Overview & Origins

The 4R100 is Ford’s robust 4-speed automatic transmission, an evolution of the E4OD, introduced in 1998–1999. Designed to handle the increasing torque of late ’90s diesel engines, especially the 7.3L Power Stroke, it became the final C series Ford transmission released. It served as the workhorse across heavy-duty applications through the early 2000s.

 

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Technical Specs & Key Features

• Gear Ratios:

  • 1st: 2.71, 2nd: 1.54, 3rd: 1.00, overdrive 4th: 0.71, Reverse: 2.18

• Torque Capacity: Designed for up to approx. 1,000 lb-ft input (factoring in converter multiplication).

• Weight: Around 270 lbs (dry, without torque converter).

• Control: Featured an updated PWM torque converter clutch solenoid, an output speed sensor, and higher pressure oil pump enhancements over E4OD.

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Common Issues & Weak Points

Despite its strength, the 4R100 has a few recurring problems:

1. Overheating

Towing or heavy loads can drive transmission temps sky-high. Insufficient cooling or delayed fluid maintenance can lead to clutch burnout and downstream damage.

2. Hard or Delayed Shifting

Drivers report harsh transitions, especially in lower gears. This is often tied to valve body wear, cross-leaks, or pressure loss.

3. Torque Converter & Overdrive Clutch Failures

The factory lock-up clutch is thin and prone to burn-out under heavy use. Overdrive clutch packs may slip or fail due to limited surface area and degrading hydraulic pressure.

4. Solenoid or Internal Drum Wear

Premature failure of the reverse input drum can cause stalling in reverse gear. Solenoid block reliability issues also appear in high-mileage units.

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Summary

The Ford 4R100 is built for the long haul, literally. While not immune to wear, it's a fundamentally dependable heavy-duty transmission when properly maintained. With torque capacity up to 1,000lbft, overdrive gear, and electronic lock-up control, it's a substantial upgrade over its predecessor. However, fluid maintenance, cooling upgrades, and periodic rebuilds become vital beyond the warranty period.

Let me know if you need gear ratios, fluid change procedures, or suitability comparisons with later transmissions like the 5R110 or TorqShift

FITMENT: 

1999 Ford F-250 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2001 Ford F-250 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2002 Ford F-250 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2003 Ford F-250 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

1999 Ford F-350 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2000 Ford F-350 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2001 Ford F-350 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2002 Ford F-350 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

1999 Ford F-450 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2000 Ford F-450 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2001 Ford F-450 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2002 Ford F-450 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2003 Ford F-450 Super Duty 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2000 Ford Excursion 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2000 Ford Excursion 6.8L V10

2000 Ford Excursion 5.4L V8

2001 Ford Excursion 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2001 Ford Excursion 6.8L V10

2001 Ford Excursion 5.4L V8

2002 Ford Excursion 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel

2002 Ford Excursion 6.8L V10

2002 Ford Excursion 5.4L V8

1999 Ford Expedition 5.4L V8

2000 Ford Expedition 5.4L V8

2001 Ford Expedition 5.4L V8

2002 Ford Expedition 5.4L V8

1999 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L V8

2000 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L V8

2001 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L V8

2002 Lincoln Navigator 5.4L V8

1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 5.4L Supercharged V8

2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 5.4L Supercharged V8

2001 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 5.4L Supercharged V8

2002 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 5.4L Supercharged V8

2002 Lincoln Blackwood 5.4L V8

1997 Ford E-250 Econoline 5.4L V8

1997 Ford E-250 Econoline 6.8L V10

1997 Ford E-250 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

1998 Ford E-250 Econoline 5.4L V8

1998 Ford E-250 Econoline 6.8L V10

1998 Ford E-250 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

1999 Ford E-250 Econoline 5.4L V8

1999 Ford E-250 Econoline 6.8L V10

1999 Ford E-250 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

2000 Ford E-250 Econoline 5.4L V8

2000 Ford E-250 Econoline 6.8L V10

2000 Ford E-250 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

2001 Ford E-250 Econoline 5.4L V8

2001 Ford E-250 Econoline 6.8L V10

2001 Ford E-250 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

2002 Ford E-250 Econoline 5.4L V8

2002 Ford E-250 Econoline 6.8L V10

2002 Ford E-250 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

2003 Ford E-250 Econoline 5.4L V8

2003 Ford E-250 Econoline 6.8L V10

2003 Ford E-250 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

1997 Ford E-350 Econoline 5.4L V8

1997 Ford E-350 Econoline 6.8L V10

1997 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

1998 Ford E-350 Econoline 5.4L V8

1998 Ford E-350 Econoline 6.8L V10

1998 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

1999 Ford E-350 Econoline 5.4L V8

1999 Ford E-350 Econoline 6.8L V10

1999 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

2000 Ford E-350 Econoline 5.4L V8

2000 Ford E-350 Econoline 6.8L V10

2000 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

2001 Ford E-350 Econoline 5.4L V8

2001 Ford E-350 Econoline 6.8L V10

2001 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

2002 Ford E-350 Econoline 5.4L V8

2002 Ford E-350 Econoline 6.8L V10

2002 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.3L Diesel

2003 Ford E-350 Econoline 5.4L V8

2003 Ford E-350 Econoline 6.8L V10

2003 Ford E-350 Econoline 7.3L Diesel