What transmission do I have?

[Geocritter]

I recently purchased a 1994 33' Holiday Rambler. I know that it has a FI 460 V8 gasoline engine, that it has a 5.13 rear axle, and that it's built on a Ford F Super Duty chassis (though I thought it had a F53 chassis, very mysterious). Now I'm wondering who made the automatic transmission. From what I understand after reading Fords inadequate owners manual is that it's a 3 speed + OD and that Ford recommend using Mercron automatic transmission fluid. The reason I'm asking is that I'm a believer in synthetic lubricating fluids and preventive maintenance. That being the case I'd like to change out the AT fluid for a high quality synthetic.
Steve

[FuelFunnel]

RLS7201 wrote:
All F53s 1988 to 1997 were equipped with an E4OD transmission. The transmission case is designed for 4WD and uses the deep pan and long transmission filter tube. A ZF emergency brake is bolted to the flange where a transfer case in normally installed on 4WDs.
It has very slow, soft shifts and it's service life can be extended with a Banks Transcommander.


Richard

I do not have the deep pan on my 1991, so you will need to determine which pan you have when you get a new filter.

Kris

[Geocritter]

I want to thank everyone, the bits and pieces of information are really helpful. Such as with Nick-B's post I now know that with a torque converter drain plug I don't have to take my RV into a oil change facility to change out the AT fluid. I will also look into that second transmission cooler. Back in 1990 my non-mechanical brother took a 10,000 mile RV trip in a second-hand Class C RV that had no transmission cooler at all. Needless to say, half-ways through the trip he had to replace his transmission. I don't care when the RV was built, the cheapskate manufacturer should be flogged for leaving off such an important piece of equipment.
Steve

[Nick-B]

Ford actually updated the fluid recommendation to use Mercon V (five) which is a synth blend. Adding a second trans cooler is recommended especially if you will be towing and / or in the mountains.

FYI, you should have a drain plug on the torque converter. Pull the rubber plug on the bottom of the bell housing and turn the engine until the drain plug appears at the access hole.

[WILDEBILL308]

427435 wrote:

mnoeltne wrote:
If you're looking for a good quality synthetic fluid for it, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is fully Mercon compatible and is readily available all over the country.

x2

x3

[wa8yxm]

Find a ford truck vin translator.

Feed it the vin

The transmission model is encoded therein, the translators should be able to pick it out .. .At one time about a decade or more ago I could have done it for you, in some cases by inspection, in others by the book. I used to have the book.

[Jarlaxle]

Also: I suggest a trans temp gauge and a GIGANTIC cooler!

[427435]

mnoeltne wrote:
If you're looking for a good quality synthetic fluid for it, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is fully Mercon compatible and is readily available all over the country.

x2

[mnoeltne]

If you're looking for a good quality synthetic fluid for it, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF is fully Mercon compatible and is readily available all over the country.

[RLS7201]

All F53s 1988 to 1997 were equipped with an E4OD transmission. The transmission case is designed for 4WD and uses the deep pan and long transmission filter tube. A ZF emergency brake is bolted to the flange where a transfer case in normally installed on 4WDs.
It has very slow, soft shifts and it's service life can be extended with a Banks Transcommander.


Richard

[Geocritter]

phillyg wrote:
Sounds like an E40D to me, too.

I think you're right, is that known as a reliable transmission, or are there some quirks I should know about?
Steve

[phillyg]

Sounds like an E40D to me, too.

[Subyguy]

If the OD button is on the end of the shift lever it is a e4OD tranny and will take dextron 3 I would stick with motorcraft fluid You don't see many rigs built on that chassis

[fischer]

I think ford has a dex/merc synthetic fluid you can use.