SMB Ford Transmission Durability

[SierraHawk]

I have an '03 SMB 4X4 with 106K mi. The transmision seems to be working OK but there are engine pitch changes when it shifts up into 2nd (fan clutch?) when it is under a load and the upshift into 3rd has become relativly hard when it is under load. Sometimes it seems as though there are two ranges for 2nd gear (pitch chnge again) but I don't feel a change in vehicle speed. I had the trans fluid and filter changed 5 months ago. No reported metal in pan. Just curious if anyone has an opinion as to when these transmissions need to be adjusted or rebuilt.

[FISHBREATH]

I get that fan pitch change with no speed differance. my trany seems to be working perfectly but I feel like it's a time bomb. I have 156k on mine.

I was thinking of a rebuild or replacement before I get stranded in BF EGYPT.

I thought there was a guy building tranys that were bullet proof????

not to hijack this thread.......does anyone have a 6 speed manual.........would this be cost prohibitive???

DAVEF

[jage]

For starters you lose the center console...

[FISHBREATH]

Originally Posted by jage

For starters you lose the center console...

ya that would be a bummer.....but that is not a deal breaker for me.

I don't get off on shifting, I just think that a manual trans is a more durable option.

It may be to many $$$$........I think if you could do a manual trans for about 5k I would jump on it.

I think your mileage would be better also.

DAVEF

[j.whitbread]

03? Does that have a E4OD or the 5R110 transmission?

Drive a 5R110 and then decide about the manual transmission.

[SierraHawk]

My door jam sticker reads: Trans E. From the information I have so far it appears to be the E40D. Although I am used to driving a stick, I'm not sure I want to drop a manual trans in. We have done a lot of crawling and the auto seems to do OK.

[j.whitbread]

A stick setup with all the different levers inside, if you had an Atlas transfer case, would be cool.