Bad update..... The "Reverse Drum" or something like that self-destructed. It was caused by a "Sprag" coming off or something. Although the shift kit install did not cause the problem, it contributed to the part defecting faster than usual with the increased pressure. This is what the mechanic think caused my problem. What's cool about this shop is that they took me back to the "bench" and showed me all the parts that were defective. They showed me what parts look like normally, and then there were mine. They are going to do a complete rebuild. They are also using some stouter parts on the rebuild. Daveman, I saw the burnt up forward clutch pack. That was interesting. Also, my torque converter has to be replaced. Your diagnosis was right on target.

This really sucks but there are some good things coming out of this. Stronger built transmission.... I told the mechanic that I like to put my foot in it a lot. He said there are several things he can do to build it stouter and will. I will also receive a warranty and he challenged me to tear it up in that warranty period. The mechanic was a former Ford Tranny mechanic. He worked at the local ford dealer building transmissions for 7 years. Cottman's transmissions stole him from them. Total cost of the rebuild out the door is $2200. That includes the new torque converter and upgraded parts.

Daveman, builder said he would never rebuild a 4R70W without a shift kit. Too many fundamental problems in the factory design.

Anways, thats my story. Any comments, especially on pricing?

 

f150,

Great news that it's going to get fixed real soon and hopefully bullet proof. If I were him, I'd never challenge anyone to tear up a fresh transmission, too easy to do. You can burn one up quick if you know how, I do but won't tell you about that. I used to work at AAMCO years ago.

As for price, that's not cheap but I guess it's probably not a total rip off either. It cost around $400 dollars for all the parts to fix your tranny, maybe $600 at the absolute worst if there are lots of hard parts damaged. The rest is labor and the warranty.

Glad to hear they've gotten to the bottom of your issue, and if you like HP, you could ask them to install a torque converter with a higher stall rating, like something from a mustang or a 4.6L truck as it will be like putting in 3.73s or maybe as much as 4.10s depending on the stall speed they install, ask them about it.

The higher stall converter shouldn't really cost more as they are standard on the V6 and the smaller V8s. Also, the higher stall converter will cause later shifts as it takes more throttle movement or higher RPMs cover the same amount of ground, hence same as changing the gearing. However, at t/c lockup, it will net the same MPG as before since all t/c slippage is eliminated with the lock-up clutch.

~DM~

 

Daveman, what stall speed do you recommend? Do you know what the stock stall speed is? I asked them about this but they seemed to be a little concerned about doing this because they didn't want to effect the computer.

I may regret doing this but my parts are quite more expensive then your assessment. I'm listing them here:

Master overhaul Kit: 359.82
Bushing Kit: 43.98
Pressure Reg. Valve: 18.79
Boost Valve: 39.88
Band: 48.76
Reverse Drum: 178.89
MLPS Sensor: 122.38
EPC Solenoid: 78.69
Transgo Shift Kit: 58.92
Filter: 24.90
Fluid: 33.00
Rebuilt Torque Converter: 329.00

That brings parts to: 1337.01
Labor (Tear down, Rebuild): 620.00
Tax: 143.99
Total: 2201.00

Do you have a second to chat on MSN Messenger? If so then try to contact me...

 

f150,

Maybe you can call your dealer, just to see what their price would be for a new tranny, there's a lot of parts in that list that just couldn't be defective, hell you were driving it just before it went out.

They have to warranty the unit so most of the parts are just to protect themselves from something going wrong later.

Hell, a filter at Napa is only $23. The shift kit they're using is a shift improver kit, not the reprogramming one I used, it's around $85 their cost. They charging you tax on labor too? A brand new converter shouldn't cost $329, a rebuilt one runs around $100 I think. All the parts seem high, but then again, I do all my own work and shop around for prices when something isn't covered by warranty, but I understand that not many folks can handle automatic transmissions either.

I wish I could help you save some money, but you're kind of stuck I think

Later,

~DM~

 

Rebuilt transmission is in. Many characteristics that I used to have are gone. I just wasn't sure at the time that these were negative characteristics of the transmission. Will test and post some results.

Thanks to Daveman for the help, dude...