Hi Folks;
Just picked up a 01 f150 2wd ext cab short bed w/ seized 4.6 4r70, rear?,. I'm in north east Pa.truck is from Tex (no rust) so I want to to do a 4bt swap. I want it to be as close to original as I can get it so my thoughts are ; rebuild (beef) the 4r70w, low stall converter, shift kit. Should handle 400ft. leave the computer to control trans and relocate the 4.6 sensors to the 4bt to "fake out" the ford ecm? Can I find adapters and flex plates?
What do you think?
Thanks; Taggmann

 

You should be able to find A adapter plate for that transmission I don't know what adapter plate you would be looking for though. You could also think about getting a good allison transmission to put behind it that would handle the power and might even be cheaper than puting all the parts into the ford transmission to make it work.

I did my 97 F-150 that you see in my signature and I also have some pics in my profile of my truck. I was able to use a ford adapter plate and bolt it up to my manual 5-speed.

I am getting the low to mid 20's on mpg with some tweeking it should pull around 30 MPG.

If you have any questions feel free to hit me up.

Nic

 

Hi Nic;
If I wanted a stick shift I would do exactly like you did. I just don't like shifting anymore ( I know what your thinking, my son thinks I'm crazy too) Guess I've become a lazy driver. I would like to keep my factory gauges and cruise control too. I know I can use the 4.6 temp and oil sending units but I'm not sure about all the other electronics (i.e.) map, ox, egr,tps, mass airflow,knock, tach sensors that input to the computer. Then what to do with the wires coming out of the computer (i.e.) fuel injection harness,spark control and all the things I am not even thinking of. Still would like to use the 4r70w unless I go crazy mods on the 4bt it should hold up and I am mostly after the mileage.
Real nice pic of your truck, that's just what I want to see when I pop my hood.
Thanks; John

 

Hey Nic; Couple quick questions for ya; Did you pull the nose off the truck, looks like it may be worth it to make it easyer for fitting things up. Did you mount your truck alt. to the 4bt or ? I am now scrapping the computer and using a AOD with constant pressure valve body. Did you use original speedo and instrument panel ? and how?
thanks; john

 

I ended up leaving the front end on the truck for the project.

I kindda wished I took it off because there was BARELY enough roome to actually fit it in there.

Yes I did use the stock truck alt but I had to modify the frame a little to fit it in there, but I also did it to be able to use the stock a/c in the truck.

The original speedo was used that worked without any problems I am working on the tac which can be used I just need to finish that part (it needs something like a 24 pulse per rev to read right RPM)

As for the coolant temp that You can use the stock sending unit to read but I would reccomend an aftermarket oil pressure gauge because these trucks have an "IDIOT" gauge. Meaning if there is say 10psi of oil pressure or more it will read completly normal all the time. (Did not like that)

Any more questions feel free to ask me more if you would like

 

Hi Nic;
Yeah I am going to take your advice and remove the front clip. glad to hear you could use the gauges, I was afraid they were routed thru the computer. I will start looking for tach options found one Shop Kink #28 - Shop Kinks - Shop Kinks & Tech Tips not sure if this would work? maybe with a tach control unit that can work as an interface. If I remember it is under 100 bucks and is adjustable to make up for pulse. Just got to remember where i saw it.
thanks; John

 

Might have what you need here for that tach

Speedometer & Tachometer Interfaces

 

Dakota digital makes the tac interface that I bought I just need to hook it up. I also have a fan contoller from them. I like it a lot because it allows me to run either multiple fans, two-speed fans, and even has the A/C input too. Along with it also you get a sending unit that actually goes into the block instead of the ones that push into the radiator.

Here is the link to the fan controller PAC-2700

And this is for the tac hook-up that I will be installing this week. Universal Flywheel Tachometer Interface

As for the computer I still have it in the truck to relay the signals. I just plan on removing the check engine light in the dash.

I am also going to see if I will be able to use the cruise control not sure yet if it will work without a Throttle position sensor. But I might as well give it a try before I remove it comletly fromt he truck.

Actually is there a company that makes aftermarket cruise controllers but I would be able to use the switches on my steering colom(sp)?

 

Yeah I would really like to keep my factory cruise control too. Checking the schematic in my chilton for 1997 to 03 f150 I see no tps, however the vss (vehicle speed sensor) is in the schematic but if you got your speedo working your cruise might be workable now. Im guessing your speedo is digital? I guess I will have to use a speedo sending unit on my AOD?
I also have to reverse the oil pan and find a pick-up tube.

 

I had a ford electrical manual which was much better than any electrical schematic I have ever used which helped a lot.

yes my speedo is digital and the sending unit is on the back of the transfer case.