I have a simple train of thought when it comes to purchasing something --like an automatic transmission from the wrecking yard or from an individual, --even if I know the individual;

ANY used automatic transmission, that is not purchased directly from a transmission shop, should be considered as a 'core' transmission to be rebuilt. It's just up to you to take the risk of buying and installing an unknown transmission that might work for 10 years or 10 minutes after install.

Now, paying $300-$600 for an unknown transmission doesn't make good dollar sense for something that really should be gone through before being installed.  I got a '98 Mustang 3.8L 4R70W from U-Pull-it for $138.00. This included; transmission, stock torque convertor, wiring harness, block plate, dipstick & tube as the basis for a rebuildable core.

After that, you will need a transmission controller to operate the shift functions of the transmission.

If you are using a 4R70W from a 3.8L Mustang in an older Mustang with a V-8, then you really need to go through the transmission to add the extra clutch discs that the 3.8L 6-cylinder model 4R70Ws do not have, compared to the 4R70Ws used behind the Explorer 5.0L V-8 models.

Last edited by ultrastang (10/24/2013 3:12 PM)