I am trying to get into a full-size ford pickup and recently found a '98 F150 (4.6L, 4x4, power options etc) for $3800 but there's one catch: it has a bad tranny. I don't know which of the auto trannies it has because I haven't called yet. My question is, has anyone here rebuilt one of these? I've done an engine rebuild, rearend gear swap and those sorts of things on my mustang, but transmission work is something I have yet to attempt. Having the unit rebuilt professionally would put the price of the truck out of my budget, so this will obviously make or break the deal. Any advice or wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

 

I can't tell you how many of these transmissions I have built. I actually like them,but I have thousands of dollars worth of tools to make it happen. Unless you plan on building several of these transmissions at least it is not worth the investment to build just 1 or 2. The 98 4x4 can be replaced with any 98up transmission that is a 4.6 or 5.4 liter and 4wd. It would be easier to get a used one.
Alan

 

Thanks for the reply. I realize this is an extremely vague question since I can't tell you what exactly is wrong with the transmission, but what is the going rate for a rebuild? I'm just afraid that if I pick up a used unit I may be subject to another problem much sooner than I would prefer and be out not only the rebuild cost, but also that price I paid for the used transmission.

 

you might be able to patch the one that's in the truck right now with a shift kit depending on what exactly it's doing. my transmission was doomed for a rebuild almost two years ago but a shift kit fixed it.

i wouldn't tell the owner of the truck about this if you want to make a deal on the truck.

 

I bought a used one from a buddy who owns a salvage yard for my 97 and never had an issue with it. He is very reputable and if you like, I'll give you the number so you can call and see if he has one. I think I paid $550 shipped for mine (2wd) and installed it myself.

 

The worst case would be a " factory rebuild " from the Ford dealer..... three year 36 k mile warranty for about $ 1,650..... not installed. All new OEM parts.
LOL

 

you can usually find those tranny's remanufactured on Ebay for a very good price - that might keep you in budget assuming you install it yourself. Some of them don't even have cores that you have to send back, so you can clean your old one up and sell it to somebody as a core.

 

Trust me, at this time there isn't a company on Ebay that I would buy a transmission from. They do not at all specify the internals and the parts they are using is very much reflected in the price. One company even shows you the kit they use and they are using the cheapest parts available. Those clutches are total crap, you will not get a mechanical diode one way clutch and you will most likely get a 94-96 transmission case. These guys use Ebay to sell off the rebuilt cores that they won't use for anything else other than their Ebay transmissions. Thats why they are so darn cheap. I know for a fact that you can't build a decent transmission and sell it for those prices.
Now if you had a stock 3.8L Thunderbird or Cougar then they might be ok. But never in a truck or larger car with a V8.

 

I would tend to agree with that-- remember, whatever their ebay rating is, that rating is left within a few days to weeks after the buyer receiving the product. That is not a reliable indicator of long-term satisfaction.

My thinking is, if they can rebuild it AND have it shipped to you for less money than a local shop, they're probably cutting corners somewhere.

My personal opinion on this would be to pass it up- but I don't like working on my vehicles. I want something I don't have to work on. If you're ok with that, take a look at the truck and if the transmission fluid is burnt pass it by entirely-- this is a indication the motor might have overheated and then you'll have engine problems too. If the fluid looks good and it's just slipping or whatever, and if you can find a used tranny within your price range, then it MIGHT be worth it. I wouldn't bank on a shift kit being able to fix it, I'd make sure I could afford to swap it out or rebuild it-- but if that works, so much the better.

 

I traded my old truck in because the trany was starting to act up. I just don't trust any trany shops on doing the job plus i just don't trust buying a rebuild as it may go out a short time latter and you have to fight with the shop to redo there poor work for free. So I traded it in and let it be the dealers or the 2nd owners problem to fix it.

 

I bought a performance rebuilt Monster Motorsports tranny a year ago for my 88 TransAm (sorry GM product) 700r4 and I have really liked it. The thing shifts like a damn rocket. I believe they are doing some of the ford trannys now. check out www.eatmyshift.com

 

I have been hearing alot about them lately because they are selling transmissions claiming they are built strong on ebay for peanuts. The truth is you can't build a good transmission for what they sell them for. The frictions they use are garbage your stock ones were better. Ask them about a performance converter. They haven't a clue when it comes to 4r70w's all they are doing is making excess work for the honest guys trying to explain why that place is soo much cheaper. You get what you pay for.
Alan

 

Speaking of the 4R70Ws, does a 98 Mustang tranny the same as a 2000 F-150 transmission? Will it be strong enough or do I have to modify?

 

Mustang transmissions are essentially the same, they have a different valvebody. It will work just fine. The strength of it is equal.The shift quality is different.
Alan

 

How would it shift differently? Will I notice a difference?