Transmission Band Adjustment Specification Chart

**BrooklynBay** · 02-24-2009, 09:08 AM

According to page 51 in this PDF: http://ratstangrestoration.com/5r55w-complete.pdf, it says that you tighten the bands to 120 In/LBS, then back them off 2 turns. This link has some information on your code: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...22&postcount=1

Quagmark · 02-24-2009, 09:19 AM

Thanks for your reply. I'm going to adjust the bands and see where that gets me. Do I need to get new lock nuts or can I reuse the old ones?

Thanks,
Mark

**BrooklynBay** · 02-24-2009, 09:12 PM

You could reuse the old ones if the seals are still good. Sometimes they tend to leak. New lock nuts with seals are not that expensive. You could get them from WWW.TransmissionPartsUSA.Com.

Ryancbj22 · 02-25-2009, 10:06 AM

Hello my name is Ryan, and I'm new on here. I have a question about my transmission. I have a 2001 Ford Ranger 2wd 4.0L and the trans has been slipping in high gear. When I get up to around 55 60 it will kick a few times and then all the sudden go. I noticed it does it when I'm going 65 and hit the gas kind of hard like I'm going to pass someone same thing it will kick and then take off. The same happens on a hill when I'm going 55 60 and when it goes to kick into 4th out of OD it slips. I'm pretty sure my bands need to be tighten, but I would like to be sure.

I would really appreciate it if someone could explain step by step to me how to do this. I am pretty sure I got it, but need to make sure. It seems simple enough, but one mistake could really cause a problem.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Ryan

**BrooklynBay** · 02-25-2009, 10:30 AM

Welcome to this forum! The first page of this thread has a detailed step by step procedure with photos.

Ryancbj22 · 02-25-2009, 10:33 AM

Okay thanks for the reply I just wanted to make sure it was the same for all different years of trans.

Thanks.

Pontisteve · 03-03-2009, 01:02 AM

Should the lock nuts be changed every time you loosen them up? It looks like a teflon seal, and those don't always do so well with being reused.

Also, is band tightening the kind of thing that the average joe might wish he had never gotten into? Or is it a nice, simple can't-miss situation? Great thread!

Quagmark · 03-03-2009, 07:24 AM

It's not that hard, but on my '03 explorer it was a pain to get to the bolts and they were rusted. I had to spray them good then work them a bit to get them to where they would turn easily. New locknuts are probably a good idea since they are so cheap. There is a really good step by step instruction on here that shows you how to do it. Good luck.

Mark

Pontisteve · 03-03-2009, 11:57 AM

What was stuck, the locknuts or the studs? I want to count the turns on the studs, to see how much wear there is on the bands, so hoping not to have to work them in and out.

Quagmark · 03-03-2009, 12:01 PM

Locknut.

jims99 · 03-04-2009, 05:42 PM

great thread, my symptoms are as follows.... tranny rebuilt 12,000 miles ago, it has done this since i got it back. hard 1 to 2 shift possibly 2 to 3 as well, but a smooth shift at the end. could a band be causing this problem, and would i need to pull the tranny to get to the adjuster bolts or is it possible with the tranny installed. i have checked the tps cleaned MAF and checked u-joints to im trying to eliminate one thing at a time. thanks in advance

**BrooklynBay** · 03-04-2009, 07:48 PM

The adjuster studs are located on the driver's side of the transmission, and you don't have to remove anything to get to them.

ejlawyer · 03-06-2009, 04:46 PM

Where does someone look to find the transmission type? Does it need to be on lift? I have 1994 Ranger Splash 3.0 - 4 Wheel Drive, 3 speed auto/OD - slipping in low and reverse after changing Torque Converter. Had no problems until then.
Thank you... If I can save truck by adjusting bands - That would be great!

Jay

**BrooklynBay** · 03-07-2009, 10:00 PM

You have a 4 speed A4LD transmission.

Vikane · 03-14-2009, 11:22 AM

After several DTC's I tried to adjust the bands on my 4R55E today.
The OD band went fine, but when trying do adjust the intermediate band, the bolt just disappears inwards without any resistance.
I had the bolt out to clean the threads, can anything have got out of it's place because of that, or can I assume that the band is totally worn out ?

**BrooklynBay** · 03-14-2009, 08:47 PM

Drop the pan, and check for broken band parts.

Vikane · 03-15-2009, 12:18 PM

I will have to drop the pan, seems like removing the bolt completely was a bad idea, and the "part" in the red circle has moved out of it's place.

J-Vee · 03-17-2009, 12:05 AM

If my 5R55E (w/60K miles, last flush at 55K, dealership rebuild at 28K) is slipping discretely and intermittently in 2-3 at 2300 rpms, does this sound more like a VB rebuild is in order, or just band adjustment?

Just to reiterate; dropping the pan is unnecessary in order to adjust the band? (I have an 04, 2WD, Sport Trac).

Thanks!

**BrooklynBay** · 03-17-2009, 12:10 AM

You don't have to drop the pan to adjust the bands. Try the band adjustment first. It could have leaking servo pistions.

J-Vee · 03-17-2009, 12:38 AM

Thanks again, Brooklyn'. Pardon my ignorance, but this leaking servo piston...is it fixed by adjusting the bands? If it's not related, what do I need to look for visually?

02-24-2009, 09:08 AM	#101
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,688 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	According to page 51 in this PDF: http://ratstangrestoration.com/5r55w-complete.pdf, it says that you tighten the bands to 120 In/LBS, then back them off 2 turns. This link has some information on your code: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...22&postcount=1 __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

02-24-2009, 09:12 PM	#103
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,688 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	You could reuse the old ones if the seals are still good. Sometimes they tend to leak. New lock nuts with seals are not that expensive. You could get them from WWW.TransmissionPartsUSA.Com. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

02-25-2009, 10:30 AM	#105
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,688 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Welcome to this forum! The first page of this thread has a detailed step by step procedure with photos. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

03-04-2009, 07:48 PM	#112
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,688 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	The adjuster studs are located on the driver's side of the transmission, and you don't have to remove anything to get to them. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

03-06-2009, 04:46 PM	#113
ejlawyer Wannabe Elite Explorer Middleburgh, New York 1994 Splash Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 2 Vehicle Specs	94 Ranger - type tranny? Where does someone look to find the transmission type? Does it need to be on lift? I have 1994 Ranger Splash 3.0 - 4 Wheel Drive, 3 speed auto/OD - slipping in low and reverse after changing Torque Converter. Had no problems until then. Thank you... If I can save truck by adjusting bands - That would be great! Jay

02-24-2009, 09:19 AM	#102
Quagmark Wannabe Elite Explorer Baltimore, MD 2003 Explorer 4.0L Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 24 Vehicle Specs	Thanks for your reply. I'm going to adjust the bands and see where that gets me. Do I need to get new lock nuts or can I reuse the old ones? Thanks, Mark

02-25-2009, 10:06 AM	#104
Ryancbj22 Wannabe Elite Explorer Columbus Ohio 01 Ranger Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs	Hello my name is Ryan, and I'm new on here. I have a question about my transmission. I have a 2001 Ford Ranger 2wd 4.0L and the trans has been slipping in high gear. When I get up to around 55 60 it will kick a few times and then all the sudden go. I noticed it does it when I'm going 65 and hit the gas kind of hard like I'm going to pass someone same thing it will kick and then take off. The same happens on a hill when I'm going 55 60 and when it goes to kick into 4th out of OD it slips. I'm pretty sure my bands need to be tighten, but I would like to be sure. I would really appreciate it if someone could explain step by step to me how to do this. I am pretty sure I got it, but need to make sure. It seems simple enough, but one mistake could really cause a problem. Thanks in advance for the help. Ryan

02-25-2009, 10:33 AM	#106
Ryancbj22 Wannabe Elite Explorer Columbus Ohio 01 Ranger Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs	Okay thanks for the reply I just wanted to make sure it was the same for all different years of trans. Thanks.

