I ordered the correct VSS gear for my 98 f150 per dpfolie's post . Went to change the gear out and ran across a problem. There doesn't appear to be a gear. I know the previous owner had the transmission replaced with a rebuilt, but it doesnt make sense that they would use a different type of vss. Wouldn't that require a different computer too?

Anyway, here's what I can see:

On the driver's side of the transmission there's a rotating shaft running down to the transmission via a cable from the engine compartment. This is attahed via one 5/8" nut and came off no problem. Below this is a plastic plate attached by 2 5/16" bolts. I took this off becasue the assemble I thought the gear was in was not sliding out of the transmission. The assembly appears to be a solid metal plug. What type of vss do I have?

 

why were you wanting to change the gear out? If it was to correct speedo for tire/gear change then you do not need to change the gear. 98's and up i believe are all eclectronic and can be reprogrammed with a tuner like a hypertech power programmer III or you local ford dealer should be able to do it as well.

 

The 98s still used a VSS gear to get speed readings. The computer controlled verisons didn't start until 99.


renty14, you are correct that you would need a new PCM to be able to handle the trans. I don't know if its possible to have that family reflashed to one with trans controls. Anyways, if you DO have the cable running down to the drivers side of the trans then that IS the VSS port. On the end of that should be a small gear held on with a clip. If that gear isn't on there you will be getting DTCs since there is no signal coming from that.