Where should I get a new (rebuilt) 4R100?

walt460

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I am finally going to do some updates/improvements to my 162K mile 2001 Lightning. I am going to install a used engine I bought a while back, it has nearly 100K miles but it has Trickflow heads with only 2K miles on them. (This is a good running motor, well maintained, from a buddies HD truck that was attacked by a large pole that distroyed his truck from the B pillar back.)

Since I am changing the engine, and my trans is getting tired, I want to install a new (rebuilt) trans. But, where to get one?

The HD motor with the Trickflow heads and stock cams made 405Hp and 474 ft-lbs at Powertrain Dynamics in Huntington Beach, CA after being tuned. It has a 2.7 blower pulley and stock lower pulley, ported blower, and larger injectors. I will be going back to a stock blower pulley and stock injectors and detuning as I use my truck for towing. Power will be more like 360Hp and 410 ft-lbs. (My truck was tuned by Paul's HP in Jackson, MI and made 323HP and 363 Ft-lbs when it had 101K miles on it.)

So, given all the above and knowing I want durability and reliability for towing, where do I get a 4R100 to meet my needs without spending a fortune?

Thanks, all advise will be appreciated.

Walt
 

GAGT1

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New here and to the game but from what I understand, you run the R100 until it dies. It is rated for more power than you make and will make. Stick a valve body in it and enjoy.
 

walt460

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Well, what I have found is that, well, opinions vary.

First, I found that Ford Dealers no longer serv.ice any 4R100s for Lightnings. So no chance to get a new or FoMoCo authorized rebuild via the Ford Dealer.

Next, I checked all the normal sources like auto parts stores and local trans builders and even Jasper. All these either lump the Lightning trans into all the other 4R100 applications or don't service the Lightning. Jasper does have a listing for the Lightning and HD Supercharged packages, but if you check their recent feedback with consumer groups, their are a lot of complaints with failures early and/or just after warranty ends. Local trans builders either did not want to touch it or wanted to do an exchange with a national rebuilder. In most all options there is only a 2-year warranty and only if the shop installs the trans.

Next I started checking on-line sites for the 7.3L Diesel, and there I quickly found a lot of recommendations for BTS ( Brian's Truck Shop, in Lead Hill AR). So I started checking into his transmissions and clearly he can provide a trans that has capabilities way in excess of my needs, but that will likely last longer than I will.

So, I called BTS and arranged to get into line for one of his 4R100 builds, which he custom calibrates to match your truck and how you use it. I also found that he works with my tuner, so now the plan is to set my truck up for about 375 HP and 450 ft-lbs and still be safe for towing and use of 91 octane fuel (all we get out West).

Now I am considering a future move to a JL short block........
 

Dusten

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Well, what I have found is that, well, opinions vary.

First, I found that Ford Dealers no longer serv.ice any 4R100s for Lightnings. So no chance to get a new or FoMoCo authorized rebuild via the Ford Dealer.

Next, I checked all the normal sources like auto parts stores and local trans builders and even Jasper. All these either lump the Lightning trans into all the other 4R100 applications or don't service the Lightning. Jasper does have a listing for the Lightning and HD Supercharged packages, but if you check their recent feedback with consumer groups, their are a lot of complaints with failures early and/or just after warranty ends. Local trans builders either did not want to touch it or wanted to do an exchange with a national rebuilder. In most all options there is only a 2-year warranty and only if the shop installs the trans.

Next I started checking on-line sites for the 7.3L Diesel, and there I quickly found a lot of recommendations for BTS ( Brian's Truck Shop, in Lead Hill AR). So I started checking into his transmissions and clearly he can provide a trans that has capabilities way in excess of my needs, but that will likely last longer than I will.

So, I called BTS and arranged to get into line for one of his 4R100 builds, which he custom calibrates to match your truck and how you use it. I also found that he works with my tuner, so now the plan is to set my truck up for about 375 HP and 450 ft-lbs and still be safe for towing and use of 91 octane fuel (all we get out West).

Now I am considering a future move to a JL short block........

Give a1 a call. Trust me.

A1 Transmission of Ga Inc
 

walt460

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Thanks,

I wish I would have known about A1 sooner. Never heard of then until your posts. I had to decide and order due to timing of my trucks build. BTS trans should arrive Monday.
 

Dusten

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Thanks,

I wish I would have known about A1 sooner. Never heard of then until your posts. I had to decide and order due to timing of my trucks build. BTS trans should arrive Monday.
I know this is way late, but Brian will not steer you wrong. His trans are beasts
 

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