the factory

The transmission seems fine to me... no problems whatsoever...

Your engine isn't bigger.

I think all mid 90's have the E4?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:34 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE