4 and 5 speed automatic transmission

[wallygetsit]

Does the newer 5 speed automatic seem to hold up better than the 4 speed automatic? My 97 has the 5-speed with 68K and shifts great still. My 95 EB however dropped at roughtly 90K.

Is the newer 5 speed basically like the old 4 speed?

Thanks,
Justin

 

[Alec]

My understanding is that the 5R55E (5 speed auto) is basically the same as the 4R55E (4 speed auto). The difference is that a gear was placed between 1st and 2nd of the old tranny to facilitate acceleration and increase life of the tranny to avoid the sometimes harsh 1-2 shift of the 4 speed. I believe the verdict is still out on which tranny is better.

But yes, they're basically the same tranny, just the 5 speed has the "1.5" gear.

 

[Robert]

You are correct about the 5-speed auto being a modified 4R55E. However, they have the same gears, there isn't an extra gear in there. The 5R55E uses OD on 1st gear which creates a new ratio between 1st and the old 2nd. I have almost 76K on mine and it still shift like new. Considering the hard driving it is sometimes placed under, I am surprised.

 

[wallygetsit]

I've got 68K on mine right now and it still shifts like a champ. It feels odd shifting thru all five gears after driving that 95 with the four speed.

 

[RON A. M .]

AFTER READING THE REPLIES I AM WONDERING WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR TRUCK SHIFTS HORRIBLY. MY
X PLORER HAS TERRIBLE SHIFTS. I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL TO SHIFT TO SECOND AND THIRD. I WANT TO KNOW IF MY CLUTCHES ARE THE PROBLEM AS I HAVE BEEN TOLD B 4 BUT W/OUT CERTAINTY, IT SEEMS THEY MIGHT BE BURNED. I ALSO WOULD LIKE IF SOME ONE COULD X PLAIN THE GEARING RATIOS TO ME AS I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE OR HOW TO USE THEM.