Mr.Philadelphia

Hello everyone,

I'm new to Ford Trucks. I just bought a 2004 F150 4.6 and am trying to figure out which tranny I have. I know that the 4R70W was standard issue for 2004, but my transmission code as noted in the title is "A" and not "U." I haven't seen the "A" referenced anywhere for F150 transmission codes. One VIN decoder site lists the 4R75W for my truck, but I'm not certain this is correct. Does anyone have insight into this issue?

If it matters, my truck is equipped with a factory tow package and 3.55 axle ratio.

iRub1Out

Dude, my VIN information and the Ford Proprietary build sheet conflict in nearly every mechanical spec. Best thing you can do is look on the tag that is actually on the tranny, then you will know for sure what you have. My VIN says I have a 3.73 NLS, when in reality it has a 3.73 LS, it also says the truck was a "Forrest Green" at the original build, although the truck is black (yes I have done research, and NO the truck was NEVER repainted). IDK man, but those 2003.5/75 trucks are a Frankenstein, micky-mouse SOB to find the right parts.

Socmeddir

I used my Vinlink account and it states 4R75W as well...See attached

Mr.Philadelphia

Wow, thanks for checking that out for me, Socmeddir. Everything else on the report is correct so assuming the I have the 4R75W -- is that even supposed to happen on a 2004 4.6L F150?

StuckZipper:
I have the numbers from the tranny ID tag, but I have no idea how decipher them, even after having searched around online for a while.

Ford changes part numbers quite often, and I have no idea who is supposed to be in charge of keeping all these parts straight. Do they really just ***** nilly bolt together whatever they have lying around at the factory? I know Mercedes was/is notorious for making changes mid-production run, which was good because most of the time these changes were improvements. However, it sometimes made finding the right part very, very time consuming.

In any case, I may have avoided the 2003.5 nightmare because this car has a production date of May 2004, which is pretty well into the production run of the new body style F150s.

iRub1Out

Yeah, mine was an October of 03' build and there are parts on this thing that were on the 04-08, but also there are parts that seem to have mysteriously been put on with no mention as to their original application. My sway bar link is the same as a 2008 F250's but nowhere from 2004-2008 in the F150 parts list is that used. Likewise with the 2003 model, it didn't list that link either, so I have a part designed for a 250 04-08, but was never used on the 150. It's a maphrodite SOB. If I need parts I always tell them it's an 05' just to avoid issues, then if it still isn't right I have to take it to them and have the part # cross referenced.

The day I get rid of this money hole I'll be happy. I have too much in it now to just walk away, should have before putting the new motor in. It's easier to find parts for my GF's Audi (06 A4) - Real B-tard to find anything without driving to a dealer - than it is finding the RIGHT part for this thing.

Mod (Ret.)

Many times the assembly line will install a part that is sitting in the parts bin during assembly. Gotta remember, these assembly lines run on efficincy and time. They will not shut them down to go fetch a part. If there's one in the bin that works, on the vehicle it goes.
So, it's not uncommon to see your truck or car has a part that would normally be used for another model.

Socmeddir

Your welcome Mr.Philidelphia. Vinlink is offereing free vin decodes till december...or their mobile verion is, just like them on FB and they will provide you a login and password