I disassembled a 2003 4R70W for rebuild today and when I pulled the output shaft and ring gear a large diameter lock ring came out with it. Or should I say, fell out when I pulled the shaft/ring gear assembly. This ring is approx 5/32 wide and 1/16 thick and of suitable diameter to have snapped into a grove in the case...except there isn't any grove back there in the case. There is also evidence of the ring having been positioned between the ring gear and the case...as though it had been installed there during assemble...and it has been very lightly rubbing on the ring gear.

I know some AOD's had an extra lock ring back in the ring gear area but I don't know about the 4R70W.

Any ideas, suggestions, or experience greatly appreciated.

BB

 

You did not say what model vehicle, I am not sure if there would be any small changed in the trans vehicle by vehicle.
I googled 4R70W and one of the vehicles listed as containing it was a crown vic, so here is part of disassembly for a crown Victoria. If you list what vehicle you have I can post those instructions on the off chance they are different.

1. Using the special tools, remove the front pump seal.

1. NOTE: These bolts have been coated with sealant. High break torque may be required to remove the bolts.
   Remove the bolts.

1. Using the special tools, remove the front pump support.

1. Remove and discard the pump gasket.

1. Remove the intermediate anti-rattle clip, if equipped.

1. NOTICE: Remove the assembly carefully to prevent damage to the overdrive band friction material by the reverse clutch drive lugs.
   Remove the following components as an assembly:
   • Intermediate clutch pack.
   • Intermediate one-way clutch.
   • Reverse clutch.
   • Forward clutch assembly.

1. Disengage and remove the overdrive band.

1. Remove the forward clutch hub and the No. 3 forward clutch hub front bearing.

1. Remove the intermediate stub shaft.

1. Align the reverse sun shell with the overdrive band anchor pin for removal.

1. Remove the following components as an assembly:
   • Forward clutch sun gear.
   • No. 5 forward clutch sun gear bearing.
   • Reverse clutch sun gear.
   • No. 4 forward clutch hub bearing.

1. Remove the center support retaining ring and note location for assembly.

1. Remove the case to planet support spring.

1. Remove the planetary gear support and planetary as an assembly.

1. Remove the reverse clutch band.

1. Remove the retaining ring.

1. Remove the direct clutch pack.

1. Remove the No. 8 bearing.

1. Remove the output shaft, output shaft ring gear assembly and direct clutch.

1. Remove the No. 9 case rear bearing.

1. Inspect and if necessary, use the special tools to remove the rear case bushing.

 

Here some installation instructions. Once again 2003 crown victoria since you didnt say what vehicle it was from.

1. Use the special tools to install the rear case bushing if removed.
   1. Position the rear case bushing and the special tool inside the case.
   1. Assemble the special tools through the back of the case.

1. Place the transmission in the vertical position.

1. Coat the No. 9 case rear bearing with petroleum jelly and install on the case boss.

1. NOTICE: Be sure the No. 7 needle bearing and direct clutch hub are installed as shown in the Subassembly section. Internal damage and shift problems may occur.
   Install the output shaft and output shaft ring gear.

1. Install the No. 8 bearing.

1. Install the direct clutch.

1. NOTE: The reverse band support retaining ring is used for assembly purposes during production. The reverse band support retaining ring is not required during assembly and it will not affect the operation of the transmission.
   Install the reverse band support retaining ring.

1. NOTE: Make sure the band is seated on the anchor pins.
   Install the reverse band.

1. NOTE: The planetary assembly and planetary gear support cannot be installed unless the notch cut in the planetary gear support is aligned with the overdrive band anchor pin.
   
   NOTE: The top of the planetary gear support must be below the snap ring groove.
   Install the planetary assembly and planetary gear support as a unit.
   • Rotate the output shaft to fully seat the planetary assembly.

1. NOTE: The planet support spring must be compressed and installed below the snap ring groove. When the planet support spring is installed correctly both ends of the spring will be visible.
   Install the case to the planet support spring located at the 1 o'clock position.

