Transmission Identification

Skip584 · #1 12-23-2004, 11:56 AM

How do I tell which trans. I have. 2001 Screw 5.4 auto 4x4?
Does anyone know what the code in my door jam means?
What are the difference? Between the three common auto trans?
Don't need specifics, just wondered which was a better trans and why? I plan to tow camper and wanted to know if my trans with 85,000 miles would stand it. Any recommendations? I have heard a programmer or custom tune (burnt chip?) would help trans. functions. Are they compatable with towing? Also do they take the place of a traditional valvebody type shift kit.? Also I have been reading about another type of valving I think. I can't remember what it was. but it had three letters smp or something. Hope someone knows what I am talking about. It is my understanding these are solenoid operated. Is this part of the valve body?? Can these be upgraded for performance improvements.

If anyone has answers please let me know.
A little knowledge is a very dangerous thing.

Skip

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MitchF150 · #2 12-23-2004, 01:23 PM

Skip,

I can't answer all of your questions, but I do know that trans code "E" is for the 4r100w and "U" is for the 4r70w.

Depending on the size of the camper and how the trans has been maintained, there should be no issue with the mileage.... I've got 136,000 miles on mine and tow a #4500 camper. I have the trans serviced once a year regardless of mileage, but it's usually gone about 20k miles in that time......

My trans and truck are bone stock (other then exhaust) and I've got 3.55 gears and 31" tall tires and mine does rather well with the trailer in tow. No experience with the chips or the valve bodies, but I'm sure someone else will be able to help out there...

Good luck!

Mitch

dirtyd0g · #3 12-23-2004, 02:56 PM

If it is an f-150 it has the 4r70w. You can also count the pan bolts. 4r70w,s have 14 bolts and 4r100's have 20. It's hard to say which is the better transmission. The 4r100 can handle more input torque. The 4r70w performs better and is generally more durable for it's applications..Both have their own strength's and weaknesses. The best thing you can do for either of them is to install a cooler on the transmission, especially if you tow. Factory tech sells a good valvebody for either transmission.
Alan

SDawgz · #4 12-26-2004, 10:53 AM

Skip, The easy way to ID the trans is to look at the pans. The 4R70W has a flat bottom pan while the 4R100 has a step pyramid shape.
The 4R70W is a renamed AODE, government mandate, and the 4R100 is an E4OD. I have one of each in my shop, with the 4R100 apart on a bench.
The 4R100 is massive compared to the 4R70W, easily 1/2 again the size. The one on my bench has 250,000 miles and came off of a rollback tow truck. I was suprised at how clean it was when I tore it down, the only problem I have noted is that the oil filter tube to the oil pump was broken.
A year ago I took some classes on transmission overhaul at a local vo-tech, because I got sick of paying through the nose for transmission repair, so my experience is limited.

dirtyd0g · #5 12-26-2004, 12:44 PM

96 up 4r70w's have a hump in the pan.