2000StreetRod
Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- May 26, 2009
- Messages
- 10,597
- Reaction score
- 342
- City, State
- Greenville, SC
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 00 Sport FI, 03 Ltd V8
When I told my local transmission builder that I was thinking about purchasing a second generation Explorer he advised me to get one with the 4R70W transmission instead of the 5R55E. He provided me with technical reasons why but I didn't understand them at the time and have since forgotten them. In general he said he could add mods to make the 5R55E stronger but not as strong and reliable as the 4R70W.
My 2000 Sport had 150,000 miles on the odometer when I purchased it in May, 2009. I told my wife that the engine and transmission would probably have to rebuilt in a year or two. Unfortunately, both predictions have come true to some degree. My SOHC V6 rear timing chain guide broke in less than six months (which I have repaired) and this past week I detected an abnormal upshift.
A check of the ATF level revealed that it was just above the maximum on the dipstick so I replaced my remote ATF filter. That dropped the level to just below the minimum. I drove the vehicle on some errands this morning and when the ATF was cold I detected a soft 3>4 upshift. As the ATF temperature increased a significant flare began to occur on the 2>3 (I think) upshift. The flare is much more noticeable now possibly because of the lower ATF level or because of rapid deterioration.
In the next few days I will perform a data log to determine for sure which shifts have a problem. I have read some of the forum posts regarding the 2>3 flare symptoms and what to replace to correct the problem. I'm hoping to get by with replacing the EPC solenoid and rebuilt valve body myself.
Since I plan to perform a double powertrain swap in the near future, I don't want to spend the money to have the 5R55E completely rebuilt. I'd much rather spend the money on the rebuild of the to be acquired 4R70W.
My 2000 Sport had 150,000 miles on the odometer when I purchased it in May, 2009. I told my wife that the engine and transmission would probably have to rebuilt in a year or two. Unfortunately, both predictions have come true to some degree. My SOHC V6 rear timing chain guide broke in less than six months (which I have repaired) and this past week I detected an abnormal upshift.
A check of the ATF level revealed that it was just above the maximum on the dipstick so I replaced my remote ATF filter. That dropped the level to just below the minimum. I drove the vehicle on some errands this morning and when the ATF was cold I detected a soft 3>4 upshift. As the ATF temperature increased a significant flare began to occur on the 2>3 (I think) upshift. The flare is much more noticeable now possibly because of the lower ATF level or because of rapid deterioration.
In the next few days I will perform a data log to determine for sure which shifts have a problem. I have read some of the forum posts regarding the 2>3 flare symptoms and what to replace to correct the problem. I'm hoping to get by with replacing the EPC solenoid and rebuilt valve body myself.
Since I plan to perform a double powertrain swap in the near future, I don't want to spend the money to have the 5R55E completely rebuilt. I'd much rather spend the money on the rebuild of the to be acquired 4R70W.