A four-speed transmission is a transmission that allows a vehicle to operate at four different speeds. This was an improvement on earlier transmissions, because it enabled the vehicles that used the four-speed transmissions to run faster and better than the earlier transmission systems. Most automatic cars today use the four-speed transmission. Manual transmission cars generally now use the six-speed transmission with the options of six speeds and a reverse function.
The early 60s saw the beginning of the four-speed transmission. Chrysler was the first company to manufacture the new transmission. The purpose of the four-speed transmission was to have a transmission that was durable, strong and versatile. Chrysler wanted a transmission that could be used in any of its cars, vans, or trucks. The four-speed transmission was used until the late 70s. Other major car companies such as Dodge and Plymouth started using the four-speed transmission as well. In the eighties the format of the four-speed transmission changed, but even today the basic structure is still used. The original four-speed transmission was a manual shift transmission, but most four-speed transmissions today are run automatically.
The purpose of a four-speed transmission is to allow the driver a little more control of his or her automatic transmission car. The normal "D" function allows the car to operate at almost any speed and height. However, the additional two driving speeds are useful when driving up and down steep inclines, and for reaching maximum speeds faster. The reverse function is indispensable for modern driving.
Features of a four-speed transmission vary by manufacturer. All of the transmissions offer the features of: regular driving, reverse, drive speed 1, and drive speed 2. These are all useful for different situations of driving. The original four-speed transmission was the A-833 transmission. This was popular for many years because it was customizable between manual transmission and automatic transmission. This allowed Chrysler more versatility in its vehicles, and also enabled the company to save money.
The size of the four-speed transmission varies by model of car. Trucks and vans have larger transmissions, while cars and SUVs usually have smaller ones. It is important to measure the size of the current transmission in your car if you wish to replace it with another kind of transmission. Most transmissions are at least 3 to 4 feet long. Transmissions are also very heavy, and should not be picked up without the proper tools such as levers, wrenches and other lifting equipment.
The four-speed transmission is one of the most common among cars today. There are very few automatic four-speed transmissions today, but it is possible to still obtain the old transmissions if you want to switch out your current transmission. Without the four-speed transmission cars would run a lot differently than they do today. They would be more expensive, and take a lot more gas to run. The four-speed transmission has definitely been a major player in fashioning the vehicle industry as we know it today.
