2-3 shift flair? Few quick repair Questions

[Joshman503]

ive been readin around on how to fix it and im still lost with all the threads so here is my question.

Can it be fixed by the purchase of a shift kit?
-If so is that all needed? what else might i need?

The reason to ask is i may be purchasing a 96 Ranger owner says that it has this problem that he described to me and sounds like the flair rev funny 2-3rd.

Just wanna know if its worth gettin and if i can fix it relativly easy.

Detailed instructions WOULD BE GREAT! have yet to find a step by step. sorry but most of the posts i have read are hard to understand and messy.

Thanks for the Help!

 

[Joshman503]

*bump*

 

[TheVarmit]

I've had the same problem with my 96 X for more than a year now and I know what you mean by confusing threads. I never got a straight answer either so what I'm going to do is call around to a few transmission shops and ask "Do you know anything about the 2-3 flare problem with an Explorer?" If they can explain what it is they'll be the one I take it to. If the shop hasn't a clue what I'm talking about I'll call the next place.

 

[Doug Fraser]

Here is the summary

This is the "grand daddy" thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140987

It's long but worth it.

This is what it says....

Ford has issued a TSB. You can just implement the TSB to address the flare.

There are a couple of kits available (not just shift kits per se) from Superior AND the Transgo that address the flare.

Finally the other fix is to purchase a reconditioned valve body from Central Valve Bodies. Ask for the Explorer forum discount. This is the route I went. Works great. No more flare.

Here is the thread that explains what is causing the flare

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174202

Good luck and good reading.

Doug

 

[TheVarmit]

Doug Fraser, thanks for the reply, sorry I took so long to respond. By looking back at the links you attached to other forums, seems like its a 5r55e transmission problem. According to one of the links, 5r55e transmissions was 1998 - on and 4r44e was 1995 - on. My X is a 1996 XLT. Does it have the 4r44e transmission, and if so, can my 2-3 flare problem be fixed as discribed for the 5r55e transmission?

 

[BrooklynBay]

A flare is basically a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure, sticking valve/spool, leaking servo piston causing a slow band engagement, slipping band which needs an adjustment or a combination of these things. To start, get a few Sonnax parts such as end plugs with O rings, boost valve with O rings, a new EPC solenoid, TransTec Viton D ring kit for the low/reverse servo, new overdrive, and intermediate servo pistons, and an EPC solenoid. A new computer tune should help too. Some shift kits address this issue with updated springs, hockey pucks with enlarged openings, and drilled holes in the separator plate.

 

[Joshman503]

So if i go the shift kit route this will help? those to companies named above make them? And thanks for the help

 

[BrooklynBay]

The Superior, and Transgo kits don't contain all of the things listed in post # 6.