Which is tougher? 4speed or 8speed AT

Status
Not open for further replies.
One thing for sure. An 8 9 or ?? speed is going to cost a LOT more to have rebuilt IF it ever needs it. The days of a 400 dollar turbo or C4/6 or 727 rebuild are long gone.

Rod
 
I would go with an 8-speed, but use the fluid that is recommended by the OEM. Don't go messing about with one of the 'monkey mix' fluids recommended by --- knows who as 'suitable' in just about anything you can think of.
 
Yep. Monkeys.
The ones out on tranny drains fills inspections removals tend to me lower to mid skilled as that list progresses. Especially the fill level work is at risk with the lower level workers assigned to it. [/quote]
I'm sorry not every one can be as smart as you are. Of course then they might be a pompous jerk off as well.
 
Originally Posted By: cb_13

Yep. Monkeys.
The ones out on tranny drains fills inspections removals tend to me lower to mid skilled as that list progresses. Especially the fill level work is at risk with the lower level workers assigned to it.


I don't think that it is necessarily stupidity as much as lack of proper training from the top of the organisation downwards.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: SumpChump
Originally Posted By: cb_13
Originally Posted By: SumpChump
I've been hearing about 8 speeds 9 speeds double clutches and all manner of cringe inducing [censored] which dealership monkeys will likely never have the skills to fix or heck even check fluid level correctly..

So , theoretical question here....

All things being equal (same gear thickness same ATF same operating temps same application same driving style same engine connected same same same)...

Which is a more durable transmission? A 4 speed AT or an 8 speed AT?

Oh and unless you're prepared to order one in from Mexico or from ISIS dealership....please don't mention a manual AT as you choice. Because you ain't gonna find them here in the USA by then.

Which is harder on its fluid? A 4speed or an 8speed?

Which would you rather find out is in your 2018 compact car ( civic corolla cruise focus)

Which would you rather find out is in your 2018 small truck Tacoma Colorado ranger

Dealership monkeys?? You apparently have no idea how much knowledge and skill it takes to be a good dealership technician. There are hacks in every line of work but any of the good ones are far from stupid.


Yep. Monkeys.
The ones out on tranny drains fills inspections removals tend to me lower to mid skilled as that list progresses. Especially the fill level work is at risk with the lower level workers assigned to it.


Everyone has to start somwhere, we have all been beginners...
And you get what you pay for, how big paycheck do these guys and gals get..
 
Originally Posted By: 147_Grain
I personally treat all engines and transmissions as if they're in the severe maintenance category for maximum reliability.


+1
 
Given that an 8 speed would have more parts in it, everything else being the same, I would think that a 4 speed would be more reliable since there are less parts to brake.
 
Well, a 4-speed Auto Trans is really a 3-speed with Overdrive. Issues with these transmissions are often issues with the OD unit which was basically just grafted onto the 3-speed unit. Now, that might be a little hard on the OD because the 3-speeds were generally bulletproof to begin with.

An 8-speed (or similar) trans is not really the same beast ... they are multi-speed units that were engineered from day one to have OD functionality. My gut instinct is they are better engineered than 4-speed units for that reason.

The added complexity doesn't rally scare me much, provided the solenoids are of sufficient robustness. The science of hydraulic pressures (shift points) and planetary gears are well understood, and just planetary gears in general are quite robust. The computer control should, by now, be well integrated. I don't see Red Flags here.

When it comes down to it, Auto Trans reliability is really more about heat than anything else. There are charts online that show progressive life degradation as temps climb even in 10-degree F increments above optimum. And the overheating that begins the life shortening sequence can be a single event.

One possible instance where overheating can be avoided, at the cost of some fuel, is using the "OD Off" button on a vehicle that is equipped with one (like my Ram Truck) when engaged in Heavy Duty activity, like towing or hilly terrain, as towing/etc generates a lot of heat when in OD mode.

So my take on it is if you really are worried, insure the OEM installed a proper thermostatically controlled Trans Cooler, check that box on any option sheet (including any "Heavy Duty" upgrade) if you are buying new, and install an aftermarket Cooler if your existing or used vehicle lacks it. You can also consider a trans temp gauge if the vehicle doesn't already have one, and monitor it. Some good aftermarket gauges have programmable warning lamps; use them.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom