Built auto or zf6

bigwheel · Dec 20, 2011

Right now I have a 2000 7.3 with the 4R100 in it. The trans is really starting to slip a lot, so it on it's way out. I dont have a funds to put in a BTS so I am seeing what you guys would rec. I am thinking about doing a ZF6 swap or mildly rebuilding the 4r100. I am think I can do them both for around the same price. We use the truck for mostly hauling and towing, not much running around. What should I do?

Thanks

sniper_101 · Dec 20, 2011

Personally I think rebuilding your current trans with upgrades would be cheaper. At least here it would be, I couldn't even find a ZF6 for less than what an auto rebuild would cost, let a lone all the extra parts needed for the swap.

Just my two cents.

stroker2 · Dec 22, 2011

A zf6 makes sense if its mostly used for hauling and towing. Went from an 01 with a ford 4r100 to my current 00 with the zf6 and have no regrets

Denver · Dec 22, 2011

Since you have an auto I would go built auto. A built auto is a different beast than a stock auto.

co04cobra · Dec 22, 2011

I sell pretty much everything to do the swap for $2500. You can probably "mildly" build your auto for somewhere around that. Problem is if you are hauling frequently you will have just flipped the hour glass until it fails again without going full BTS. With the zf-6 should usually last out the life of the truck. I live in an area where EVERYBODY hauls heavy and about everyday. The auto will not live like this. Hope it helps.

Denver · Dec 22, 2011

To rebuild a ZF6 will cost as much as a built auto. Thats if everything in the ZF goes out.

2006nytro · Dec 23, 2011

i have a mild built 4r and it was 2000 for the rebuild and its holding like a rock never misses a beat

co04cobra · Dec 23, 2011

Yea but for how many miles has that been on that rebuild? As for rebuilding a zf-6 I dont know why you would spend 4K to do that when you can just go pick up a used one for $12-1500 IF it fails. If you tear two zf-6s up you need to reevaluate your driving habits.

If you buy a used auto. its still something that needs several thousand spent into for it to hope to live. Im not starting a pissing match. Just giving my expeirences on both. Hope it helps.

TrailerHauler · Dec 23, 2011

Denver said:
To rebuild a ZF6 will cost as much as a built auto. Thats if everything in the ZF goes out.

Ugh maybe if you have to replace shafts in the ZF, otherwise it's not even close to the cost of a mildly built 4r100.

And to the OP, don't forget about the cost of a clutch unless your truck is stock then you'll be alright with a factory rated clutch which is fairly cheap. You'll probably end up spending about the same to mildly build the auto as you would to swap to a zf6.

Cat_rebel · Dec 25, 2011

co04cobra said:
You can probably "mildly" build your auto for somewhere around that. Problem is if you are hauling frequently you will have just flipped the hour glass until it fails again without going full BTS. With the zf-6 should usually last out the life of the truck. I live in an area where EVERYBODY hauls heavy and about everyday. The auto will not live like this. Hope it helps.

Plenty of hot shot guys running no name shop built autos everyday for countless miles without issues. BTS makes a badass tranny but they aren't the only ones in the world that can build a good e4od/4r100.

co04cobra · Dec 25, 2011

Cat_rebel said:
Plenty of hot shot guys running no name shop built autos everyday for countless miles without issues. BTS makes a badass tranny but they aren't the only ones in the world that can build a good e4od/4r100.

Yes hot shot in flat ground or on the interstate they will live a lot longer. Hauling heavy through mountains, or off the road like in the area I live, no they dont live long.

I wish I had the warranty money back ive spent on trying to find somewhere that could make a auto live. There would be a new shelby setting in the driveway paid in full + some.

Im not arguing or trying to start one. Just said that if he does haul heavy often the zf maybe a cheaper long term solution.

Jason · Dec 25, 2011

Um....hotshotters don't just go on flat ground, nor do they run around light. Buddy of mine, on this forum, does hot shot work, and he seems to always be over 30k lbs.

Technically, I've got a "no name" built auto, it's got name brand parts in it, it's not a bts, but it's handled over 30k gross, and that's pulling across country, hills up in California, west Virginia, Pennsylvania, new jersey etc. Still ticks right along like new, and will still scratch 2nd and 3rd gear.

co04cobra · Dec 25, 2011

Like I said im not arguing or starting a pissing match. Im stating my experiences with autos. Not just 1 or 2 but dozens up on dozens up on dozens of them. Im not saying hot shots dont pull heavy, but they're not off the road on farms and logging roads either.

My other ? for the auto guys was how many miles are you getting out of these "mildly built autos".

Jason · Dec 25, 2011

I wasn't trying to argue with you, just stating. And, I don't buy into the bts smoke and mirrors, that one man somehow builds the only "bulletproof" 4r100 out there, and backs it with a good warranty.

I can't answer your other questions, mines got a stallion converter, valve body, high energy clutches, etc in it. Everything in it was replaced with better, if it could he bought. And for what it's worth, I paid $4300 for it.

stroker2 · Dec 25, 2011

Well here are a couple pics of one of the 3 passes me and the op tow over....longgg 7-8% grades so whichever tranny option is best for these types of situations

co04cobra · Dec 25, 2011

Looks like the stuff I am talking about. We even have a lot of 10% grades here. If you dont want to spend 4K+ I would look at the zf-6. Hope it helps.

bigwheel · Jan 5, 2012

Thanks for the replys. The truck is maybe putting down 400 to the wheels and doesn't get beat on. The truck is really only used for towing in the mountains up and down passes. Not towing heavy right now but some times. Cobra do you sell all the parts to do the swap? Have you done it? Thanks

co04cobra · Jan 5, 2012

Yes I sell all the parts and just did my last swap about a month ago. If you want any other info shoot me a PM. Its a pretty straight forward swap. There are several good write ups on here and on the other site.