2001 XC70 replacement transmission options? - check

slicker · Post by **slicker** » 01 Aug 2015, 21:39

Hi,

I bought a 2001 model year XC70 with a transmission in parts. I always intended to source a complete transmission to replace it rather than attempt repair. Apparently the transmission in parts has multiple problems.

Before I source something on eBay I want to check my assumptions are correct.

1. The original is a 55-50SN. I know wikipedia says that AWD transmissions are supposed to be 55-51 but I think that is current. In 2001 there was no 55-51, correct assumption?

2. Limit to a 2000-2002 AWD model. Later 55-50 transmissions have different valve bodies and are not compatible with the rest of the vehicle control systems. I know the reliable Precopster questions this, but nobody has proved otherwise.

3. Restrict the selection to AWD donor vehicles because they heve the transfer shaft available to the bevel drive. Correct?

4. So that leaves me selecting a transmission from an Series 2 AWD '01 or '02 V70, XC70 or S60. Correct?

Thanks for your indulgence. I know there has been plenty of discussion on this topic I'd rather check my assumptions before purchasing.

slicker · Post by **slicker** » 02 Aug 2015, 00:19

Perhaps other factors are engine size (e.g. 2.4) and turbo/non-turbo. Not sure about these.

jerseykat1 · Post by **jerseykat1** » 02 Aug 2015, 06:41

im in the same boat as you. i am about to purchase a 01 xc70/v70 xc whatever it is... and it needs a trans. ebay used units are 900+ dollars shipped. im trying to figure out if i can rebuild what i have myself for less. going to call a few local tranny shops on monday to see that they charge to overhaul it if i take the trans out myself.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 04 Aug 2015, 10:40

1) My 2001 did not have an 55-50SN, but a 55-50. I understand the difference is a no awd unit has a different case half to keep the right drive shaft in place. I do not see why you could not swap this part from your existing parts bin.

2) My 2001 had a valve body with NO markings, I have seen posts from people that have had an "A" marking. differences are slight. That said, I understand from what I have read that Volvo has only one replacement unit and it is the latest one. I would make some calls, but it seems with the latest software update, a newer valve body model could be made to work. Again, you can always rebuild your current valve body with the TransGo kit and use it. If the valve body is taken apart, by using the instructions and the valve body from any donor transmission valve body you can rebuild it correctly. It is not that complicated. In the end, you would have two valve bodies, one having non rebuilt solenoids, but you can buy Rostra's here. Usually the solenoids are the problem component.

3) This is addressed in #1. You can double check by digging into the AW parts diagrams.

4) Two issues here, transfer shaft case style, and valve body marking. Reading above you will see no clear answer but you can work around.

slicker · Post by **slicker** » 05 Aug 2015, 03:28

Thanks SuperHerman.

I'm assuming replacing an AWD transmission with another transmission will mean the cases are the same. I'd hate to pull a transmission apart to change cases.

The comment that the only other difference is the valve body is encouraging. So swapping could resolve that. Plus putting a Rostra kit in (I've done that on my V70) isn't difficult.

The original transmission part number is 9480897. I beleive 8251617 is an equivalent. I see other part numbers on eBay. I wish there was a reference somewhere describing the differences.

Post by **JRL** » 05 Aug 2015, 05:55

01 or 02 ONLY

Post by **precopster** » 05 Aug 2015, 06:39

There are a couple of different valve bodies even for the 2001 MY. My 2001 XC70 has a different part number to yours starting 863xxxx

Get Vida and find out what you're supposed to have in there.

I do question the whole transmission compatability thing but have come to realize that Volvo kept fitting different SLT, SLS & SLU solenoids into their transmissions. The Rostra catalogue lists a ton of variants. Solenoids 1 through 5 share part numbers but those others I mentioned are all over the place depending on year and body type.

Post by **abscate** » 06 Aug 2015, 04:28

Isn't buying a 2001 punishment gluttony?? These cars have bottomed out on the depreciation curve, so buying something away from this troublesome year would make sense.

I'm not saying to throw away a 2001 that needs a trans, but to buy one needing trans work just seems to be a high resistance path. We have to be close to where Volvo will Obsolete parts on these.

Post by **JRL** » 06 Aug 2015, 06:08

abscate wrote:We have to be close to where Volvo will Obsolete parts on these.

We already are there.
Many P2 parts (mostly trim parts right now) are not made anymore and haven't been for a couple of years now)!
Legally a manufacturer only has to make and import parts for 10 years

slicker · Post by **slicker** » 06 Aug 2015, 15:34

Thanks for the responses.

I have a VIDA so I know the transmissions suggested for this vehicle. They are a subset of the ones available. I think one differentiator is variety of engine (T3, etc...). The Rostra catalog lists lots of solenoids for the transmissions but not which ones they go into. Great suggestion though but I haven't been able to find any catalog that has all the transmission types, with ratios, engine type, valve body, solenoid ....

Too late, I bought the 2001. Putting a replacement transmission in it is still worthwhile - just.