Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle ATX transmission troubleshoots

Hmm...i'm wondering if and when the ATX on the V6 Duratech goes 6 ft under on me, what is the best option. Rebuild or entire new one? I would ultimately like to do a mtx swap but i know how not worth it and labour extensive it would be. Now, question is, is there a way to modify the ATX by adding other parts (aftermarket) or even a shift kit? I don't know much about transmission so therefore i am inquiring.

One last thing, if anyone knows FORD WINDSTAR transmissions, well you must know they are terrible. What are good links or websites where i can find out more about the Ford Windstar transmissions and FAQ's? I don't want to get ripped on this forum so take it easy on me guys.

Thanks for your help whoever can give me suggestions as there is this really nice van sitting in the garage with a craphole for a transmission! thanks again.

I recently did a good deal of online & shop research on the subject of performance offerens for the CD4E. Here is a some stuff I wrote down in the Common Interest forum...


...One of the points that was made in our conversation was, the lack of modifications avaliable for the CD4E. Sure you can go spend $3000 dollars on a Level 10, but that is just above the point of "out of reach" for most of us. And I cannot think of a single person that is going to be changing there tranny over to a Level 10 just because they want to. It really is overkill in a sence, but...

Since I am putting my car in the shop, next monday, I have been spending most of my time this weekend doing a lot of further research on aftermarket high performance products for the CD4E and they are just plain hard to find. Now! I was told, by the shop that will be doing my overhaul, that there are Kevlar compsite clutches avaliable from Raybestos. I look them up and yeah they are there, but in the catalog (dated 9/2002), they are not listed for the CD4E. They also have some new clutchs and plates called, Eclipse that sound awsome!! About the only thing avaliable for the CD4E is "High Energy" material clutch and plate assys.

Finding this, I felt discouraged beyond belief, because I know that Level 10 has to use some sort of Kevlar base clutch material. But where do they get it from? What kind of clutch is it?

The same goes for bands also. I did find that you have to be VERY CAREFUL when purchusing bands. Some are OEM, some are OEM Relined... You really have to read the fine print. There are some brands that do offer a Kevlar bands and relined bands with Kevlar, but again... not for the CD4E. There is however a High Energy material band that is avaliable for the SUV model CD4E's for model years 2001-up. Can it be used in our earlier models? I have not been able to find out as of yet.

Hydraliclly speaking, there are a few things. Like the Trans Go CD4Ejr kit. This is not a performance package, but an update package that should be installed in all rebuilt units. It is only like $40, so what the heck. Then there is Sonnax valves for the valve body. These are not high performance, in the since that we normally think, but I really think they are. They have really added a ton of control to the hyraulic system on these units, which is the weakest link in the CD4E. As for upping line pressure for firmer shifts (which is normally done through the installation of a valve body kit that consists of different plates and gaskets, pistons and valves), get a chip. From what I have found so far, that is the only way. This also allows you control over shift points and such. And if you decide to up your line pressure, you better at least have the Trans Go kit in there. Being the weakest link, you push it too hard and it will fail. There is also the option of going with a high stall convertor.

Driveline, nothing. Honestly there is really no need for it. If they can push 350 S/C'ed horses through a stock 2001 CD4E and there have need very few changes in the driveline.... well you get the picture. Actually, I think the 2001 models do have a little wider drive chain. I will have to look back into that one.

If I have missed anything or someone has more info or if I am wrong/off base about something, please let me know. Like I said earlier, most of this information was gathered just this weekend.


An aftermarket external cooler is a must on any ATX that is running without on. Roadrunner has stated that when combined with Mobil 1 Syn ATF his Ford Air-to-Oil cooler, that he got from the dealer, keeps his running temps just below normal temps and when in city driving, in the lowest ranges of operating temps. Very Cool!!

As for rebuilding or going reman... well I thought that going remain would be best also, but if you are wanting something more then what OEM has to offer, you really need to go rebuild. A master CD4E rebuild kit is just over a hundred bucks, the Trans Go kit is about $40 (plus or minus $10) and the cooler will run you around $80 installed, but it depends on what model you get. From what I have found this past week was that including labor, you can rebuild a CD4E, with a good driveline (gears & chain), for about what a remain would cost you. A reman will be an updated stock tranny, where as with the rebuild, you can go back with goodies that will help the system perform.

As for the MTX swap... I know a bunch of the Cougar guys say that it is cost effective, but I wont believe it until I see some reciepts! If an MTX is what you desire, then when the sad day comes that your CD4E craps out, do a rebuild and sell her. Take the money and go buy a tour with an MTX-75 (5 Speed).

As for your Windstar... depends on the year, but they are basically in the same family. Here is some info that might prove useful,

WINDSTAR 95-00 4 SP FWD V6 3.0L/3.8L - AX4S
Links - http://www.transtec.com/specific_trans/axode.htm

WINDSTAR 01 4 SP FWD V6 3.8L - 4F50N/AX4N

Again, if I missed anything or if someone has found anything aside from what I have above, please add to it, correct me whatever.

Unysis12,
thanks for you extensive and insightful feedback to my post. Well, i really want to keep the car i already own so i thinking selling it won't be an option for me and i'm more than happy to keep it as an ATX.
I will look into the parts that you've suggested and see how much that will all cost me in the end of it all with the labor included if an estimated quote can be given to me. But i think i may get another year on this sucker before it blows out on me. Crossing fingers it won't but if it happens well i'm not going to act as it took me by complete surprise.

Have you noticed any differences with your rebuild set up? I like the price comparison of going rebuild with other additional aftermarket parts vs. the REMAIN..

As far as the CD4E goes i hope it holds up.

Thanks again for the link to the Ford Windstar. That bad boy will be going kaboom on the road anytime soon and i seriously need to be prepared on what to expect and the cost factors. Thanks again!

My car goes into the shop Tuesday, the 27th. I should have it back by the 30th. Then I will be taking it up to Huntsville again on the 4th of July to meet up some of the SE crue, oh yeah and one Chi-town guy ( ZtecRacing) and I will let everyone know then, for sure. I will also sit down with the shop and discuss in more detail what clutchs we are going to use, bands, pistons, boring of the valve body, fluids, cooler specs... all that greasy stuff on Wendsday afternoon. This will allow the shop plenty of time to get me a core, tear into it and find out where we stand with it. So, I should have much to add to my thread "My CD4E Shopping Experience", the night of the 28th!!

As for making your tranny last... get the cooler man! It will really make a difference. As far as the lifespan of the tranny that is. If anything, the cooler can be carried over to a new tranny if/when this one craps out on ya. Keep a close eye on the ATF and all will be fine. If something does break or whatever, well you did what you could.

Hey Russell... Don't rub it in man!!