The new trans arrived!

[khamilton1]

Ordered an upgraded 4R75 to replace the worn out 175k miles joker. I kept the same stall range but it supports up to 600hp and much faster shifts!

52079

[Ambitious1]

Congratulations!

[Prospect62]

Does this just bolt up and work or are there any mods/tune required?

[blazen71]

Does this just bolt up and work or are there any mods/tune required?The only thing that's different that matters is there is a different tooth count reluctor wheel between 03 and 04. If you flip flop years then the tune needs to be adjusted.

[khamilton1]

In my case, it just bolts right in. They took down my VIN so they could match up the exact case they needed to build out the trans. I still need to get a tune to get rid of the grandpa shifts as this thing is stock.

Also, taking the trans out of this car is SO much easier than doing a 4RXX in a mustang. Tons of room. The only headache was that damn crossmember...... RIP all my prybars

[justbob]

Proper crossmember removal tool. 60” of “oh yes you will” in under 3 seconds. [emoji1303]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211105/596939688619381845bb96c67a57d4 1b.jpg


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[blazen71]

After the crossmember is removed, the old trick is to grind down the sides so it just slips in and out in the future.

[khamilton1]

That is one hell of a prybar, justbob. Our limitation was we only had it jacked up to the top of some jackstands. couldn't get much under there. I used a pickle fork and hammered it into the top of the crossmember to push it down. Then I used an air hammer with a chisel to spread the "horn" away from the crossmember ever so slightly. Then we jammed prybars into the bolt holes. Surprisingly it didn't ruin everything.

I will definitely be grinding this joker down some.

[khamilton1]

I'd like to share my experience with getting this transmission installed. So far the car is still on jackstands.

My car is an 04 that was built in March of 04. I was pretty confident it had the 4R75 in it. I told the transmission company that I thought it was a 4R75 but I wasn't sure. They told me they would just look up my build sheet with the VIN and they would match it. That was 9/3/21.

Fast forward to when I posted this and my fancy new 4R75 showed up. After we got the old one out and started swapping things over, I realized that the transmissions didn't match. My original one was 1" longer and only had 1 VSS port which points to it being a 4R70. On top of that, the shifter linkage that goes inside the transmission was wrong. I call the company back and they apologized. They tell me to send it back along with my core and they will just build the new parts inside my core so they know its right.

They schedule a pick up on 11/8/21. No one shows up. I fight with them and the carrier to come get it. 3 weeks later I end up taking it to the carriers hub as they won't come get the thing. I receive the transmission on 12/14/21 and attempt to install it on the 18th. We then discover they gave me the wrong torque converter. The bolt pattern circle diameter of the one they gave me is 11.4". My marauder's flex plate calls for a 10.6" bolt circle. I do some research and learn that the crown vic flex plate accepts the 11.4" TC and is the same tooth count and diameter of my original flex plate. I put that on, and installed the transmission.

When we first tried to crank it, the engine sounded like it was having a hard time turning over. When it finally cranked up, there was a howl from the transmission that went away after 10 or so seconds. I then let it warm up and attempted to drive it. All gears are neutral. I pull the cooler line and nothing comes out. The pump isn't working....

So I ship it BACK to the transmission company on their dime. They call me and tell me that I installed the TC wrong and that is what killed the pump. I explain that I was sent the wrong TC, but they tell me the TCs are the same except the diameter. So I end up having to pay $500 to fix it. It is now being shipped back to me. It should arrive next week.

WHAT A JOURNEY. Moral of the story is, check to see what transmission you have and don't assume because it's a late 04 that you have a 4R75! I feel like I installed the TC correctly, by making sure it seated in the pump, but I can't prove it wasn't something I did. This is my first time putting a TC on a transmission (with 1 quart of oil in it before install).

[justbob]

Yup, definitely sounds like it wasn’t fully engaged and messed up the front pump.

There is no length difference between the 4R70 and 4R75. They simply gave you the Crown Vic version with the shorter tail shaft. Only the Marauder, CVPI, and the Limo town cars (I believe) received the extended tail shaft housing.


