Which Transmission?

[Model A Man]

I have a 2003 26' Vision with the V10. Which transmission would it have? The 3 choices I'm aware of are the "Torque Shift", the 4R100 20 plate, the 4R100 26 plate. Thanks.

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by Model A Man

I have a 2003 26' Vision with the V10. Which transmission would it have? The 3 choices I'm aware of are the "Torque Shift", the 4R100 20 plate, the 4R100 26 plate. Thanks.

If you have the Torqshift (5R100W) you will have a "Tow Haul" button on the dash or on the gearshift stalk. Also some Torqshifts have an external cylinder type filter underneath the chassis.
If you have the older 4R100 there will be no "Tow Haul" button but there will be an "OD OFF" button on the end of the gearshift stalk.
As far as the "20 plate vs 26 plate" that is in reference to the size of transmission fluid cooler mounted in front of the radiator, 20 row or 26 row.
Hopefully you have the newer Torqshift as it is much improved over the 4R100. Not to say the 4R100 is horrible, with proper care and cooling it can last a long time, it just can't take the beating that the Torqshift can.

[Model A Man]

Well, since I have the OD Off button on the stalk I guess that it is a 4R100. I will do my best to take care of it. I'm thinking that it might be a good idea to add a temperature gauge, where would you suggest I put the sender? Thanks!

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by Model A Man

Well, since I have the OD Off button on the stalk I guess that it is a 4R100. I will do my best to take care of it. I'm thinking that it might be a good idea to add a temperature gauge, where would you suggest I put the sender? Thanks!

There is a port on the drivers side for pressure testing, that's the best place for the sender. You can also monitor it thru the PCM with software like Forscan or Torque Pro with an ELM 327 Bluetooth adapter and a smartphone. A temperature gauge for the 4R100 is the second best thing you can do for it, the first is making sure the cooler is adequate so they are kind of hand in hand.

A lot of guys like to run synthetic in the 4R100. There is a flush procedure created by a retired Ford transmission engineer who worked on the 4R100 during it's production run here: https://sites.google.com/site/woodnt...lush-procedure There are also videos about it if you Google it. Pic below of test port.

[bigb56]

Here's a link to the discussion on the flush, Mark Kovalsky is the engineer. He knows everything there is to know about the 4R100 but be warned he is somewhat of a crusty old fart and is not always real pleasant, especially in the last few years. https://www.powerstrokenation.com/th...rocedure.4338/

[Model A Man]

Thank you so much for all the information that's a big help. I run synthetics in everything so that is not an issue. I'm pretty old school so I will be installing a good old fashioned analog gauge. Thanks again!

[bigb56]

Most of us on the Powerstroke forum use Isspro gauges

[Model A Man]

What would you recommend for a temperature range (and what would you consider to be the comfortable operating range?) Thanks

[bigb56]

minimum 170 average 180-195 under heavy loading 195-205 with temporary spikes to 225 acceptable. Mr Kovalsky has confirmed this. I have a 26 row cooler and a 180 degree thermostat in the fluid line on a 2002 with diesel engine and never see over about 202F but I don't tow heavy. I put the thermostat in because in cold weather it stayed at 130-140 which is not warm enough to keep the moisture burned off. If you regularly get it up to 180 there is no need for a thermostat.

[Model A Man]

I certainly could be wrong but I would think that the gas motor (V10) would be a little easier on the trans because it has so much less torque than the Powerstroke but that might not make any difference, I don't know.

[bigb56]

In 2002 the 7.3 had 60 less HP than the Triton V-10 but 80 more lb/ft of torque. Notice that in 2003 the 6.0 appeared with a substantial jump in HP and torque, that is the same year they started putting the 5R100 in the diesel trucks. A lot of guys who build up the 7.3 end up getting a built 4R100, the best out there is considered to be Brian's Truck Shop in Arkansas E4OD | 4R100 | 5R110 Ford Diesel Powerstroke Transmissions Brian fixes all the known shortcomings of the 4R100, second choice would be a Ford HD reman but those have been scarce lately.

Where most get into trouble with the 4R100 is poor cooling as the 99-03 trucks came with a tiny cooler (My 26 row is the 6.0 cooler) or guys that built or chipped their 7.3s to put out more power. The V-10 coolers were an option then the 6.0 came out and everyone discovered that cooler was a direct bolt in for the 7.3 trucks. The design of the cooler also makes it impossible to clean if it came from a truck with a failed transmission so new only is the recommendation.