I've seen that a TSB was issued for the valve body and would like to know the best place to get a replacement. None of the local stores list one. Also for a replacement torque converter. Spoke to retired mechanic from Ford and he agrees it sounds like torque converter is not disengaging and advised replacement.

I live in the mountains and will be using my truck to haul stuff, including vehicles, trailers, etc. Would a secondary tranny cooler be a good idea and if so, recommendations on where to get one.

 

Yes, any automatic needs 2 trans coolers, fluid heat is what KILLS automatics

So engine is stalling when you stop, yes that reads like torque converter is not unlocking like it should

Not sure what you mean by the TSB, there were many every year
But early models did suffer from separator plate gasket leaks so a bonded separator plate was used, has gasket bonded to it, you can't buy anything else since 2002 or so, so don't ask for a "bonded separator plate" its discontinued, because ALL have the gasket bonded to it, so its just a separator plate

There all sorts of other updates you can do as well, shift kit is very popular for these models, 4R and 5R

 

We can't even get it into drive without it stalling out. So I'll be ordering a reman torque converter.

Is there any place that the forum recommends over Rock Auto or LMC for parts to improve my tranny. I've done tranny tranny filter replacement on Fords and brother is a former mechanic so unless speciality tools are needed we should be good to handle the upgrades. He had a bunch of tools stolen couple years ago & never recovered or thieves caught so we are slowly building back up on tools.

My goal is to build it to be as reliable as possible because I want this to last for quite a few years.

 

How many miles on the transmission now?

 

Odometer reads 268,349. As far as I know, no work has been done on the tranny and it is the original for the truck. I wasn't told any different when I bought it.

 

Over 250k, IMO, I would do a full rebuild, and not just soft parts(clutches and bands), also new sprangs, OD drum and FORD pump
If its just a soft parts rebuild it will only last 12-18months, the warranty for most shops, lol