11 replies to this topic

[Justshootme84]

Sounds like time for an overhaul, but try changing the fluid and filter first. If the old fluid looks black or has a burnt smell to it, take the first suggestion.

[Shadow_D]

If you decide to change the fluid and filter rather than the overhaul, go to your local auto parts store and get some Lucas Transmission Fix. It is not going to cure the problem but it will prolong the transmission's life a little longer until you can get it overhauled.

[Justshootme84]

I've heard that the Lucas products are first-rate. You might try another tranny shop for a diagnosis, too. 3 out of 4 will want you to overhaul it, but the fourth will tell you exactly what is wrong. I've heard of it costing as much as $2700 for the E4OD for fixxin' it, and $1500 is a decent price. Start scouring the salvage yards for a replacement, or think about swapping to a C-6. Good Luck!!!

[Shadow_D]

When I had mine rebuilt it cost me $1600 so you got a good price. I do agree with justshootme on checking the bone yards, you might find one there that will work.

[bob]

The e4od has gone thrugh some changes sence 89, when you get it rebuilt you should get all of the up dates. This adds alot to the coast. 92 shuld be about half way there, it shuld have some or most of the up dates frome the factory. After 96 or all the up dates the e4od is a strong reliable tranny.

I found this on the net, Ithink they are selling their product but it a nice list of the up dates:


The E4OD has seen many changes and updates since its introduction in 1989, but most later transmissions will prove reliable with nothing more than our ReCal-Pro� E4OD valve body recalibration kit and a "low pressure drop" auxiliary oil cooler (an OEM auxiliary cooler, if installed, is usually adequate). Baumann Engineering supports the E4OD with the Baumannator TCS� electronic transmission control system (which provides complete control of all transmission shift points, as well as torque converter clutch operation and part-throttle shift firmness). Baumann Engineering can also provide custom-built torque converters for the E4OD transmission as mentioned in the "Torque Converter Upgrades" section of this guide.
If it becomes necessary to overhaul your E4OD transmission, you should perform as many updates as possible if it is a pre-1995 unit. E4OD component updates include, as an example, the following items:

Improved (thicker) converter clutch piston (circa 1994), prevents the formation of cracks which relieve fluid pressure from the apply side of the clutch, causing it to slip and even bluing the outside surface of the torque converter in extreme cases. Ensure that your new converter contains an updated OEM or "LuK" brand heavy-duty clutch. This can be difficult, as many torque converter suppliers and remanufacturers may not use this new style of clutch.

Higher displacement front pump (for 1995) provides more fluid capacity for faster engagement of reverse and greater lube flow.

New (for 1994) 4-pinion overdrive planet and input shaft assemblies replace older 3 and 4 pinion units which tend to develop cracks in the carrier under heavy loads.

Center support update kit (for units built from 1989 through part of 1994) replaces wear-prone bushing with a ball bearing and contains a new overdrive stub shaft.

Stronger overdrive clutch cylinder snap ring which will not dislodge.

Revised sun gear and rear case bushings (circa 1992 model year) provide longer wear life and better lubrication.

Four pinion planet carriers (first used in 1992 model year)

New forward clutch friction plates with hardened internal splines cure "chatter" and "no-drive" conditions in E4OD and some later C-6 transmissions.