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[daniel.drives]

Justbob, I didn't realize there was a tailshaft difference. That makes no difference to the crossmember though, correct?

[justbob]

Justbob, I didn't realize there was a tailshaft difference. That makes no difference to the crossmember though, correct?

No. Just a difference in driveshaft length.


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[musclemerc]

Can't say this is the first horror story I read about Monster Transmissions.

I hope you get it all sorted out

[RubberCtyRauder]

Sorry for your troubles, Monster known to provide poor services.

[khamilton1]

I will say they have been in constant contact with me. While this has gone on far too long, the carrier coming to pick up the trans wasn't really their fault. Whoever was supposed to research what I had with my VIN completely dropped the ball. And my improper TC install caused the 2nd one. So I guess, all in all, this was just a horror show of bad luck.

[justbob]

I will say they have been in constant contact with me. While this has gone on far too long, the carrier coming to pick up the trans wasn't really their fault. Whoever was supposed to research what I had with my VIN completely dropped the ball. And my improper TC install caused the 2nd one. So I guess, all in all, this was just a horror show of bad luck.

It happens far too often is the problem. I’m personally sick and tired of the few lazy work from home types providing horrible service and at the same time making all others look bad. I work from home maybe 8 hours a month to do print review and material lists on an upcoming Plumbing job and have to now deal with suspicious bosses that was never once a problem until they also witnessed first hand the short cutters. I work extra hard at home in climate control and quietness!

Not saying this is your case on the initial order but you never know?

The important thing is to plow through it and maintain your sanity and be more diligent in figuring out the few in our lives that need to be treated like a 5th grader and coloring them a map with big beautiful pictures to achieve your goals! I sure for one can spot them a mile away anymore..

You’ll get it sorted.


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[azgolfrat]

I can vouch for the crossmember removal tool recommend.

[khamilton1]

justbob, I know that all too well with my job. I was worried this would taint my experience with the car since I haven't even had it a year, but all it's done is make me want to build it bigger and better. Nothing says hilarious like being gapped by a grandpa crown vic!

I just hope it's at least built properly inside, so I can experience those sweet quick shifts. Next stop is getting a tune to get rid of the short shifting.

[khamilton1]

Ah, the fun continues. They installed the shifter arm upside down. Now they get to spend another $400 to round trip it again. I told them it would be cheaper if the just refunded my money, as if it wasn't right after 3 attempts, it won't be right after the 4th.

[JVD]

Wow, that is crazy. Hopefully they don't screw it up again for you. Still weird how late 04 cars might have a 4r70 trans instead of the 4r75, going to have to check mines now.

[musclemerc]

I would call my credit card company and open a dispute so they can get my money back.
Afterwards I would PM 88grandmarquis and ask Eric to build me a stronger unit just incase you ever go forced induction.

I can vouch for him, I'm making well over 600hp and the trans he built me has held up well. My car is an early 2003 and I'm running a 4R75E which in factory form is stronger than both 4R70W and 4R75W

[khamilton1]

Guys, it's cool. They sorted it out. They sent me a youtube video to fix it myself. :rofl:

I'll definitely do that instead. It is just the shift linkage right inside the pan.

[MENINBLK]

The code for the transmission type is on the label in the driver's door jamb.
The VIN does not carry any transmission indicators.
Ford switched back and forth between the 4R70W and 75W for the latter half of 2003 and the early half of 2004.
The only way to know what you got was to look at the label or crawl under the car.

[khamilton1]

The fun continues!

I watched their youtube video and flipped the shifter arm around. Went to put the shifter module on and it won't fit. IT'S THE WRONG ARM! It looks similar but after looking at older pictures it's definitely not correct. Another email sent asking for a refund. I also found the assistant manager of client care on linkedin. Using their email name scheme, I sent her an email to see if she can help get me a refund. If not, I'll research harder and find higher level folks that work there. Eventually someone will give me a refund to shut me up.

[musclemerc]

The fun continues!

