Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 16,316
- Location
- Daleville, IN
- Tractor
- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
I need help with my truck
- Thread starter CurlyDave
- Start date
- Views: 5237
OP
CurlyDave
Elite Member
Just an update. I successfully drove the truck & trailer from Grants Pass, OR to Woodside, CA. Just under 500 miles, although I did detour around San Francisco at rush hour, which added miles but reduced the possibility for an accident.
The truck has an outside thermometer and the highest it read was 109 degrees, although a bank sign said 110 degrees when the truck said 104.
The trailer weighs ~ 2250 lbs, and the nursery guy estimated the trees at 4200 lbs.
I kept the speed to 55 when the temperature was in the 90s and 50 mph when the outside temp got over 100.
Not too shabby for that truck & trailer.
Now I need to unload in the morning.
The truck has an outside thermometer and the highest it read was 109 degrees, although a bank sign said 110 degrees when the truck said 104.
The trailer weighs ~ 2250 lbs, and the nursery guy estimated the trees at 4200 lbs.
I kept the speed to 55 when the temperature was in the 90s and 50 mph when the outside temp got over 100.
Not too shabby for that truck & trailer.
Now I need to unload in the morning.
OP
CurlyDave
Elite Member
Are you sure it can't hurt? One of the misgivings I had was what happens in winter? Can the extra cooling make the transmission run too cold? The lowest temps I see are in the 10-20 range, maybe getting down to 0 on a hunting trip.
I have always read that the transmission oil, just like the engine oil, had to warm up enough to evaporate condensate or it would be bad for the internal components.
Sackett2
Platinum Member
Just watch it close. the Ford e4od trans can leak from the front seal; one service center says this is a reseal of the front of the trans, another says this is a failing transmission. Dad's trans started leaking from the front and it requires a rebuild. (did it really??) Father-in-law also had his rebuilt for trans issues. I've seen a lot of e4od's get rebuilds, so just pay attention to it.
Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 16,316
- Location
- Daleville, IN
- Tractor
- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
Just a bit of an FYI at this point-many automatic transmissions, likely the 4R70W in your F-150 as well (although I cannot say for certain), do not lock the torque converter in 1st gear. You mentioned that you held the truck in manual 1 for some time. An unlocked torque converter creates a tremendous amount of heat from the constant slip and shearing of transmission fluid. This is why many trucks are now equipped with a "tow/haul" button to change the shift strategy and also lock the torque converter whenever possible.
I suspect that the heat created from the unlocked torque converter caused the fluid to overheat, expand, and relieve itself all over your driveway once gravity helped it escape from being reversed on the incline of your driveway.
-Josh
I suspect that the heat created from the unlocked torque converter caused the fluid to overheat, expand, and relieve itself all over your driveway once gravity helped it escape from being reversed on the incline of your driveway.
-Josh
Brahmus
Silver Member
Well I'm a little late to this party, but you have the 4R70W, I have much experience with this tranny. In stock form they are mearly adequate, but a rebuild by a good shop can make them plenty strong. The larger cooler was a good move and no need to worry about overcooling it, there is a thermo in the 4R70W and 4R100 that will not circulate all the fluid to the cooler before it warms up. Not sure about other models. You have a plug/port on the drivers side for installing the tranny temp gauge. Great investment! Try to keep the temps below 180F and your tranny will last much longer. Once you get the gauge you'll be amazed at how quickly she warms up even with the cooler. I have completely bypassed my radiator cooler and my temps stay around 140 on average. If you see over 200F temps, replace your fluid ASAP as it cuts the fluid life down drastically.
mattman
Gold Member
Why they don't build transmissions a little stouter is a good question. If people had a trans that shifted with a quick firm snap they woulb be back at the dealer saying the trans shitfs to hard. So the manufactures make the trans shift as smmoth as they can to keep folks happy. For the people that work a truck we have a trans built to provide comfront and piece of mind instead of a workhorse trans.
It helps with tow haul to raise the pressure of the fluid to apply more force on the clutch packs to keep the clutches from slipping. Also helps to have a quicker firmer shift. Tow haul is a good thing on a truck, really helps the trans stay together.
It helps with tow haul to raise the pressure of the fluid to apply more force on the clutch packs to keep the clutches from slipping. Also helps to have a quicker firmer shift. Tow haul is a good thing on a truck, really helps the trans stay together.
dodge man
Super Star Member
In the old days you could add a shift kit to the valve body to firm up the shifts, which was also good for a tire chirp at full throttle on the 1-2 shift. I assume you can still get shift kits and install them today.
Brahmus
Silver Member
Yes, there are several available for the 4R70W and they do the above w/o having to bump pressure. I can suggest the best option for anyone interested.