Are the stock automatic transmissions that Ford put in the early 4x4 powerstrokes any good? I've been very unimpressed with the E40D that they used with the IDI. I'm looking to by my first used diesel on a budget and I'm a little leary about the reliability of an older AT with +150K on it. I'm just looking for a truck to drive back and forth to work, haul an occational boat, and haul my firewood with. I'd prefer a stick shift, but that really narrows down the availability.

Thanks,
Mark

 

The trans should be ok if your keeping it stock

 

There not bad when left alone... My 97 went 130k before biting the dust, then the new one with a superchip and a few other mods went another 130k before I sold the truck. If you plan on tuning it get a tugger kit or a good valve body and you will be fine. Any more then that you will need to build it.

 

as stated above

 

Wow, my standards must be too high. I've always thought a transmission should last at least as long as a gas engine (200K).

 

Leave the truck stock and you might make it 200k... Diesels have TQ, TQ eats autos up...

 

TQ eats up the converters like crazy.

 

94-97 has the E40D.

 

Ahhh, that explains it. I was under the impression that Ford started using a real transmission when they made the switch to the power stroke. I have yet to find an original E40D that had to do any kind of work during it's life that's still in one piece.

 

im 35k on my rebuild and that is beatin the hell outta it