How to Change an E40D Transmission
In the 70's and 80's, Ford used the C-series of transmissions in all automatic transmission equipped vehicles it produced. However, in the early 90's, it was decided that a replacement for the venerable C-6 was needed to handle the increases in horsepower and torque that advanced engine engineering was creating. Ford introduced the A4OD automatic transmission on Ford trucks during this time frame. The A4OD is a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. If this transmission fails, you'll need to replace it
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Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- 4 Jack stands
- Wrench set
- Socket set
- Ratchet
- Extensions
- Universal swivel socket
- Long nose pliers
- Flare nut wrench set
- Drain pan with extension
- Straight screwdriver
- Piece of plywood 1 foot by 1 foot
- New or rebuilt transmission
- Transmission funnel
- 15.5 quarts of Dexron/Mercon transmission fluid
Instructions
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1
Park and firmly set the parking brake. Roll the jack under the front frame cross member and raise the truck high enough to lift the wheels off the ground. Place a jack stand under the front of the frame behind both front wheels and lower the truck onto them, then lower the jack. Next, place the jack under the differential housing and raise the rear wheels off the ground. Place jacks under the axle housing and lower the jack. Be sure the truck is leveled.
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2
Remove the two bolts at the top of the bellhousing into the heads. Next remove the bolt holding the dipstick tube flange and remove the dipstick tube. Remove the negative battery terminal by loosening the nut and twisting the terminal while pulling up. Rotate these nuts/bolts counterclockwise with a wrench to remove them. Remove the vacuum fitting.
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3
Place the drain pan and extension under the transmission oil pan and drain the transmission. Loosen the bolts on the pan. Remove those from one corner. Twist the screwdriver between the pan and transmission to break the seal and allow the fluid to escape slowly. Loosen the remaining bolts enough to allow the one corner to sag until close to empty and remove all of the bolts and the pan. Drain the pan and replace it, securing it with four bolts.
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4
Remove the bolts securing the access cover at the front of the transmission. Remove the bolts securing the torque converter to the flexplate. Turn the engine using a socket and ratchet on the crankshaft pulley bolt to access all the bolts. Remove the starter bolts and transmission-to-engine bolts. Turn the bolts counterclockwise with a wrench to remove them. Turn the crankshaft to gain access to the converter drain plug. Remove this plug with a wrench and allow the converter to drain. Hang the starter using a piece of wire. Remove the cooler lines, turning the fittings counterclockwise with a flare nut wrench.
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5
Place the jack with the plywood under the transmission oil pan. Remove the clamp bolt on the speedometer cable by turning it counterclockwise with a socket and ratchet. Pull the clips on the shifter linkage using the pliers and disconnect the linkage. Unplug the neutral switch connector.
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6
Remove the driveshaft. Remove the four bolts securing the driveshaft yoke to the differential and push the shaft forward, while lowering the rear portion. Slide the coupler out of the transmission and remove the driveshaft. Turn the nuts or bolts counterclockwise with a wrench.
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7
Rotate the manifold flange bolts counterclockwise and disconnect the exhaust pipe from the manifolds. Repeat this process on the pipe to catalytic converter flange and remove the pipe.
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8
Remove the rear cross member to frame bolts and the transmission mount bolts. Turn these bolts counterclockwise with a ratchet and socket. Grasp the transmission and slide it rearward until free of the engine and lower the jack.
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9
Place the replacement transmission on the jack and lift it into place. Slide the transmission forward until it matches up with the engine. You will need to have the torque converter properly installed.
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10
Reverse steps 1 through 9 to replace the transmission. Refill the transmission with 15.5 quarts of transmission fluid.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The transmission to engine bolts should be torque to 50 foot-pounds.
Torque converter bolts should be torque to 30 foot-pounds.
There may be another bracket/mount at the front of the transmission that will need to be removed on some models.
Never perform this type of work in a driveway.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
