03 trans opinion

[tower]

I have a new to me 03 limited replacing my 02 xlt (see http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=359962 if interested)

The 03 is a V8 with AWD, trans code V so its a 5r55s (?) and a 3.73 LS rear with 110k.

The truck is immaculate with NO dings and only the lightest of scratches, interior is in the same shape, this speaks to how well it was maintained.

Truck runs great and drives good, I have replaced:

Rear diff fluid - truck makes NO noise from the rear before or after, fluid was not new but not bad.

Front diff - no noise before or after, OEM fluid very dark.

Transfer case - truck was making very small shutter and on very tight turns it would bind a little before after all is fine - fluid very dark with very very dark "stuff" that settled to the bottom of container not solid just darker and thicker then the rest.

Transmission:

Here is the problem truck now drives great but it shifts well lazy like it is "granny shifting" and sometimes it bangs into 3rd, only when you are say "on the power" in 2nd and at a high RPM let of the gas it will bang on the up-shift. Also 5th does not "feel" right like it is loose or something, it almost feels like a U-joint is bad (there is no bad u-joint) like there is slake when you come on or off the gas in 5th.

Now I am no stranger to this tranny my 02 gave me 247K on the original one and is in-fact still going strong but I did have some problems when it was new and some when it was around 110k (solenoid block).

I am planning on doing a pan drop and changing the solenoid block, filter and band adjustment as routine maintenance and was thinking about replacing the valve body as well. I have also read up on the Servo Bore problem and it's fixes. I will have a week of down time in a few weeks and would like to do the tranny work then.

I guess my questions are

1 - Should I change the vale body?
2 - Should I change the intermediate and overdrive servos/pistons with the ones with the o-rings?
3 - Should I just change the filter, fluid and solenoid block do a band adjustment and just see what happens?

I know 3 is the easy answer but I have a week off and would like to get it done then as down time on my truck is a bad thing.

Transmission history (car fax)

06/04/2007 49,536 Metro Ford
Raynham, MA

Automatic transmission pan gasket replaced
Automatic transmission checked
Body computer/module checked
Body electrical system checked
Automatic transmission replaced
Transmission overhauled
Valve body replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module
reprogrammed
Transmission shift solenoid(s) replaced
Tire condition and pressure checked
Battery/charging system checked
Maintenance inspection completed
Oil and filter changed
Valve body overhauled/resealed


08/04/2010 85,766 Metro Ford
Raynham, MA

Front brake pads and rotors replaced
Tire condition and pressure checked
Axle shaft replaced
Maintenance inspection completed
Brakes checked
Battery/charging system checked
Front wheel bearing(s)/hub(s) replaced
Automatic transmission fluid flushed
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Recommended maintenance performed
Tires rotated and balanced


THANKS

 

[PopRichie77]

No opinion, but will comment. I see the trans was previously overhauled, a good overhaul would have included installing brass sleeves in the servo stem bores, if this was done there should be no need for the o ring stem servos which are expensive, so buying them ahead of time is up to you.. Also the valve body was replaced, probably do to contamination, that shouldn't be the case now, but replacing is again up to you. Replacing the solenoid block, yes, as electrical parts can go bad at any age.

 

[tower]

Thanks PopRichie I am leaning that way but I doubt they sleeved the bores but it would be great if they did, I don't think I can check without removing them.

It worries me that a flush was done 36k after the rebuild, I would think they would have only done that if there was a problem and I am sure they did not replace the filter.

I am thinking of doing the VB in hopes that is will help with the lazy shifts, I am not racing the truck LOL but I would like firmer shifts.

The solenoid block has 60k+ is that seems to be close to their life cycle, so while I am in there might as well change it but I don't know if that will fix what I am feeling or not.

 

[PopRichie77]

You should be able to see the ends of the brass bushing with the pan removed but that still ties the Explorer up. Who knows if the valve body was actually replaced, bills are sometimes padded to make it look like a lot was done. I also like firm shifts, but some people like the soft, mushie stuff, but it does nothing for long life. I guess how deep your pocket book is will determine what you replace and putting in new won't hurt anything.

 

[tower]

Just an update, changed solenoid pack, filter, fluid (7 quarts) and did a band adjustment.

Shifts like new

 

[nuse]

Just an update, changed solenoid pack, filter, fluid (7 quarts) and did a band adjustment.

Shifts like new

I plan to change my trans oil and filter.
Does it take 7 quarts to refill just the drain pan, or does this also include the torque converter? Do you recommend drainning the converter as well.

 

[tower]

It was 7 for a pan drop, filter and solenoid change. No plug on the converter so I could not change it but would have if it had one.

I got at least a quart extra out because of the solenoid.