• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

2003 4.6l f150 transmission in a mustang

  • Thread starter Thread starter DStang99
  • Start date Start date Jul 24, 2011

DStang99

Member
May 11, 2009
46
1
7
Florida
Jul 24, 2011
#1
  • Jul 24, 2011
  • #1
Hello Stangnet,

Does anyone know if a 2003 4.6l f150 auto tranny replace the tranny in my 99 auto gt stang?
would it be a downgrade?
are the motors the same?



THANK YOU
DSTANG99
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Jul 24, 2011
#2
  • Jul 24, 2011
  • #2
FWIIW, While not absolutely positive this is what I think. YMMV. Recommend doing your homework. Don't get rid of the original transmission before the job is done.

The 2003 F150 uses either a 4R70W or 4R100. There may also be differences in the gear ratios, DTR selector, and Tail shaft.

The transmission will bolt up as modular motors share a bolt pattern. There may be differences in the flex plate as differerent size torque converters are used depending upon the application.

There may be differences in the transmission harness as certain model years uses a turbine speed sensor in addition to the OSS sensor. Best to compare the wiring diagrams or re-use the original harness.

If there are differences in the DTR, likely possible to swap.

If there are differences in the tail shaft, likely possible to swap. However, some disassembly will be required. Note, if you keep the F150 tail shaft, likely there will be differences in the length of the drive shaft and yoke.

The question about the tail shaft could be easily answered by comparing the two transmissions.

Not sure if there are any differences in the gear ratios. And if they are different if it matters. For the F150 it would matter has the PCM controls the shift schedule to match the torque curve of the motor (important for towing applications).

If you are looking for a plug and play swap, I don't think this is it.

For a plug and play swap, likely you will do better with a car transmission from a similar MY Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, or Town Car. The differences are less with small details such as the direction of the DTR lever which is easy to reverse.

Or find a transmission from a Mustang. Recommending sticking as close as possible to the original MY. Remember that the 98 to 99 MY is a major change year for the Mustang. That is the year the Mustang switched from a VSS sensor to an OSS sensor.

Try car-part.com for a searchable list of salvage yards.

Be aware that arround 2003 or 2004, Ford changed the number of teeth on the OSS sensor. This affects the speedometer calibration when switching transmission into different MY's. The difference can be overcome with PCM programming. However, it's something to consider if looking for a plug and play swap.

These swaps should easy in theory but aren't always so. IMO, you should balance to cost vs risk of the swap vs having the original transmission rebuilt.

Remember, when using any salvage part, it may not be any better than the part that you have. While I am a firm believer in salvage parts, it's best to understand the risks.

Good luck.

<begin rant>
I wish these swap threads would include information regarding what kind of swap the OP is expecting. Some swaps are very possible if the OP has some electrical and mechanical skills.

It's important to know if a nearly "plug and play swap" is expected.
<Jumps off soap box. end rant>
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

1
Engine Motor swap from a 2003 Explorer
  • 1996mustang new
  • Oct 9, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
613
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Oct 16, 2025
squeak93
M
2001 cobra ignition timing off
  • Mike3
  • Jul 13, 2026
  • SVT Tech Forum
Replies
9
Views
155
SVT Tech Forum Sunday at 10:32 PM
Mike3
M
Fuel Damper, 2003 Mustang GT
  • bmmckl
  • Dec 19, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
181
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Dec 19, 2025
bmmckl
H
Issue with transmission only in S mode after MPT tune, 2014 Mustang 3.7
  • haideralrustem
  • Dec 5, 2025
  • 2005 - 2014 Specific V6 Tech
Replies
1
Views
300
2005 - 2014 Specific V6 Tech Dec 13, 2025
Noobz347
N
Trying to locate 1968 Mustang
  • Newton
  • Jul 1, 2026
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
0
Views
62
The Welcome Wagon Jul 1, 2026
Newton
N
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?