2000 5r55E ... Questions for the Guru's.

[N8IWS]

Here is the deal ... I have found a 2000 5r55e trans with 6000 miles on it to put in my failing 1999 Sport. It comes with the transfer case. Before I install it, should I put in a Superior kit, Transgo or what? I am thinking about adding the external filter kit, just in case I have some garbage still in the system after flushing. My trans currently still works, just at 125,000 miles, the 2 - 3 flair issue still occurs even after installing the recommended repairs. Since it is out of the vehicle, I want to prep it before the install and who would know better, THIS GROUP!

While I'm at it, I'm going to do the timing chains since it started to make noise at cold start up.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you try another rebuilt valve body if rebuilding your old one didn't help? You could put a shift kit into the new one, but do you know the exact condition of it? It has low mileage, but that doesn't always mean that it is problem free. The new one might already have a shift kit if it's newly rebuilt.

 

[N8IWS]

Did you try another rebuilt valve body if rebuilding your old one didn't help? You could put a shift kit into the new one, but do you know the exact condition of it? It has low mileage, but that doesn't always mean that it is problem free. The new one might already have a shift kit if it's newly rebuilt.

Never rebuilt, removed from a totaled Explorer 4 door. I'm going to put it on a stand first to install a valve body kit right from the start. Pan has never been removed. I found a Superior Kit and a Transgo Kit on Ebay, which one is best? I plan on towing with this once I get the trans replaced, won't attempt it now, not dependable shifting. I figure this is 60 percent cheaper than overhauling mine, and can do it in a few hours compared to a few days waiting for a overhaul. I was willing to be a lab rat for the EPC solenoid but that fell through. I want to install what ever updates need to be installed before the R&R work begins. When done, I'll have a low mileage trans and transfer case.

I was considering a 2000 Sport wrecked with 81,000 miles on it for $1100.00 but the outlay of cash, will I make up the differance selling off everything else, getting it hauled home, doesn't roll, is there any other damage. It's real clean, lots of parts, lots of work. Has a SOHC engine, all works. I'm unemployed and money is tight! I still have time to decide between the two. Wouldn't have to do the cam tensioners right away!

 

[Glacier991]

If you could only do one, the Transgo might be best. In the 5R55E VB Rebuild Diary I showed both and compared them. There was some overlap and some differences. I'd also add any and all Sonnax upgrades as well. Review the FORD TSB and if applicable I'd upgrade the separator plate. The Transgo attempts to do a similar fix, and if you do the FORD tsb, you might then decide that adding only the Superior kkit is what you need to do. This is sounding confusing, the Diary shoudl help make it clearer.

 

[xFatcatx]

Are you putting in a new tranny because of the 2-3 Flare, or are there other problems with it?

 

[BrooklynBay]

That's what I thought about when I first read this. That's why I suggested a different valve body. His old transmission could be rebuilt and saved as a spare.

 

[N8IWS]

All of the above ! Almost 126,000 miles, did all of the suggested fixes, problem is still there and a new issue. When parked after driving, and then start going to the next stop, trans just slips BAD! Only way to cure this is manually shift the trans, then it cools down enough to start shifting normally. (as normally as it can be) Another quirk is turn the A/C on, same thing!

So, before it destroys itself, I'll change it and save it for a spare, rebuild it myself.

 

[N8IWS]

If you could only do one, the Transgo might be best. In the 5R55E VB Rebuild Diary I showed both and compared them. There was some overlap and some differences. I'd also add any and all Sonnax upgrades as well. Review the FORD TSB and if applicable I'd upgrade the separator plate. The Transgo attempts to do a similar fix, and if you do the FORD tsb, you might then decide that adding only the Superior kkit is what you need to do. This is sounding confusing, the Diary shoudl help make it clearer.

Excellent diary by the way, read it and re-read it again. I have all of the TSB's printed, did them without any improvements. I would like to get my hands on that EPC solenoid that was discussed, as a preventive measure right now!

 

[xFatcatx]

Well for the price I would try a reman first, you won't be wasting money if you are going to save it as a spare anyways. You could then at least try it while it is still in the vehicle. I don't know anything about tranny's compared to Brooklyn and Glacier, but I did have the 2-3 flare also.99 Sport, 75000miles, 4WD, 4.0 SOHC. I put in a New EPC, New Ford Blow Off Valve, New VB Gasket and Updated Sep Plate. I did not do a Shift Kit, which I kicked myself for later. Anyways all to no avail, Flare was still there. After 3 different Tranny Shop quotes of $1800-$2500 I dicided to try a different VB. I got mine from Central Valve Body off of ebay. They had the best looking, most professional site that I found (and best price), everyone around Portland here was trying to bend me over.....Put it in and Flare was gone. 4,000 miles now and it is still running great. And mind you I have nothing to do with Central, check around your area and online and you'll see what I mean, I beileved it to be a "known good" VB and they have a "Buy it now, or Best Offer"...... You never know, a different VB might solve your other problems to.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The bores in old valve bodies could be worn. It loses hydraulic pressure around those passages, and causes the flare. This sometimes occurs after years of spools rubbing inside those close tolerance bores. There are very expensive machines which resleeve those worn out bores, but they are not for the average do it yourselfer. You could read about this technology on the Sonnax website for more information.

 

[N8IWS]

Glaicer,

Picked up the trans today, 2000 5r55e, 6000 miles on it. Before I install it, I want to put all of the updates into it first. So far from reading I come up with a list of the following ...

XL2Z7L491AA - bracket
1L5Z7Z490-HA - separator plate fron TSB
3L5Z7M203JA - Ford Valve Body Kit

plus the regular gaskets, new filter. What else can I add to this list? I'm still unsure of the Transgo kit or Superior Kit, Sonnexx Valves to use from all of the reading. Did you do a summary of all of your efforts and develop a "master build sheet" from everything? I want a heavy duty version of this trans as I plan to tow with it along with everyday use.

Plans include a extra cooler with the external filter for protection. I was told that the transfer case is all wheel drive with low range? Doesn't sound right to me as my 1999 has the electric motor control transfer case. I would like to reuse the low mileage transfer case as well.

And today, my phone is non stop ringing, JOB INTERVIEWS finally! Got to hustle on this trans install, so I appreciate everyone's input. I love this truck and plan to keep it going until it's beyond road worthy!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the sticky called a stairway to a 5R55E diary by Bigg_Billy.

 

[Glacier991]

I'd do the superior Kit and the Sonnax mods I listed in the diary.