[NoColoradoGT]

I've posted a thread about this before, but I've narrowed down some options now because I'm about 6 months from HAVING to do something about my tranny.

Note this: I have zero experience working on transmissions. But I'm willing to learn everything I need to.

So...

Option #1 (the one I'm leaning toward most): Find a junkyard 4R70W that I can buy and swap in to replace my current transmission.

Option #2: Pull my current transmission and rebuild it

Option #3: I'm close friends with the owner of a chain of Ford Dealerships around here. He told me that they would do a new out-of-the-box install of a 4R70W into my car with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty for $3,400 OTD, and that he'd be willing to do it for me for $2,400 out the door. He also said he could have it in the door and out the door in 2 days as he'd make sure it was a priority and I could supervise the installation as much as I wanted to (he knows I'm a freak about people working on my car).


Here's the deal. I don't have $2,400. I really won't have $2,400 any time in the next year.

My limit to spend will absolutely be about $1,200.

Do you guys think someone like me, with zero experience in transmissions could buy a used 4R70W and swap it in by myself (with the help of a couple friends) and get everything up and running in a couple weeks time for under $1,200?

I don't have a tranny jack. I've got a good number of basic tools, four jack stands, and a hydraulic floor jack.

Think I can do this?

Any recommendations?

I'm really at square one with this so any and all help would be awesome.

[NickPohlAandP]

Absolutely you can do it. Manual tranny rebuilds are not that difficult. The first one I ever did was a Mopar 727. I bought a dvd that showed how to do it and that thing was very helpful. Find a dvd or a book, get the rebuild kit, and go to town. If it's not your daily driver, just pull it out and do the rebuild. If it is a dd, get one from a junkyard and rebuild that one and when you're done swap it in. Don't be afraid of the auto.

[brokenweasel]

Rebuilding a junkyard one is a good option. Say you fail...

[n03stang]

4r70w is an auto trans not a manual. So it's a little more difficult to rebuil. I've only rebuilt a th350. But it's not for the faint of heart. Def would like to have someone around there to show you the ropes for the first rebuild. But it can be done. You need various transmission rebuild tools that can probably be rented.

[NoColoradoGT]

What I'm really leaning towards is just finding a complete tranny out of a JY and swapping that in and tearing mine out. Do you guys think that's doable? Avoiding any re-build whatsoever and just doing a swap?

[MustangMatt96GT]

If you need a place to do it, we can do it in an afternoon here at my house. Its not that tough. Then We can learn how to rebuild a 4R70W. You just gotta find a tranny in a junk yard and we will get yours back on the road. And then we (or I) can tear your old one down. Im betting it only needs new clutches and bushings in it.

Just let me know, its not very hard, and we can get you back on the road for less than you anticipated probably. But while we are in there we should put a higher stall converter in it. Junk yard trans - 250 bucks-400. You got all kinds of money to make it go fast! either a convertor or a shift kit

[NoColoradoGT]

MATT. I am 100% taking you up on that offer! I'll throw a little cash your way too for your help man.

Alright, so best plan of attack then, buy a JY transmission, get a rebuild kit for that tranny. We rebuild that at your house, and then once done, take another day to swap them out and call it good yeah? And yes, I would freaking love a shift kit.

I'm also trying to do this on low of a budget as possible, think $1,000 (plus some money for your help) is totally within reason?

[n03stang]

Transgo hd2 is best shift kit for the buck. But if you decide to stall it your over your 1200 dollar limit.

[n03stang]

Red eagle Rebuild kits are about 300, 400 for a used trans, another 150 for fluid and filter, another 120 for shift kit.

[n03stang]

And maybe 150 for a cooler.

[MustangMatt96GT]

I dont need money!

But I have no clue what a tranny cost at the JY, but i figured 500 bucks for sure could get you a working one we don't need to rebuild to put in the car. And then once your old one is out, We always can rebuild your stocker so you can make some back too on that. But I don't know if there is a market for a garage rebuilt 4R70W. I turn around C4s pretty quickly, but not sure on a newer tranny.

I always like putting new converters in while im putting in a tranny but, I understand if not. Stall would wake your car up though.

I always like putting a bigger cooler on trannys too, and we can do that pretty cheaply! Saves the trannys IMO. YOu don't have to worry about heat asmuch as I do though with a non lock up converter and a nice blanket on mine.

[n03stang]

This may be me, but I would never buy a junkyard trans and just install. IMHO any trans from a junkyard should be at least gone through to make sure there is no damage. But I'm a cautious person. I just know I would be pissed if I bought a trans and fluid spent all the time to install to find out 3rd is slipping. At that point I'd torch my car.

[MustangMatt96GT]

Originally Posted by n03stang This may be me, but I would never buy a junkyard trans and just install. IMHO any trans from a junkyard should be at least gone through to make sure there is no damage. But I'm a cautious person. I just know I would be pissed if I bought a trans and fluid spent all the time to install to find out 3rd is slipping. At that point I'd torch my car.

I understand that! But instead of spending the money on the trans rebuilt kit I would rather spend the two hours it takes to put it in and out and see if it works fine.

IDK I have had my tranny out so many times I consider it maintianence. But i Gotta go through it about twice a season with how many passes my car gets...

[n03stang]

Yeah, I work on mine in back yard and pulling a trans on jack stands with no trans jack is rough.

[MustangMatt96GT]

Thats how I do mine too... Normally no help. A c4 is a little lighter than a 4R70W though. Garage and jack stands is how mine comes out... No tranny jack either

[NoColoradoGT]

I was actually going to ask about that Matt, do you think we should tear down what ever 4R70W I buy to make sure it's all good before install? I mean, I'd imagine for $500-$600 I should be able to get one with less than 40k on it, but still, what do you think?

[MustangMatt96GT]

We can do what ever... But I will warn ya... Never built one haha

[NoColoradoGT]

No worries, me either. haha.

If I get one with under 40k though, I really won't be too concerned!

[MustangMatt96GT]

Yeah there isnt a whole lot that can go wrong.... Autos are easy IMO... Hardest part is the solenoids in the newer trans IMO.

[86er]

dont know what/where you look but Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market. enjoy hunting