Help on tranny decision.

[Kyle.malone]

AOD, 4r70W. 700R4.
These are my choices.
Will an atlas transfer case bolt directly up to an AOD transmission? IS the 4R70W that much better of a tranny over the AOD? I know that the atlas will bolt directly to the 4r70w and 700r4. Whichever tranny I go with would be built for my motor so trying to figure out the way to go. Wife said she would buy me a Atlas transfer case (2 speed or 4 speed) for christmas so I need to get my trany figured out. Help!!! Price comparison is also a helpful tool

Would be buying from monster transmission (possibly) instead of a pull a part location and running it.

 

[Amac70]

i would go with 4r over the aod everyday of the week. being able to control shift points and shift into and hold a gear is a real advantage. The way the aod shifts drives me up the wall when trying to wheel. I know nothing about the 700. The only other thing i would say is gear appropriatly. at least 4.88 with 35's. Im running 5.13's with 35. You will want the lower gears.

 

[Kyle.malone]

Gears will change as I change my lockers to selectable and bigger tires (37"). I also am throwing in the mix to rebuild the C4 with the mods for the atlas with a reverse shift pattern. Hijacking my own thread.

 

[okorangebrnco]

Nv4500!!!

 

[Broncobowsher]

The Atlas (or Stak) will bolt to any transmission you mentioned. Just need to order the transfer case correctly and get (or convert) the transmission for a 4WD application.

Straight up the worst option is the AOD. Primitive overdrive That was retired from service in the early 90's. Most of the upgrade parts are pirating stuff off the 4R70W to bring the ancient box halfway up to modern standards. Rebuilders love them as they can sell you a ton of "upgrade" parts that upgrade the profit line in the end.

The 700R4 in stock form is nearly as big of a POS as the AOD. But since so many GM people use them, lots of upgrade parts exist as well. How much cash do you want to pour into the trans? I feel they can be built better then an AOD. They do have a lower 1st gear, but with as much axle and transfer case gearing it isn't really a factor any more. Actually a bit of a liability, on the street that 1-2 shift is such a huge step it tends to feel like it is reving a bit more then it should in 1st then falls on its face going into 2nd.

Which leads me to the 4R70W. Needs the fewest upgrades put into it. Depending on application it does very well in stock form. It is still a wide ratio gearset, but the 1-2 jump isn't so steep. Has great flexibility in shifting, you can tune most any of it and keep your hands clean and dry. It is easier to set the trans to start in 2nd gear (which you will like with low transfer case and axle gears).

Transfer case is another question you asked. I mentioned Stak. I suggest taking a look at them. I was drooling over the 3-speed (3 and 5:1 low ranges) for years. I was running the 3.15:1 teralow and that was a great match with the 4R70W. It was a bit odd being in overdrive and low range, but it worked very well. Having been in other rigs which had very low transfer case gears that lacked the normal low range gearing you realize how important it is to have. It really is good to have something between highway gears and crawl gears. Sucks when you struggle on the easy part of the trail getting to the hard parts.

Putting the 4-speed Atlas in is a long transfer case. Not sure how well the rear driveshaft like geing run that short.

 

[Kyle.malone]

Nv4500!!!

Not an option!!!!! Thanks for the input though Levi!!

 

[Kyle.malone]

Putting the 4-speed Atlas in is a long transfer case. Not sure how well the rear driveshaft like geing run that short.

That was one of my concerns as well.

Another question would be about the flexplate and the torque converter for the 4r70w. Will the one I currently have work or will I have to buy both new.

 

[okorangebrnco]

Oh come on......... Both the 4R and 700 from Monster Trans look to be pretty good deals.

 

[bronco-billy-66]

Easy!
4R70W ;D

 

[needabronco]

I have a Hughes AOD and I'm happy with it wheeling. I've never had any shifting issues crawling ever. I can hold 1st, or 2nd if I want. It does and will wonder a bit in OD on the highway. Yes it's an older trans and you can't control the torque converter lockup without a custom valve body. My only gripe is that it runs warm on the trail when idling along...

I'm also a fan of the 700R4 and have driven a Bronco with a 4 speed Atlas behind it as well. They are good transmissions and are easily and cheaply upgradable. I wouldn't hesitate with this option.

The 4R70W is also a good choice. It's all up to you.

 

[Kyle.malone]

Does anyone know if the C4 flex plate will work with the 4r70W? I know I will need a different torquer converter. I can't find any info anywhere.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Does anyone know if the C4 flex plate will work with the 4r70W? I know I will need a different torquer converter. I can't find any info anywhere.

Depends on which C4 flexplate you have. If it is the oddball 10-1/2" bolt circle then no. But the 11-7/16" bolt circle Bronco 164 tooth C4 flexplate will work. Both versions have been used on Broncos.

 

[Kyle.malone]

Its the 11 7/16" 164 tooth

TCI flexplate

 

[Broncobowsher]

Its the 11 7/16" 164 tooth

TCI flexplate

That will work.

 

[Kyle.malone]

Now I can't wait for my Christmas present from my wife comes in too... Atlas 4!

 

[shamu]

Now I can't wait for my Christmas present from my wife comes in too... Atlas 4!

You better get her some bling

 

[Kyle.malone]

You better get her some bling

Her bling is hidden in the tree. She will never notice it until I point it out.. Damn ididn't know diamond earrings went up that much!!

 

[Lebe]

I'm running a '97 Explorer 5.0 with 4R70W, both stock, with Atlas 4 super low 10.3/1 and it works great with 4.88 and 37" Mud Terrains. Really like the super low for crawlin'. Runs 60-65 MPH at 2000-2100 RPM. Bought one for my under-construction buggy too.
If your wife is buyin' you an Atlas with her money, she's definitely a keeper.

 

[Kyle.malone]

I'm running a '97 Explorer 5.0 with 4R70W, both stock, with Atlas 4 super low 10.3/1 and it works great with 4.88 and 37" Mud Terrains. Really like the super low for crawlin'. Runs 60-65 MPH at 2000-2100 RPM. Bought one for my under-construction buggy too.
If your wife is buyin' you an Atlas with her money, she's definitely a keeper.

What did you do for your crossmember? I know I am going to need to change my gearing as well, so when I'm in there axles will be getting new chromoly shafts and upgrade the 9" to 31 spline and also ditch the trac-locks and put in a selectable in the 44 and a detroit in the 9.

 

[bizarrocolin]

Mr. Malone, did you order the transmission from Monster? They look like they have decent prices, and lots of praise. I'm wondering if it worked out well for you.

Thanks.