97 or 98 Trans?

BadSax

BadSax

enjoys 3 martini lunches
Ok, let me be the first to say that I feel this is a stupid question, however being the courageous writer of useless tripe that I am. I shall ask it anyway, undaunted by fears of being laughed at.

My 98 has a build date of 12/97 (I’m almost sure), does this mean that my trans would be a 97 trans, or should I be assured that I have the much coveted 98 trans?

Thanks!

:7 –J

www.ivotedblue.com
www.bradleyreport.net
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

Doing a little research, I found that to know for sure, you'd have to check the part number on the converter. The 97 P/N is: F7LZ7902BARM - The 98's P/N is almost the same: F"8"LZ7902BARM. To confirm that the vehicle is REALLY a '98, the tenth position of the VIN should be a W. The '97 has a V there. Insert Note: The transmission P/N's must be different too, but I don't have those numbers.

I'm sure there MUST be an easier way. I think I'd have to trust Ford at some point that they change to the newer parts as the model year changes, or at least err on the point of early. My 1992 F250 has a number of model year 1993 parts on it, found out the hard way. Bought 92 parts and they didn't fit! Dealer checked VIN, confirmed it was a 92 but THAT didn't make the parts fit.! I told the counter parts guy to bring out a 93 part....IT fit! Part was a power steering line that had ruptured. BIG difference in configuration. Can't remember what my date of manufacture was on the truck, but it wasn't even close to end of model year, but after Jan 92. Go figure.

Bud Pytko
'97 LSC Silver Frost
'92 F250 Banks TurboDiesel Bimini Blue
'92 Prowler 5th Wheel
http://myfilelocker.comcast.net/charlespytko/Lincoln/BudPytko97LSC.JPG
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

From my understanding, cars produced before January or February of '98 have the '97 transmissions, but you have to check the tag on the bellhousing, or the PN on the case.
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

Some '97's had the MD OWC, which is the only major part upgrade over the '97 trans (which is itself better than the '93-'96 trans's). However, some of the '97's and early '98's have defective MD OWC's. So.... drive it like you stole it and see if she blows.
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
Some '97's had the MD OWC, which is the only major part upgrade over the '97 trans (which is itself better than the '93-'96 trans's). However, some of the '97's and early '98's have defective MD OWC's. So.... drive it like you stole it and see if she blows.
[/div]

Ok, what's an "MD OWC" and if the car is on a lift, can you see the tag on the bell housing?

Thanks! :7 -J

www.ivotedblue.com
www.bradleyreport.net
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

not sure where the tag is or if you can see it.

mechanical diode one-way-clutch. the earlier transmissions had a different kind of one-way clutch that was more prone to failre.
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

The 98 has a better output shaft as well, not to mention high energy clutches and a better valvebody. Definately want the 98 over the 97.
Alan
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
The 98 has a better output shaft as well, not to mention high energy clutches and a better valvebody. Definately want the 98 over the 97.Alan
[/div]

You sure the '97 didn't have those parts?
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

Alright, now I'm getting confused. Who here knows FOR SURE what the deal is with the transmission?
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

Thanks.

Hmm. According to that, the valve body was changed in 1996. As for some of the other parts, they say "late 97". Mine was built in 10/97, so I would assume that qualifies as "late". Oh well, mines running fine (knock on wood). Just nice to know.
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

I hope theres some wood in this desk, cause i'm gonna need to knock on it.

Mine's a '97 with a late '96 build date. I did the j-mod when i got the car with 60k, and got it tuned shortly thereafter. Ever since, i've been driving it hard. 104k and it's still going strong.
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

IMHO, If your transmission dipstick handle says: Use Mercon V, you have a '98 transmission. My '98 Mark has a build date of 9/97.
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
IMHO, If your transmission dipstick handle says: Use Mercon V, you have a '98 transmission. My '98 Mark has a build date of 9/97.
[/div]

Do you know if you have a 98 tranny? My 98 was built in October 1997. I will be doing the J-mod to the valvebody. I will check for the mechanical diode then to verify if mine is a 98.
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

It was my understanding that the '98 trans was the only one to receive Mercon V from the factory for any Mark VIII. Therefore, since my dipstick handle says to use Mercon V, I believe that I do have a '98 transmission. I have not had the transmission inspected for the MD/OWC, or have looked for any part numbers.

I have just turned 90k miles, and other than fluid change, I had the tail shaft seal replaced - (drip) during the MMDS install. That is it for service, and I do not baby it either.
 
RE: 97 or 98 Trans?

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]The 98 has a better output shaft as well, not to mention high energy clutches and a better valvebody. Definately want the 98 over the 97.Alan[/div]You sure the '97 didn't have those parts?
[/div]

I have come across a few that did, most do not.
 
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