I have been lurking around awhile and abused the search function, and have found alot of good information. I am interested in knowing how difficult it is to install the factory tech seperator plate in a 202 4r70w. I am an aircraft mechanic and can rebuild jet turbing engines, but I am a litte leary of my automatic transmission. I either have, or have access to any necessary tools. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I am looking at installing the plate to firm up my shifts for towing.

 

It is a fairly easy mod. I did mine this past fall for the same reason you're considering it.

TCCOA has some good tech articles on this trans. (Just keep in mind there are some differences between the truck and T-Bird versions.) I used it as reference to insure I got all the ***** back in the right holes, and just to get a good general idea of what goes on with the disassembly.

Suggestions/Things I Learned the Hard Way
1) Make sure you know where the 1-2 and 2-3 accumulators are and don't mistakenly pull the OD solenoid apart. (It was a bonehead move, and a mistake I should not have made. I was not paying attention and was hurrying. Don't try it.)

2) Insure all the connectors on the plastic rail are re-connected before buttoning everything back up (or you will be taking the pan off again).

3) You might want to take advantage of having the pan off to install a drain plug.

4) Factory repair manuals ROCK! (But still don't keep you from making stupid mistakes if you try hard enough.)

Setup
I followed Dirtyd0g's recommendation for install (below), and the truck now shifts like Ford should have done it from the start.

The best setup I have found is to install the plate as normal, install the brown spring into the upper 1-2 accumulator and remove the spring from the 2-3 accumulator then install it into the lower of the 1-2 accumulator. I spoke with Gregg about it he was thinking about adding the spring because he doesn't like the idea of having to reuse it. I'm fine with reusing it. If you leave the lower spring out of the 1-2 it will shift hard.
Alan

I bought my kit straight from FactoryTech. $85 shipped, IIRC. If you'd like to send me your email address, and I can shoot you the install instructions to preview.

Andy

 

Thanks for the reply. I think I am going to do it. Everything I have read about it sounds like it is well worth the money and time. I sent you a pm with my email, it would be great if you could send the instructions. Thanks
Brian

 

No problem. (But no PM, either??)

Andy

 

I was unable to sent a PM because I am too new to the board. But thanks for the offer.

 

Well, just hit me up at alshemo (at) yahoo dot comm. (Messed it up a bit, but you get the idea).

Andy

 

email me too please. thanks. i heard it would be a wise idea with my engine setup!


cseverens@verizon.net

 

Do it, you will be pleased. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I went for it and it was easy...Just take your time, and maybe take some digital pics as you go in case you need to look back for reference when you are putting it back together.

 

03expyeb: Will need to wait 'til I get back to the home PC, but will send it ASAP.

Andy

 

no hurry. thanks.

-jon

 

Be prepared for harsh swifting if you pull out the accumulator springs, especially the 1-2. If I ever take it down again, I will probably reinstall 1-2. 2-3 OK without springs! And mine has L S/C installed.

 

The 2-3 shift cannot be too hard, this trans just won't allow it. The 1-2 can That is why I suggest using the lower spring in the 1-2.
Alan

 

Agreed - the 2-3 shift in mine without the spring is just fine. Like it should have been from the factory to begin with IMHO.

Andy

 

Andy if its not to much of a hassle please send the install instructions to:
bagaman@grandecom.net. Sorry it took so long to get back, been working on the truck too much and not surfing the net enough.

thanks
Brian

 

Instructions sent.

ALS