Best Automatic Transmission for 4x4 Bronco running a 351 Windsor

[purduerider]

What is the best auto transmission that will fit a 351 Windsor? The bolt pattern on the 4r75 looks like it doesn’t fit. So which is the best transmission that fits this Windsor ???

 

[Quick & Dirty]

The 4R70W could be had with the Windsor pattern. All wheel drive Explorer with 5.0 is the usual source. If you don't need overdrive, an original Bronco C4 will do.

 

[tasker]

RUNNING or will be running the same...351 4R70W....I also got the US Shift controller to operate it as well

 

[rocknhorse76]

C4 if you don’t need overdrive and don’t want to mod much. 4R70W from an Exploder gives you OD and a locking converter and is a big upgrade from the C4. It requires more mods and an electronic controller, but is worth it in my opinion. I’ve run both and very much prefer the 4R. My next upgrade will probably be a 6R80, but that won’t happen for awhile.

 

[purduerider]

The problem is the bolt pattern on the bell housing of all the 4r70 transmissions are slightly off. What can I search or how can I specify the correct 4r70?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Best at what?
Best bolt in with no fab, C4. But not the best for modern driving.
The 4R70W (with the windsor bolt patern) has been a solid choice for 20+ years now. You can have the 4R75W guts put in the case if you really want.
These days, 6R80 would be my go to if starting from scratch. Well proven, aftermarket support, low 1st gear and close ratio on the upper 5.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The problem is the bolt pattern on the bell housing of all the 4r70 transmissions are slightly off. What can I search or how can I specify the correct 4r70?

General reference is "2-bolt starter" for the one you need. The Mod motor version is the "3-bolt starter".
'96 to 01 Explorers are a good source. The 4.2 V6 F150 also has the same bolt pattern, just don't use the flexplate (wrong balance). The 4.2 is also the same as the 3.8 mustang version., down one clutch disk in one of the packs from the V8 version. All fixable with a rebuild. The Explorer and F150 are generally recommended as they are the only Windsor pattern and 4WD from the factory. They can be used as-is where a 2WD version will require a rebuild to add 4WD tailshaft (and multiple ways of doing that)

 

[73azbronco]

I’m so old, I remember all we had was choosing red and steels in a c4.

 

[73azbronco]

Anyone done a 4L80E by Hughes performance, 1000hp, bellhousing to fit Windsor platform.

 

[purduerider]

General reference is "2-bolt starter" for the one you need. The Mod motor version is the "3-bolt starter".
'96 to 01 Explorers are a good source. The 4.2 V6 F150 also has the same bolt pattern, just don't use the flexplate (wrong balance). The 4.2 is also the same as the 3.8 mustang version., down one clutch disk in one of the packs from the V8 version. All fixable with a rebuild. The Explorer and F150 are generally recommended as they are the only Windsor pattern and 4WD from the factory. They can be used as-is where a 2WD version will require a rebuild to add 4WD tailshaft (and multiple ways of doing that)

This is so helpful! I bought a 4r75 and it wouldn’t fit the plate as you can see in the pic. The plate fits the engine perfectly. Any Recs on where to find one that matches the bolt pattern on the plate?

 

[Broncobowsher]

This is so helpful! I bought a 4r75 and it wouldn’t fit the plate as you can see in the pic. The plate fits the engine perfectly. Any Recs on where to find one that matches the bolt pattern on the plate?

What pic?

I could guess at what plate you are referencing, maybe the block plate, maybe the flex plate?

 

[DirtDonk]

To add pictures here you can add them to your garage or gallery, or become a contributor for $12 a year and then upload them directly to this discussion.

 

[nvrstuk]

The 4r70 easily handles 400/400 all day every day and when built a little can handle 600/600 all day every day. It bolts right up to the sbf pattern, has OD only drawback that I would recognize after running one for 12 yrs is needing a controller. But since USShift's controller is literally bullet-proof, allows complete manual shifting or auto shifting, 4 different shift tunes that's not a drawback but a posititve (except the cash up front).

Great street/trail/hardcore trans because of super low first gear, two OD's, close gear ratios, super smooth shifting, and runs all day every day on 800 RWHP is the 6r80. Can't touch it comparison wise with anything as it is a gamechanger. Hard to believe it can be that much more complimentary in every phase of driving but it is.

 

[purduerider]

 

[purduerider]

My bad tech difficulties. I posted them here. But I can’t even forgive out the 4r70 how will the 6r80 match???

 

[nvrstuk]

What starter is that? Model/make?

Could you do me a favor and measure the distance the starter drive gear extends out past the mounting surface? Looks short w/o any support on the end.

Thanks!!

 

[nvrstuk]

My bad tech difficulties. I posted them here. But I can’t even forgive out the 4r70 how will the 6r80 match???

The 6r needs an adapter since they only fit modular engines (thanks Ford for changing everything every couple yrs).

 

[purduerider]

Lol I ordered one starter from Rock Auto, one from Wild Horses and one from Advanced Auto. I think this is the one from Advanced Auto

 

[purduerider]

 

[Broncobowsher]

The transmission has 3 starter mounting bolts. That transmission is for a modular motor.
That block plate you have is a 2-bolt starter, which matches the starter you have. And the windsor
It should not be a surprise that a transmission that has the wrong bolt pattern won't fit the engine.

At this point you need the correct transmission case. Listed the sources above, 5.0 v8 (pushrod) engines and 3.8 or 4.2 V6 engines. Those cases fit your engine perfect. Identifiable by the 2 starter mounting bolts.

Do NOT get a transmission from a modular engine. 4.6 or 5.4 will be like what you have. No V6 transmissions (except the before mentioned 3.8/4.2) either. Where to get one depends on what is available to you. Pick a part or other self service salvage yards, various online market places, Local transmission shop may have a good case they would sell (and maybe even put your 4R75W guts into). You might even find them at your local Ford dealer?