04 EB 4 cheap, no reverse.

[Number4]

So I can pick up an 04 EB (V6 though...) for $2500. Maybe even $2k. 138k miles. Only issue, is no reverse. Is this a deal? Is fixing 'no reverse' a $500 job or a $2000 job.

 

[fireman5110]

Saw your post as I am researching a similar problem. My 1998 Explorer lost Reverse the other day and I have been researching extensively about the problem. It would appear to be a somewhat "common" problem with some of these Ford transmissions. I don't know the exact number of people with problem but regardless. As to your post, in researching my problem I have been quoted $1900 for a shop to rebuild my transmission, or If I pull and reinstall the tranny, it would "only" cost me $1000 for the rebuild. You may however find a transmission from a salvage yard, not sure what prices in your area but they can range from very reasonable (a couple of hundred $) to high. Of course you may get a bad one out of salvage, that's a risk you take for lower costs. Reverse going out appears to be caused primarily by the reverse band breaking. You have to take the tranny nearly completely apart to get to the band so that's why you generally rebuild the unit. You can consider driving the vehicle as is but I personally don't know about long term use of the tranny with this problem. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[Number4]

Thanks for the info. The band makes sense as well as the fact as to where it is. I guess you just don't go anywhere that'll cause you to back up? If the band is broke, doesn't sound like a good idea to have the tranny spinning.

 

[JK080]

The 98 transmission is a little different than the 04, the 04 (5R55W-S) looses reverse mostly from the lining of the reverse band comes off or the band just breaks. The 98 (5R55E) can also break the band but other reasons can be with the reverse servo and its cover or valve body issues.

The low reverse band is the first thing installed into the empty case during a rebuild so a complete tear down is required to get to it, and thats why they end up being rebuilt. The 5R55W-S tranny also has big problems with the servos that apply the other bands too. The bore that the servos ride in can wear and this will require the case to be machined and sleeved. You will want this done if the tranny is out and dismantled.

Rebuilding these can cost between 1800 to 2500 depending on how much damage it has.

 

[fireman5110]

The 98 transmission is a little different than the 04, the 04 (5R55W-S) looses reverse mostly from the lining of the reverse band comes off or the band just breaks. The 98 (5R55E) can also break the band but other reasons can be with the reverse servo and its cover or valve body issues.

I agree that it could be a servo and even considered the valve body, but in my case I heard the "clunk" after I put into reverse. After doing the google thing, I have heard other people have had the same noise under the same conditions and referred to the band as being the problem. I don't really have a place anymore to tear the tranny down so I am looking for a transmission to swap out. Actually found out a friend of mine has a 2002 Explorer he wrecked with a 5r55w tranny. From what I can tell it should work but won't know for sure until I try. As to the problem with the original post in this thread, your correct that the tranny could have a problem other than the band.

 

[Number4]

Thanks guys. The Ex looks clean and I can get a rebuilt trans (Moveras, not sure the quality) for $1400 my cost. But I like the V8's and will have no history on this V6 with 138k. Not looking to put in a trans and then have to deal with timing chains. Though at $3300 invested, I could flip it for $6k.

Not a gambling man though.

Edit: damn that Rotundra alignment tool is expensive.

 

[JK080]

I agree that it could be a servo and even considered the valve body, but in my case I heard the "clunk" after I put into reverse. After doing the google thing, I have heard other people have had the same noise under the same conditions and referred to the band as being the problem. I don't really have a place anymore to tear the tranny down so I am looking for a transmission to swap out. Actually found out a friend of mine has a 2002 Explorer he wrecked with a 5r55w tranny. From what I can tell it should work but won't know for sure until I try. As to the problem with the original post in this thread, your correct that the tranny could have a problem other than the band.

The 5R55W will not work in place of the 5R55E.