Ax4n modification

[patrick hubbard]

I was thinking of getting a ax4n from a salvage yard and rebuilding it for a spare. Can the gear ratios be changed. What modifications can be done to it to make it shift better and live longer

 

[gamefanatic]

Shift kit, new/custom clutches. Be sure you know which year you get, there are different TCC solenoids in 98+. Replace all solenoids, get a new Torque Converter from SHOSource, or use one from the Contenental FWD.
New fluid/filter.
Check the fluid pump for damage/scars. If you are taking it apart this far, replace the valve body seals.
Inspect gears for any damage.
Check interior bell housing for damage.
Replace external axel seals.
That's about what I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[patrick hubbard]

Can you change the gear ratios

 

[gamefanatic]

I believe the Windstar tranny will have a different drive or driven gear. You of course will need to program the ECU for the change. I believe SHOZ123 attempted this many years ago.

 

[patrick hubbard]

Did it make it any quicker

 

[gamefanatic]

I believe it will get your RPM's up faster, but the same could be done with changing tire sizes as well. Here is some documented info:
http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/perfdeadend.htm

Ultimately it depends on your goals. I am not into drag per-se, so Top End is more important to me.

 

[E1]

I did the Windstar swap.

Long time ago but I believe the original ratio is 3.77:1 and the Windstar is 3.98:1.

I did so many things to that car (SHO R T S) at once I can't tell you what the unique benefits were on the gear change.
Also required an X Cal tuner program change from Doug Lewis to make the speedo read right.

 

[stephen newberg]

But how much faster was it overall, after doing everything, Eric?

pax, smn

 

[luigisho]

Did it make it any quicker

Shoot Paul SHOZ123 a message or conversation to get him to chime in. He pops in and out now and then but has moved to a different vehicle platform

 

[gamefanatic]

Faster is a relative term. Acelleration in the first two gears will be greater, just like the Windstar, but hit that 3rd, and you wont get as much with it being so tall. Your RPMs will be higher at the same speed, meaning you will loose top end.
In the case of something like SHO R T S, there was additional HP added by the modifications to the engine making up the difference and allowing a higher top speed.

This would probably only help in a drag race otherwise. If you are doing track AutoX it might hinder depending on track speeds.

 

[NoSlo]

But how much faster was it overall, after doing everything, Eric?

pax, smn

It's going to get into the power band in first gear about 1 mph earlier.

You can get about the same ratio change by going from 55 to 50 series tires.

 

[stephen newberg]

Yes, that makes sense to me.

pax, smn

 

[SHOZ123]

You can change the differential gears to get a quicker ratio. It dose take some ECU programming to make the TC lockup happy. I ran this and the 50 series tires.