Difference in the 96/97 AX4N and the 98 AX4N

[AllSHO_n_NoGO]

I am trying to find out what the difference between the 96/97 AX4N and the 98 AX4N is. Reason is the tranny in my 98 is definitely problematic and I have a very nice one from a 97 with 61k original miles on it.

Looking at the interchange it shows them as being different, but can I run a 97 AX4N in my 98 with no issues?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[SHO U UP]

I am trying to find out what the difference between the 96/97 AX4N and the 98 AX4N is. Reason is the tranny in my 98 is definitely problematic and I have a very nice one from a 97 with 61k original miles on it.

Looking at the interchange it shows them as being different, but can I run a 97 AX4N in my 98 with no issues?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I can't recall the tranny itself being any different, but the computer will be different for it I'm pretty sure. I would make a guess and say that you would need the wiring harness/PCM from the 1997 car too. But then the PATS may have a problem with that though. Don't go swapping anything yet until you hear more on this subject. Eric, Doug, Paul or Kirk will chime in maybe and give you the complete lowdown on this.

 

[1995mtxsho]

TCC Solenoid is different and matched to the ECU.
The 96-97 trans(TCC Solenoid) requires the 96-97 ECU, likewise, the 98-99 trans(TCC Solenoid) requires the 98-99 ECU.
You could very easily swap them during the replacement of the trans, open the side cover, and it's right there.
I believe thats the only thing incompatable.

 

[AllSHO_n_NoGO]

Ok this is some good information!

Is it just the TCC Solenoid?
What about the other solenoids?

I'm just trying to decide if it is better to swap the valve body for $200 or just the TCC Solenoid for $50.

 

[1995mtxsho]

I would just pull it out of the 98 trans and put it in the replacement trans.
If you are having lockup issues it is most likely the torque converter and not the solenoid.

 

[MichiganSHO96]

All SHO and no Go is correct with these cars lol

 

[SHOZ123]

Valve bodies are different. The '97 has two bolts and the '98 has three.

But that doesn't make any difference if you are doing a total swap. You do need the original TCC solenoid.

 

[AllSHO_n_NoGO]

I read somewhere, but can not find it now about a teflon seal that is behind the valve body as well as a bushing.

Do you know what that may be referencing? Since I am going to be going in there and these two items should be replaced I'd like to do it while the tranny is on the ground since I have to swap the valve bodies anyway.

Hopefully the Ford dealer or a local transmission shop is able to still get these two items if needed.

Thanks Paul!

 

[SHOZ123]

The OEM valve body gasket is no longer available. Believe it is aftermarket though.

I know where a rebuilt SHO valve body and the correct OEM gasket is though gathering dust.......

 

[AllSHO_n_NoGO]

Do tell...

Aside from that what would be best to use for a gasket behind the valve body? Silicone?

 

[SHOZ123]

Silicone would not hold I don't believe. You are talking +300 psi in some areas......

 

[AllSHO_n_NoGO]

Silicone would not hold I don't believe. You are talking +300 psi in some areas......

What would your recommendation be then if I can not find this "dusty OEM gasket?"

 

[SHOZ123]

My dusty gasket.........

It is actually a metal backing plate with a paper gasket on both sides.

Aftermarket is Trans Tech part number B10033.

OEM is F6DZ7Z490D

 

[slowshow]

Do you have to pull the trans to change a TCC solenoid?

 

[AllSHO_n_NoGO]

Do you have to pull the trans to change a TCC solenoid?

It can be done fairly easy in the car. I would not pull it to just change the TCC solenoid. You can access the side pan of the tranny through the drivers side inner wheel well.

Break the ball joint to push the left front hub towards the drivers door in the wheel opening.
Remove the inner fender.
Support the tranny from below.
Remove the cross member/support from the drivers side of the transmission.
Remove the side cover of the transmission.
Replace the TCC solenoid
Put everything back together.
Top off the transmission fluid.

Takes roughly 1 - 1.5hrs with a lift start to finish.

 

[AllSHO_n_NoGO]

Valve bodies are different. The '97 has two bolts and the '98 has three.

But that doesn't make any difference if you are doing a total swap. You do need the original TCC solenoid.

Hey Paul-
Thanks for the insight on this. Installed the valve body from the original 98 tranny that is out of the car into the 97 tranny that is in the car.

Picked up a solenoid from Ford for $36.xx and the tranny is rock solid.

Much appreciated!

 

[AllSHO_n_NoGO]

TCC Solenoid is different and matched to the ECU.
The 96-97 trans(TCC Solenoid) requires the 96-97 ECU, likewise, the 98-99 trans(TCC Solenoid) requires the 98-99 ECU.
You could very easily swap them during the replacement of the trans, open the side cover, and it's right there.
I believe thats the only thing incompatable.

Good info.

The only thing that we found that is different between 98 and 99 is the harness in the transmission. The harness's appear to be the same from 96 - 98, 99 appears to be unique.