I have a quick question,i have a97 f150 4x4 4.6,was wondering what i can look for for a replacement tranny to bolt in there.the motor purrs like a kitten in it and truck has 279000 kms on it,lookin for any help for a pretty straight bolt in,but can change some things if i need too

 

The transmission is a 4R70w and specific to 4x4 trucks. In 96 there was a different engine lineup for the trucks, so that blows 96 and prior. In 98 they changed the electronics and a few other things, so there is that.

For a direct bolt in on a used transmission you are going to have to stick with a 97 4x4 truck with either a 4.6 or 5.4

If you are looking for a rebuild you might talk to Klitch to hear his woes. Please go with someone reputable who knows these transmissions inside and out.

Darrin

 

As Darrin posted, the '97 4R70W is a one-year-only thing...4.6/5.4 has a different bolt pattern than the 96-earlieer 5.0/5.8s. I think some early 98's had the same electronics setup as the '97 but I'm not positive.

Without knowing the exact trouble with your current tranny, I'll say you'd probably be best served either by having yours rebuilt or swapping in a reman unit.
I just installed a Motorcraft reman in my 97 earlier this summer. The price vs. warranty worked out the best for me with this one compared to a local rebuild or junkyard parts...1700USD with 3yr/100000mile warranty. I'll guess that they're available in Canada too with a similar warranty. (I'm assuming you're up north since you listed your odometer in KMs.)

FYI, I found out when I ordered mine that there are two choices for the 4R70W behind a 4.6 in a '97 F150 4x4...dig around on your truck to get the part number off your tranny before you order.

 

Also, Swapping the 4R70W for the E4OD would require a lot of extra work and parts. I checked into that too before I replaced mine. You'd need the wiring and computer from an E4OD truck, also the tranny crossmember and mount is different too if I remember. The E4OD is longer so you'd also need the driveshafts from an E4OD truck. I don't remember if the transfer case is the same or if that is different too.

Long story short...sticking with the 4R70W is probably the best route unless you can find a complete parts truck to rob.

 

well i thought i was in good shape,had found a 97 f150 with a v6 2wd but too much bull to switch it,so im gettin close to sendin truck to boneyard,will stick to the chevys as theyre pretty easy compared to these trannys,may just take it in and have it checked over as it worked before tranny line was fixed,so thinking maybe something stupid like a code is stopping it or a switch stopping it from goin into forward gears