44B '04 4-speed auto
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44B '04 4-speed auto
Anyone have more info on the four speed automatic transmission used in '04 models? I believe this is specified as 44B in the order guide, used behind the new 3-valve 5.4L Triton. My understanding is this is an enhanced variant of the Ford AODE/4R70W transmission. I think I even saw it referrred to as the 4R75W somewhere. Does anyone know what improvements were made?
I'm torn between buying an '04 with the aforementioned tranny or waiting for an '05 model with the new 5-speed auto. Pros and cons both ways. The 4-speed auto is a proven design and when properly enhanced can easily handle the new 5.4L's power. However, the planned 5-speed auto will likely afford better fuel economy, and has benefits when towing. The downside is the first year out for the '05 trans will probably see many glitches and TSBs.
I'm not aware of the 5-speed auto planned for the F-150 being used in any other Ford production vehicles but correct me if I'm wrong. I'm assuming Ford will provide a unit different than the Torqshift 5-speed auto currently offered behind the 6.0L Power Stroke. Seems like that would be overkill for a half ton.
Thanks for any insight!
I'm torn between buying an '04 with the aforementioned tranny or waiting for an '05 model with the new 5-speed auto. Pros and cons both ways. The 4-speed auto is a proven design and when properly enhanced can easily handle the new 5.4L's power. However, the planned 5-speed auto will likely afford better fuel economy, and has benefits when towing. The downside is the first year out for the '05 trans will probably see many glitches and TSBs.
I'm not aware of the 5-speed auto planned for the F-150 being used in any other Ford production vehicles but correct me if I'm wrong. I'm assuming Ford will provide a unit different than the Torqshift 5-speed auto currently offered behind the 6.0L Power Stroke. Seems like that would be overkill for a half ton.
Thanks for any insight!
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I found a little more info on this subject after searchingn online. The '04 4-speed auto is the 4R75 and is supposed to be sealed and filled with lifetime transmission fluid. Apparently some of the newer Jaguar S-Types use similar "fill for life" Ford transmissions.
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found the '04 press kit and answered all my questions:
ENHANCED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
Matched to the new 5.4-liter V-8 is a new 4R75E automatic transmission, an evolution of the 4R70E used on the current F-150. Upgraded to handle the torque of the 5.4-liter engine, this transmission shares patented upgrades with the 4R70E, which backs the 4.6-liter V-8:
A redesigned torque converter improves launch performance and increases efficiency.
A turbine speed sensor improves transmission control, providing the basis for fully electronic shift scheduling to limit "hunting" and to fine-tune shift speed and feel.
Increased microprocessor speed improves responsiveness and precision of the control system.
"Smart" fully electronic shift scheduling knows what the torque will be in the next gear so it chooses the shift points based on the vehicle's projected performance in the next gear.
Coupled with the electronic throttle strategy, the transmission computes the output torque required to maintain the vehicle speed, and chooses the correct gear and converter state accordingly.
A sealed case and lifetime transmission fluid make the transmission maintenance free, while adaptive pressure control maintains consistent shift feel over time.
By predicting the performance of the truck in the next gear, the computer-controlled transmissions provide a more sophisticated solution to heavy demands than a simple shift delay switch, such as the one-size-fits-all "towing mode" some competitors use.
ENHANCED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
Matched to the new 5.4-liter V-8 is a new 4R75E automatic transmission, an evolution of the 4R70E used on the current F-150. Upgraded to handle the torque of the 5.4-liter engine, this transmission shares patented upgrades with the 4R70E, which backs the 4.6-liter V-8:
A redesigned torque converter improves launch performance and increases efficiency.
A turbine speed sensor improves transmission control, providing the basis for fully electronic shift scheduling to limit "hunting" and to fine-tune shift speed and feel.
Increased microprocessor speed improves responsiveness and precision of the control system.
"Smart" fully electronic shift scheduling knows what the torque will be in the next gear so it chooses the shift points based on the vehicle's projected performance in the next gear.
Coupled with the electronic throttle strategy, the transmission computes the output torque required to maintain the vehicle speed, and chooses the correct gear and converter state accordingly.
A sealed case and lifetime transmission fluid make the transmission maintenance free, while adaptive pressure control maintains consistent shift feel over time.
By predicting the performance of the truck in the next gear, the computer-controlled transmissions provide a more sophisticated solution to heavy demands than a simple shift delay switch, such as the one-size-fits-all "towing mode" some competitors use.