The front and rear aluminum...
The front and rear aluminum planetary gears are replaced with cast-iron units from Worldwide Transmissions Group. These units are not only more durable due to the material they're made from, but they double the number of pinions to enhance durability. Here you can see the stock rear planetary (right) next to the new aftermarket unit.
On the left you can see the...
On the left you can see the new overdrive pinion assembly and input shaft from Worldwide Transmissions Group. This new steel pinion assembly with four pinions replaces the stock aluminum three-pinion unit (right).
In stock form, the output-shaft...
In stock form, the output-shaft bushing and the rear case bushings are the only support for the output shaft and gear train. Because of this, various internal components will wear out due to the weight they have to carry. Valley Transmission & Brake solved this problem by installing its custom Center Support Kit, which helps distribute the weight on the output shaft more evenly, thus providing longer life for the components.
These are the forward drums...
These are the forward drums and clutches. On the left is the new unit. We replaced both the forward and high clutch drums. These units are modified to allow for the installation of extra clutches to increase holding strength.
As you can see, written on...
As you can see, written on the top of this box, the SK E4OD shift kit from Transtar Industries creates firmer shifts and lockup of the torque converter, thus reducing converter burnup and rev delay. It is Jans' favorite because it helps contribute to the longevity of the E4OD.
The Midwest Converters' torque...
The Midwest Converters' torque converter we installed (see sidebar) is a FOHD4 four-stud type, with a stall speed of 1,800 rpm.
Beefy Torque Converter
A torque converter is a fluid coupling between the engine and transmission. It undergoes intense stress and generates most of the heat in your transmission. Thus, it's important to select a well-built, durable unit when you rebuild your trans. Steve Jans, owner of Valley Transmission & Brake, recommended that we use a Midwest Converter torque converter in our E4OD. Midwest has more than 30 years of experience in transmission and torque-converter manufacturing. Its products are designed for those who want a long-lasting, premium high-performance torque converter.
We installed one of its FOHD4 four-stud off-road converters, designed to improve power and torque at low rpm as well as lower operating temperatures and increase the life of the transmission. The unit's build quality is impressive. The list includes many components made on Midwest's own CNC machines from heat-treated 4140 chromoly steel (stock converters use powdered metal), a turbine and impeller that are furnace-brazed for superior reinforcement (most stock units don't feature any brazing), multiple-disc clutch assemblies (most stock units use a single-disc clutch), steel billet front clutch cover (most stock units are stamped steel) and clutch linings made of Kevlar and high-performance carbon (stock units use celluloid). Further, all Midwest Converters feature oversized roller bearings and a micro blue finish enhancement on the impeller hub that increases the life of the pump seal.
Finally, each converter is aligned and welded on a computer-controlled machine and balanced on a computer balancer. Midwest Converters manufactures converters for most transmissions, so the company probably has one for your rig. They come with a 2-year warranty.
With the transmission rebuilt...
With the transmission rebuilt and the torque converter installed, Attitude Performance guru Matt Dinelli carefully re-installed the unit. He notes that it's important to make sure that the torque converter doesn't bind against the flywheel and that there are no wires pinched between the bellhousing and the engine before you install and tighten the bellhousing bolts.
With the transmission installed,...
With the transmission installed, you can now re-install the starter, the nuts that hold the torque converter to the flywheel, the cooler lines, dipstick, transmission shifter bracket (shown) and linkage, transfer case shifter bracket, electrical connections and neutral safety switch.
Now you can re-install the...
Now you can re-install the transfer case and its electrical connectors and linkage.
Re-install the transmission mount and crossmembers (shown) as well as the front and rear driveshafts. Dinelli added 8 quarts of fluid to our trans before engine startup. He notes that before starting the vehicle, it's very important to make sure the neutral safety switch is properly installed and the vehicle is securely in park. If the vehicle should happen to be in gear as fluid is added with a running engine, the vehicle could literally drive away.