How to Change an F150 Transmission

The Ford F150 pickup truck makes use of the 4R70W automatic transmission. Removal and installation of the transmission is a serious operation that involves critical parts of the engine and drive train. This replacement procedure should only be attempted by someone with previous automotive repair experience. The replacement usually takes between 6 and 8 hours to complete.

Things You'll Need

  • Floor jack
  • 1-ton jack stands
  • Complete set of U.S. and metric wrenches and sockets
  • Shift the transmission into Neutral and disconnect the negative (black) battery cable to protect the vehicle's electrical system. Lift the vehicle using a floor jack and 1-ton jack stands.

  • Matchmark (mark the position of) the driveshaft and disconnect it from the rear axle. Slide the driveshaft out of the rear of the transmission. Disconnect the engine starter terminal cable and remove the starter. Remove the rubber access plug from the front right of the transmission.

  • Disconnect the shift linkage and all fluid cooler lines from the transmission. Remove the torque converter drain plug and allow all the fluid to drain out. Replace the plug. Remove the harness connectors from the output shaft speed sensor, the transmission range sensor, and the vehicle speed sensor. Unplug the solenoid body connector.

  • Support the transmission from beneath with a floor jack.

  • Remove the transmission cross member, exhaust Y-pipe, and fuel line bracket bolt. Remove the dipstick tube securing bolt and remove the tube from the transmission.

  • Remove the bell housing to engine block bolts and move the entire transmission backward and down, away from the engine.

  • Perform Steps 1 through 6, in reverse order, with the new transmission to install it.