I was wondering what these transmissions are capable of handling and do they have a good track record?

I'm used to 700R4 (4L60E), TH350 and TH400 (4L80E) GM trannies which are extremely reliable and predictable, especially when built right. And they're not expensive to build correctly.

 

4R70W = 4 Speed, Rear Wheel Drive, 700 lb-ft Torqe Capable.

4R100 = 4 Speed, Rear Wheel Dr, 1000 lb-ft Torque Capable.

The 4R70W is a very good A/T. But, it's not heavy duty. It's found in the Light-Duty F-150s as well as the V-6 Mustang.

The 4R100 is a heavy-duty transmission.

If I had a 5.4L equipped S-Crew, I would not ask too much of that transmission. The 4R70W is the weakest link in the drivetrain. Ford dealerships are warning Ford that they will have a rash of failures until they apply the 4R100 whenever the 5.4L is optioned.

 

What comes standard in a supercharged Harley-Davidson SCrew?

Can you get a 4r100?

 

Ford really has limited the availability of the 4R100. It hasn't been available for a regular duty F-150 since '97 or '98. It comes with the Lightning, Supercharged HD and the 7,000 lb Payload. Everyone else gets the 4R70W, unless the opt for a manual.

I really do like the 4R70W. It's just not "heavy-duty", like a truck transmission should be if you need to tow the maximum on a regular basis.

 

HI!... One thing you have to remember though is not to get fooled by the 4R70-W's 700FT/LBS of torque capacity. Once the engines flywheel torque goes through the torque converter it almost gets multiplied by 2. So a stock 5.4 puts out 350FT/LBS of TORQUE before the converter. After the converter it would be close to 700FT/LBS. The 4R70-W is then at it's limit basically. If you get the 4R70-W rebuilt properly it can handle a ton of power. My rebuilt 4R70-W is proof of that.

 

'97 F150 4x4 5.4 with a Trans code of "E" (E4OD/4R100).......

 

Yeah, what Neal said. A few basic mods and the 4R70W is a decent piece. A shift kit is a must to make these things shift tight and last.

 

What Neal said is correct, teh toque rating is for the transmisison after the converter, and also, the rating is the MAXIMUM it can be built for from the factory, there are several models of 4R100 that will not take the full 1,000 ft/lbs, in facto most of the modualr ones are designed below the 1,000 lb limit. A notable exception is the 99-up Lightning tranny, it's the strongest gasoline 4R100/E4OD built.
After the 4R70W became the primary F-150 tranny, you still could get a 4R100 in a regualr F-150, but it only came with certain emissions packages, it depended on what state your trcuk was built to be sold in. I think you can still get it with a 5.4 and regualr cab in a few states, but I'm not sure of that.

G

 

sounds like the tranny is borderline at the stock torque rating of 350ft-lb and now that I have probably 380 +/-, I'm exceding the rated torque of this trans? should I take it easy on it? is it only a matter of time before I break something? I don't want a $1000 bill when I have to sell it within a year (Dec 2003)

 

HI!... $1000.00 bill!!!!!! Good luck! It cost me over $3200.00(CAN) to have my bullit proof 4R70-W built and that's including my custom built 2400 stall converter.

 

other than the supercharged trucks...i believe you can still get the 4r100 in f150s with the heavy payload option (ie 7700 gvwr).

 

Neal:

I am in the process of completely rebuilding the engine in my 00 HD f150. I mean the works, but am concerned about the trans. I assume i have the 4R70, but have found that people who know the engine don't seem to know about trannys. I have no idea how much HP it will produce, but am running a S/C in addition to all the other work. Don't want to spend money unnecessarily, but would like to redo the trans (while the engine is out) if need be. Have posted before, but can't seem to find anyone with answers so far. What is your opinion?

 

Well, I'd have it rebuilt at least, and while you have it out, tell your rebuilder to use Raybestos Blue Plate Special racing plates, they cost a little more (or sometimes alot more, in a 4R100 a set runs around $400, but the 4R70 is cheaper) but they're really good plates, they'll take a lot more abuse than the stock ones. Also, I'm not too familiar with the 4R70, but in a 4R100 there are several places where you can squeeze in an extra fricition plate or two, a good tranny shop will know where you can do this in the 4R70 and if you ask they'll be happy to do it. It's worth the effort and the few extra dollars.

Hope this helps,

G

 

Thanks for the info. Will check out your suggestions.

 

I have a 99 F150 w/ 7700 GVW package and it has the 4r70W
138" WB

I also have the Dealers source book for that year and the only 4r100 Trannies were in California emission 5.4 F150's only

Since I tow it was important to me to find out. I would like to get my 4r70W beefed up and I appreciate Factory Techs response

I never have had my barbecue weighed but it's 15 feet long and 48" round tube all made out of 1/4" plate steel. trailer and all I'm guessing 3000# max so I havent worried too much

If I need to do something right away this would be a good time of year for me to do it.