I have a 1998 F-150 XLT 2WD with 4.6L engine with 180.000 miles on it.
And i guess I have the 4R70W

When overtaking the transmission kicks down, but will not engage the next gear at high rev. unless i step of the gas a little bit (then the turbine gives you a REAL kick)
Reading in this forum i have found out that this problem probably could be solved installing a B&M shift improver kit, specially since the tranny has a couple of miles on it.
Correct me if i'm wrong.

 

On your door jam sticker...

U is the 4R70w
E is the E4OD/4R100

 

I would really like to know what you guys think.
What is the problem with my tranny, and does a shift improver kit solve my problem?

 

I think adrian was fishing for which tranny you have. It would help in the diagnosis as there are fairly extensive differences between the two.

 

What tranny do you have

Adrianspeeder

 

The only auto that was available in '98 with the 4.6L was the 4R70W.

 

Been through this before, I have seen late 98s with the 4R100. Small chance he has one, but any advice would suck if he did.

Adrianspeeder

 

Ok found out today. (the car has been at the paint shop)

The sticker on the door says:
trn
U

So I have the 4R70w

 

mine used to hold the lower gear if i had it on the floor for a long time, once i let off it would upshift. the shift improver kit did "fix" it..... i think. it still holds the low gear until i start to let off the gas pedal but not like it used to where i had to let go of the gas completely.

i'm not really sure if it's actually a problem to being with. i think it's a built-in gaurd for o/d because aparently it's a pretty weak band in the transmission. high power shifting puts alot of stress on it so the computer says no shifting until the rpm's come down a little along with closing the throttle a little.

all i can say is the shift kit was definitely worth it either way.