03-03-2009, 01:02 AM	#107
Pontisteve Wannabe Elite Explorer Florida 03 Eddie Bauer 4WD V8 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 413 Vehicle Specs	Should the lock nuts be changed every time you loosen them up? It looks like a teflon seal, and those don't always do so well with being reused. Also, is band tightening the kind of thing that the average joe might wish he had never gotten into? Or is it a nice, simple can't-miss situation? Great thread!

03-03-2009, 07:24 AM	#108
Quagmark Wannabe Elite Explorer Baltimore, MD 2003 Explorer 4.0L Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 24 Vehicle Specs	It's not that hard, but on my '03 explorer it was a pain to get to the bolts and they were rusted. I had to spray them good then work them a bit to get them to where they would turn easily. New locknuts are probably a good idea since they are so cheap. There is a really good step by step instruction on here that shows you how to do it. Good luck. Mark

03-03-2009, 11:57 AM	#109
Pontisteve Wannabe Elite Explorer Florida 03 Eddie Bauer 4WD V8 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 413 Vehicle Specs	What was stuck, the locknuts or the studs? I want to count the turns on the studs, to see how much wear there is on the bands, so hoping not to have to work them in and out.

03-03-2009, 12:01 PM	#110
Quagmark Wannabe Elite Explorer Baltimore, MD 2003 Explorer 4.0L Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 24 Vehicle Specs	Locknut.

03-04-2009, 05:42 PM	#111
jims99 Wannabe Elite Explorer Pasadena, California 99 XLT Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 126 Vehicle Specs	great thread, my symptoms are as follows.... tranny rebuilt 12,000 miles ago, it has done this since i got it back. hard 1 to 2 shift possibly 2 to 3 as well, but a smooth shift at the end. could a band be causing this problem, and would i need to pull the tranny to get to the adjuster bolts or is it possible with the tranny installed. i have checked the tps cleaned MAF and checked u-joints to im trying to eliminate one thing at a time. thanks in advance

03-07-2009, 10:00 PM	#114
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,688 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	You have a 4 speed A4LD transmission. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

03-14-2009, 11:22 AM	#115
Vikane Wannabe Elite Explorer Norway '96 XLT Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 89 Vehicle Specs	After several DTC's I tried to adjust the bands on my 4R55E today. The OD band went fine, but when trying do adjust the intermediate band, the bolt just disappears inwards without any resistance. I had the bolt out to clean the threads, can anything have got out of it's place because of that, or can I assume that the band is totally worn out ?

03-14-2009, 08:47 PM	#116
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,688 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Drop the pan, and check for broken band parts. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

03-15-2009, 12:18 PM	#117
Vikane Wannabe Elite Explorer Norway '96 XLT Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 89 Vehicle Specs	I will have to drop the pan, seems like removing the bolt completely was a bad idea, and the "part" in the red circle has moved out of it's place.

03-17-2009, 12:05 AM	#118
J-Vee Wannabe Elite Explorer L.A. county, CA 2004 Explorer Sport Trac Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 11 Vehicle Specs	If my 5R55E (w/60K miles, last flush at 55K, dealership rebuild at 28K) is slipping discretely and intermittently in 2-3 at 2300 rpms, does this sound more like a VB rebuild is in order, or just band adjustment? Just to reiterate; dropping the pan is unnecessary in order to adjust the band? (I have an 04, 2WD, Sport Trac). Thanks!

03-17-2009, 12:10 AM	#119
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,688 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	You don't have to drop the pan to adjust the bands. Try the band adjustment first. It could have leaking servo pistions. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

03-17-2009, 12:38 AM	#120
J-Vee Wannabe Elite Explorer L.A. county, CA 2004 Explorer Sport Trac Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 11 Vehicle Specs	Thanks again, Brooklyn'. Pardon my ignorance, but this leaking servo piston...is it fixed by adjusting the bands? If it's not related, what do I need to look for visually?