barryl

My work recently purchased a second hand 2011 Transit Connect (Gas-Powered US Model) with approximately 70K miles. It has blown the transmission after something like 6 months and < 10k miles traveled (the Ford tech pulled the transmission oil pan and it was filled with metal shavings). I would like to purchase a replacement transmission and potentially install it myself. I have the following questions: There are seperate parts listings for "From 1/17/11" and "Thru 1/16/11" - what is the difference? According to what I've read the transmission should be this transmission - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_4F27E_transmission Is there a model year difference? In that same train of thought, it seems that the Ford Focus 03-11 uses the same transmission, are they completely interchangeable? The powertrains seem to be vastly similar. Finally, is there anything I can do to extend the transmission life on this vehicle? It seems as if the engine/transmission were designed for fairly low loads and light usage, but we're using it as a work van to carry tools/ladders (nothing super-heavy, but non-trivial amount of weight and drag from roof-rack ladders). I briefly considered a manual transmission swap, but would a transmission cooler help? Thanks in advance.