I watched their youtube video and flipped the shifter arm around. Went to put the shifter module on and it won't fit. IT'S THE WRONG ARM! It looks similar but after looking at older pictures it's definitely not correct. Another email sent asking for a refund. I also found the assistant manager of client care on linkedin. Using their email name scheme, I sent her an email to see if she can help get me a refund. If not, I'll research harder and find higher level folks that work there. Eventually someone will give me a refund to shut me up.


Guys, it's cool. They sorted it out. They sent me a youtube video to fix it myself. :rofl:

I'll definitely do that instead. It is just the shift linkage right inside the pan.

You said "it's cool. They sorted it out."

What's the definition of insanity?

[Dave Compson]

What a nightmare.

[justbob]

You said "it's cool. They sorted it out."

What's the definition of insanity?

It sounds like the last straw was the wrong bracket. If you ask me he is quite sane and even more forgiving as I would have had it sent back in or tied up in small claims at this point.


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[khamilton1]

I try my best to give the benefit of the doubt if they are at least communicating with me over the situation. I have, however, finally reached my limit and have written them off. I doubt I'll get my money back, and small claims court would cost more time/money than it's worth. That doesn't mean I can't find every single person that works at Monster and send them an email until I'm no longer amused. I have a lot of email addresses so it will be difficult to block me.

The random person I found on linkedin that works at Monster said they are investigating my issue and will get back with me. The main guy I have been talking to didn't respond. I found the bracket off a crown vic on ebay so I can at least get it fixed and attempt to install it. Who knows if the transmission actually works.

[khamilton1]

The season finale of the transmission saga has arrived. They agreed to a refund with 2 options

Option 1: I send them the transmission back and get a full refund
Option 2: I keep the transmission and they give me half a refund

I expressed that they already had my core so I would have no transmissions if I sent this one back, which they replied "But you'll have a full refund to buy a new one!". :rolleyes:

I said F it and went with Option 2. If this transmission actually works, at least that will be something... I also had to sign an NDA saying I won't talk **** or sue. That made me laugh.

[Red Rum]

So this was Monster transmission. Good to know. I am buying all the engine parts you know rotation stroker kit cams heads. And was thinking about Monster Transmissions. But i will just wait until i do my engine and rearend. Then take my car to Freedy Brown Transmission. And have them do my trans there in there shop. And hopefully not go thru all this. Because that truly is wack. And alot of back and forth and a lot of money. I truly hope they take care of your trans. So good luck. Hopefully you will get it done right. Sorry you had to go thew all this headace.

[khamilton1]

For anyone enjoying this story, I got the car back together and timing chain guides done (no more noise!). The car now moves under its own power... after you rev it to 3k rpm wait a second and eventually the car starts moving. Then you just drive at 3k rpm the entire time like a CVT. COOL! It also chatters when it first starts moving.

Dropping it off at a transmission shop tomorrow. I can't pull this thing a 4th time. I hurt....

[justbob]

For anyone enjoying this story, I got the car back together and timing chain guides done (no more noise!). The car now moves under its own power... after you rev it to 3k rpm wait a second and eventually the car starts moving. Then you just drive at 3k rpm the entire time like a CVT. COOL! It also chatters when it first starts moving.

Dropping it off at a transmission shop tomorrow. I can't pull this thing a 4th time. I hurt....

Is there any chance at all that the shift linkage isn’t perfectly aligned right? And you shifted through all gears numerous times and re checked the oil? That’s all I got?


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[blazen71]

What Bob said. And you're checking the fluid level with the car running? Sometimes the simplest things get overlooked when a person is exhausted.

[khamilton1]

I did check the oil while running multiple times while getting it to the correct level. The shifter linkage adjuster I checked by watching it move. It appears to be working correctly. I find it hard to believe it wouldn't just POP into place once it starts moving. I had it towed to a local trans shop. They are going to make sure it isn't easy stuff before diving into the guts. I have had my fill of transmissions. Maybe I'll get real lucky and it will just be the shifter linkage

[khamilton1]

Verdict is in. Clutches are fried from 1 mile of driving. The trans company pulled the pan and its full of clutch... At least this time they will verify it works and I don't have to do anymore work.