Here's what I remember overall from my ATX days.
1. Fluid quality & longevity is the most important thing. CD4Es *cook* their fluid in average use. Replace it on time, every time. This is what I think bites most of us in the butt...I, for example, bought my '95 ATX from a second owner who didn't have records (I know, I took a chance), so I never knew if/when the fluid was changed. I was on borrowed time when my transmission was replaced (miraculously, it was the garage's fault so they paid for it).
2. The single most valuable thing you can do for your transmission next to rigidly following the service schedule is install an auxiliary transmission cooler. It's easy and cheap...mine cost $100 to have the shop do while they replaced the tranny.
3. You can help keep overheating and unusual wear down/out by not treating your ATX like an MTX. No burnouts, neutral drops, gear holding, or Reverse/Drive changes while rolling.
4. I believe that the CD4E *can* handle a 3L conversion if it's in good shape and these three steps are followed. Obviously, it's working in lots and lots and lots of Escapes with 200hp/200tq engines.
