I've read that the 97 trans our junk, well I had mine rebuilt by a transmission shop when it had about 90k, now 12k later it's acting up again. Drives pretty much ok except for a light shutter between 1st and 2nd. But now if I give it hard gas 2500rpm and above there is a whinning sound( almost like a manual in reverse going fast). Noises gets worse with more heat build up (highway travel). Truck has a trans cooler. After reading other posts I was starting to wonder would a 2001-2005 trans work? I thought I read it would bolt right in except for some electrical concerns. I would rather spend the money on a swap for a longer life trans. Engine is a 4.6 f150 lariat 4x4. I also tow a 17 foot channel trailer with 5 atv's about 2-3 times a month. Please help!!!

 

Sounds like the spring and roller intermediate clutch strikes again. Yes a 2001 unit will work. If you use your vss in the transmission for vehicle speed you will have to make sure you get a trans that has the teeth on the shaft.
Alan

 

Alan thanks for the quicjk reply, couple more questions. Will only a 2001 Trans work or will a trans from 2001 and newer work?
Also you mention about teeth on shaft, I assume you mean input shaft. I understand about switching VSS, will the rest of the wiring plug right in? Also will drive shaft be the right length. Last does the transmission I get have to be from a 4x4 to work, thnaks again Bill

 

No I mean the output shaft. some 2003 and up units did not have tetth for the speed sensor because it became configured through the pcm. Any year trans will work with some modification.
Alan