1. Install the center support retaining ring.
   • Reference the retaining ring tabs to the band anchor pin location.

1. Install the forward clutch sun gear, the No. 5 forward clutch sun gear bearing and the reverse sun gear.

1. Install the No. 4 forward clutch hub bearing.

1. Install the intermediate stub shaft.

1. Install the forward clutch hub and the No. 3 forward clutch hub front bearing.

1. Install the forward clutch assembly.

1. NOTE: Make sure the reverse clutch cylinder lugs are completely seated in the notches of the reverse sun gear.
   Install the reverse clutch cylinder assembly.
   1. Install the reverse clutch cylinder.
   1. Install the No. 2 forward clutch bearing.

1. Install the overdrive band.
   • Position the overdrive band pocket onto the anchor pin.

1. Install the overdrive servo spring.
   1. Install the overdrive servo piston return spring.
   1. Install the overdrive servo piston.

1. Verify the tip of the piston assembly engages the pocket of the overdrive band.

 

1. Using the special tool, compress the overdrive servo assembly and install the overdrive servo retaining ring.

1. Install the intermediate clutch pressure plate.

1. NOTE: Before assembly, soak the new clutch discs in clean automatic transmission fluid for 15 minutes.
   Install the intermediate clutch pack and selective steel plate.

1. Using the special tool, check the intermediate clutch clearance.
   1. Position the special tool on the pump case mounting surface.
   1. Maintaining downward pressure, use a depth micrometer to measure and verify intermediate clutch clearance is within specification.
      If the intermediate clutch is not within specification, install a correct selective plate.
      

1. Install the intermediate anti-rattle clip, if equipped.

1. Using the special tool, measure end clearance for the No.1 front pump thrust washer.
   1. Position the special tool on the pump case mounting surface.
   1. Maintaining downward pressure, use a depth micrometer to measure end play clearance.
      Use the No.1 thrust washer chart to select the correct washer.
      

1. Install the intermediate clutch return spring support with the lip facing upward and the wave spring.
   1. Install the intermediate clutch return spring support.
   1. Install the wave spring.

1. Install the No.1 front pump support thrust washer.
   • Use petroleum jelly to hold the washer in place.

1. NOTE: The alignment pin is a fabricated M8 x 1.25 mm (0.05 in) bolt with the head removed.
   Install an alignment pin at the top of the case.

1. NOTE: Make sure the gasket is positioned correctly and the case passages are not covered.
   Install the pump gasket.

1. NOTE: To aid assembly, shake the input shaft while pushing down on the pump.
   Install the pump assembly.

1. Remove the alignment pin and install the front pump bolts.
   • Alternate bolt tightening to set the pump.

1. Rotate the transmission to the horizontal position.

1. Install the parking pawl.
   1. Position the parking pawl return spring.
   1. Position the parking pawl.
   1. Install the parking pawl shaft.

1. Install a new extension housing gasket and the extension housing.
   1. Position the extension housing.
   1. Install the four bolts and two nuts.

1. Using the special tool, install a new extension housing seal.

1. Install the output shaft speed (OSS) sensor.
   1. Position the OSS sensor.
   1. Install the bolt.

1. Using the special tool, install the manual control lever seal.

1. NOTE: Lubricate the electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid O-rings with clean automatic transmission fluid.
   Install the EPC solenoid.
   1. Install the EPC solenoid.
   1. Install the EPC solenoid bracket and bolt.

1. Install the manual valve detent lever and parking lever actuating rod.

 

1. Install the manual control lever shaft.
   1. Slide the manual control shaft into the case.
   1. Install the manual lever shaft inner nut.
   1. Install the manual lever shaft retaining pin.

1. Install the 1-2 accumulator piston assembly.
   1. Install the 1-2 accumulator upper spring.
   1. Install the 1-2 accumulator.
   1. Install the 1-2 accumulator lower spring.
   1. Install the 1-2 accumulator cover and seal.

1. Install the 1-2 accumulator retaining ring.

1. NOTE: This is not an ordinary installation procedure and does not compensate for band wear. When new piston and rod assembly installation becomes necessary, or when a new reverse band has been installed, the reverse piston and rod length must be adjusted.
   
   NOTE: Lubricate the reverse piston seal to facilitate assembly and prevent damage to the seal.
   
   NOTE: Do not install the reverse servo piston cover and seal at this time.
   Install the reverse servo piston and rod assembly.

