transmission options for mavericks

I did not know that a 4r70w had a lock-up torque converter. The one in the MGM in my signature has 255,000 miles. I have never noticed a bobble! The MGM has the handling and performance package with a 3.27 RAR. The normal RAR for a MGM is 2.73 and prior to 1996 I believe it was 3.08. Now this makes sense.
So what you are telling me is without converter slippage, the RAR can be geared LOWER. With the unit's .78 ratio the RAR can be higher. Thanks for your reply. Craig.

 

I won't comment on the overdrive ratio discussion because that's purely a personal preference sorta thing.. but I will say this about the "shouldn't cruise in the idle circuit" comment.

IF.. the engine is cammed and tuned sufficiently(heavy initial and/or very softly sprung(quick advance curve) mechanical swept spark lead is mandatory to fatten up that portion of the power curve) thereby allowing decent enough torque production at very low rpm's(yes a well tuned little 302 can produce enough torque at idle and slightly above to propel one of these light little cars along without lugging).. then you can get better mileage running on that circuit as it transitions into the booster than you can on the boosters alone. The more torque you can make with less fuel the better and directly ties into improving fuel mileage. Better BFSC and higher MBT rise rates is where it's at if you like taller final gears. And you can in fact improve both while still cruising along in the idle circuit.

 

That's what the clutch(that sometimes chatters) in converter is for, lockup...

AFAIK all O/D transmissions have some type of lockup for converter, AODE is same as 4R70W but clutch is a weak link... AOD have a split(dual) shaft that inner for 3rd & 4th are splined directly into front of converter hub(why those are sometimes a bit "clunky" going into O/D)... Lockup actually began prior to O/D, the difference in C4 & C5 is the C5 has a lockup converter...

BTW, I have '98LS & '07GS MGMs so am familiar with those, both of mine have 2.73 rears...Also had a '92(with AOD), a '93(both 3.08) and a '03 Marauder that had 3.55...

 

You can get a 4R70W out of 2 wd V6 F150's too. If you do, get 1998 up to like 2003? they have the hole and gears in trans to put your speedo into. 1998 and up has alot of upgrades like mech diode. You can also run a 4R70W without any electrical mods if you don't mind having a manual valve body. This means you have to shift ever gear and flip switches to activate lockup and OD. It's kinda simple. The kit is made by Transgo kit AODE3($200). I have it in one of my other cars and it works good. Also one good thing about 4R70W is they are really strong. You really don't have to do anything to them to take a beating. I have ran as fast as 11.3 in almost 4000 lb mk8 with one. You can score a low mileage one for like 250 and not touch it. AOD is not a bad trans when built. But in stock form they don't take beatings well. And they cost alot to build. I have a Lentech Street Terminator too so I know. LOL If you want 4R70W to do all electric stuff BEC makes $750 dollar controller for it. http://www.usshift.com/?gclid=CNrV6qzpzcgCFdIWHwodHYoJkA

 

Also make sure this is out there. Have you priced a Gear Vendor unit?? $2600 and up? right. They are kinda big and heavy too. Once you put OD trans in your car your will purr on the highway with no other money spent.

 

I bought that MGM new in 1996 and it had very few miles on it when there was a "rumble" when it would shift to overdrive. I'll be willing to bet that was the lockup torque converter....The dealership added a "whale oil" additive. Cured it. The only other issue now is the trans shifts hard on the 1-2 shift. I was told the accumulator pistons are to blame. The new accumulator pistons are rubber and are different in some way. Other than that, it has good ratios and I just love to drive it and I am leaning toward it for the Maverick. Yes, the C5 did have a lockup converter. I also believe the police interceptors used a 3.55 RAR with an aluminum metal matrix driveshaft. After 2001 Ford limited the Crown Vic to 129 mph and a conventional driveshaft to protect the driveline...So they say. One more question: Do all 4R70W transmissions have the same ratio? Thanks for your reply, Craig.

 

I'll check it out. Thanks. Craig.

 

I'll have to say that it is tempting to just slap one of those on and go. I think I am leaning toward the 4R70W. Thanks for your reply. Craig.

 

All 4R70W's have the same ratio's. You can install AOD gears thought.

 

Just thought I'd share this

http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/transmission-drivetrain/ccrp-1001-4r70w-transmission-rebuild/

 

i am running a 4r70w, with a bauuman tcu, now http://www.usshift.com/.
i installed a aode tailshaft housing and used a aode trans mount. and fabricated the transmission brace.
i purchased a vss / mech speedo gear combo, but ended up not needing the vss part. the tcu uses the stock sensors.
you need a tps, luckly going fuel injected, i just tapped the tps signal. i had to cut a tab off the drivers side rear of the transmisison to clear the tunnel, but it fit, just barely. transmisison works great. fully tuneable for your driving, supports o/d button, two shift tables, and paddle shifting if you want to. i welded in a drain plug into the pan, and installed another trans cooler, just to be safe. the driveshaft is real close. might have to shorten it. if you have like an inch to shorten you can always just trim an inch off the yoke. i wouldn't go much more.

 

Interesting.

 

Gentlemen:

In conclusion there are a few things I can take away from this conversation:

1) The final drive ratio is the transmission overdrive (or high gear) ratio multiplied by the rear axle ratio.

2) There are pros and cons to replacing the entire transmission as opposed to just adding a Gear Vendors unit. Cost, being able to keep your car basically unmolested, ETC.

3) It is O.K. for a carb engine to cruise in the idle circuit as the 5.0 has ample torque to propel these light cars.

4) 70 m.p.h. isn't considered speeding in rural Washington and Idaho.

Thanks for your replies, Krazy Comet, greasemonkey, mavdog71, 71gold, Rmiller, z28th1s, Maverick Dude, groberts101, 351Blueblood, 2mav4u, bomrat. Class dismissed. Thanks, Craig.