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How to pick a 4R70W from your junkyard! (and other notes)

Bronchole

Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 24, 2004
Messages
1,611
Loc.
Chatsworth, Ca (LA)
How to pick a 4R70W from your junkyard! (and other notes)

After doing quite a bit of after the fact research I have discovered the following information that may prove quite useful to those that are considering upgrading to the 4R70W or AODE

- The last year of the AODE (without the “W” wide gearset like the 4R70W) was 1995

- A 4R70W or AODE from behind any 5.0 (302) or V6 3.8L Mustang or V6 4.2L F150 will bolt up/work behind any 289/302/5.0/351W/351C/5.8L.

- A 4R70W or AODE from behind any 302/5.0/351W/5.8L will not work behind any 351M or 400.

- 1997 and earlier 4R70W will have a black bulkhead connector at the passenger back top of the transmission. This is the portion of the connector that is built in to the body of the transmission, not the part that is attached to the harness.

- 1998 and newer 4R70W will have a white bulkhead connector at the passenger back top of the transmission. This is the portion of the connector that is built in to the body of the transmission, not the part that is attached to the harness.

- The 1998 and newer 4R70W have in them from the factory an upgraded mechanical diode and drum, and a hardened intermediate shaft. These parts are desirable for 300+HP and high torque applications. You can upgrade any AODE or 4R70W with aftermarket or used parts, but it will cost over $300 in parts alone.

- 1996 was the first year of the V8 Explorers.

- If your 4R70W is from a 2001 (model year, not production date) or later application you need to advise Bauman about this when ordering, there is a different connector needed.

- The flex plate needed for ALL YEARS of the 351W should need a 28oz imbalance (assuming that it was not re-balanced to a different balance when rebuilt), 164 teeth and have a 11.375” (sometimes referred to as 11.4”). The application notes will likely not mention compatibility with 4R70W or AODE, but will mention C4 (only the large truck case C4, not small) and AOD.

- DO NOT use the 164 tooth flex plate for a C6 or E4OD for the AODE or 4R70W. These have a different offset to them and will not work correctly.

- For driveshaft clearance after installing a 4R70w, you will either need to ding the side of the transmission pan in a bit with a pry bar or replace the front driveshaft with a small diameter driveshaft.


Please, if you have any other useful tidbits of information or any corrections to the above information, post up and I will add it to this first post.

Happy Trails,

Dan
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
34,833
There are 2 different wiring configurations where the harness enters the transmission case. One has a common power to all solenoids, the other has seperate powers. bottom of this page

There are 2 transmission range sensors (actually 3). Analog (2 versions but the early version is not supported and you get a new plug to update the old to the new analog with the new sensor. The the later digital. If getting a Baumann controller always get the digital version. It will work with both analog and digital range sensors. But if you spec analog only it will never work with the digital range sensor.

If putting a late model valve body into an early case there are bushings to fit the alignment pins properly. Early VB and case, large pins and holes. Late VB and case, small holes. Early VB in late case, no good. Late VB in early case, OK with bushing sleeves

You can bolt a 4R70W to a 351M/400 if you get the '73 Torino/FMX (what ever it is) engine block with the small block bolt pattern.

There are 3 different factory convertors. You can tell the difference by the angle of the fins stamped into the case. But I forgot which is which. The straight fins is the mid stall converter. Angled one way is low stall and angled the other is high.

Fluid to cooler is lower fitting.
Fluid return from cooler is upper fitting.
Opposite of an AOD
 

Socal Tom

Bronco Guru
Joined
Feb 12, 2004
Messages
2,442
Loc.
San Diego, CA
Upgrading an AODE to meet the 98 and up specs with the 4r gearing is expensive, your better off getting the 98 and up 4R. The 96 and up VBs have more bolts holding them together ( less likely to warp) its a good upgrade.
Tom
 
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