4r70w advice

[tw322]

Looked at the first 5 pages of old threads but couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for.

Picked up a 92 5.8 efi engine for cheap. It is out of an F150. I want to mate it to a 4r70w but there are so many years and choices. I read on here that 98 and newer are better due to some internal upgrades. Will a 98 4r70w that was mated to a 4.6 work or will I need some kind of adaptor? How about a controller recommendation? Not looking for ultra expensive but not looking for ultra cheap either. Reliable is the key.

How about transfer case recommendations? It seems from many previous threads the fiield is narrowed to the expensive Atlas 2 or the less expensive NP205 as the best options?

This will be a weekend vehicle to take out off-road (want it capable but not looking for the extreme), beach trips, family fun, etc.

Am I missing anything? I will be outsourcing this entire build/change simply because my expertise and time constraints don’t work in my favor. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The 4.6 will NOT work. That is a modular motor and has a different bellhousing bolt pattern from the Windsor V8 family.

You need a transmission from a 5.0 pushrod V8 (the 3.8 and 4.2 V6 also have the Windsor V8 bolt pattern and will work)

For the transfer case;
The original Dana 20 from the Bronco can be adapted. Multiple ways of doing this. More below.
An NP205 can bolt to a 4WD version of a 4R70W with only carving a notch which can be done with inprecise tools of destruction. It will fit, but it is a tight fit. Driver's side exhaust routing is limited. The extra weight generally means you should add extra bracing to hold the transfer case up and not just let it hang off the back of the aluminum adaptor.
Atlas can be ordered up with the correct input face and splines to match a 4WD 4R70W.

If you get a 2WD 4R70W, it can still be done. The Dana 20 adaptor from Advance Adaptors will marry it up. But it takes a transmission rebuilt to put the parts in.

If you get a 4WD 4R70W, and don't want to do a rebuild, the ZF adaptor which makes the face of the Dana 20 to look like a normal full size transfer case will work. If you do a rebuild either adaptor will work, I prefer not to stack adaptors.

For what you describe, keep the Dana 20. You don't need the brute strength of the 205 nor dealing with the bulk. The better low range also helps on a street trail toy.

As for controls. US shift is now the name of the old Baumann controller. They have a few different versions. I have not stayed up to date on what is available. There are other options, if adapting Explorer EFI that can run it, '95 mustang EFI can run it, both of those will need a custom tune. There are a few other controllers out there that can do it but last I checked they wanted stupid money for some of them.

 

[sprdv1]

This man knows his stuff... ^^^

 

[tw322]

Many thanks....this is very helpful for what I need! Now I gotta start the search.

 

[fordguy]

if you have to do a rebuild anyhow, the aa adapter raises your price for under 700 bucks. It is a clean install and you can use the original cross member with a little modification and making the frame brackets a bit longer.

 

[sanndmann3]

This man knows his stuff... ^^^

Yep! Pretty much summed it all up in one post. The knowledge on this site is impressive.

 

[tw322]

Yes it is which is why I come here!