1. Install the special tool.
   • Tighten the bolt.

1. Install the special tool.
   • Position the indicator stem on the flat portion of the reverse servo piston and zero the dial indicator.

1. Loosen the bolt until the piston stops against the tool.

1. Verify that the amount of piston travel on the dial indicator is within specification.

1. If piston travel is not within specification, select and install the correct servo assembly to bring the servo piston travel within specification.
   1. One groove
   1. Two grooves
   1. Three grooves

1. Remove the special tools.

1. Install the reverse servo piston cover and seal assembly.

1. Using the special tool, install the reverse servo retaining ring.
   1. Compress the reverse band servo.
   1. Install the reverse band servo retaining ring.

1. Install the 2-3 accumulator assembly.
   1. Install the accumulator piston.
   1. Install the accumulator piston spring.
   1. Install the accumulator spring retainer.

1. Using the special tools apply regulated air pressure to the test ports. Verify that the components are applied and released.

1. NOTE: The tab on the electrical connector is secured by main control valve body.
   Install the electrical connector into the case.

1. NOTE: The alignment bolts are valve body assembly bolts and are in the valve body.
   Align the main control valve body alignment bolts and position the main control valve body.

1. NOTE: The main control valve body bolts will be tightened in later steps.
   Loosely install the 11 long main control valve body bolts.

1. NOTE: The main control valve body bolts will be tightened in later steps.
   Loosely install the 12 short main control valve body bolts.

1. Install the manual control valve detent lever spring.
   1. Position the manual control valve detent lever spring.
   1. Install the bolt.

1. Tighten the bolts in the sequence shown.

 

1. Inspect the lead frame for damage.
   • Using the special tool, check all the lead frame solenoid connections. The gauge should fit tightly and not fall out after being inserted.
   • If the special tool passes through any lead frame connector pins or does not feel like it makes a good contact, install a new lead frame.

1. Connect the molded lead frame to the solenoids.
   • Connect the bulkhead inter-connector by pressing it in place by hand and fully seating the connector in place.
   • Connect the EPC solenoid by pressing it in place by hand and fully seating the connector in place. Make sure that the terminals pass fully through the connector slots.
   • Connect the TCC by pressing it in place by hand and fully seating the connector in place. Make sure that the terminals pass fully through the connector slots.
   • Connect the shift solenoid SSA and SSB by pressing it in place by hand and fully seating the connector in place. Make sure that the terminals pass fully through the connector slots.

1. Install the fluid filter and seal assembly.

1. Position the pan magnet into the transmission fluid pan.

1. NOTE: The pan gasket is reusable; clean and inspect for damage. If not damaged, the gasket should be reused.
   Install the fluid pan.
   1. Position the transmission fluid pan and gasket.
   1. Install the transmission fluid pan bolts.

1. Install the digital transmission range (TR) sensor.
   1. Install the digital TR sensor.
   1. Loosely install the digital TR bolts.

1. NOTE: The tool is designed to fit snugly.
   
   NOTE: Manual shift lever must be in the neutral position.
   Using the special tool, align the digital TR sensor slots.

1. Tighten the bolts.

1. Lightly lubricate the converter hub with clean automatic transmission fluid.

1. WARNING: The torque converter can fall out if the transmission is tipped.
   
   NOTICE: Make sure the converter hub is fully engaged in the front pump support and gear and rotates freely. Do not damage the hub seal.
   
   NOTICE: If the torque converter slides out, the hub seal may be damaged.
   Using the special tools, install the torque converter.

1. Lubricate the torque converter pilot hub with multi-purpose grease.

 

I was going to post this evening that I was able to find out the answers I sought. However, This info is very good and, again, I thank you. I've done a couple of AOD's but this is my first 4R70W which came from an '03 Mustang 3.8 and is replacing the AOD in my '66 Mustang. I did discover a problem that me necessitate me using a different case. The forward bearing on the output shaft, behind the the planitary ring gear, is supposed to be pressed into the case but mine came out with the shaft....not good. If the case can't be saved I will disassemble another trans that I have and hope that one is useable.
Anyway, I really appreciate your efforts and I plan to print out this info for my re-assembly.

BB

 

this snap ring just sits on top of the planet does not actually snap in anywhere. it's sole purpose is to separate the band from the planet so they don't rub. it's not an extra or a mistake