5R55S buy used or try and rebuild-low on cash

[rwt101]

I have a 2005 Explorer with a 5R55S trans. Has the typical problems no reverse missing some forward gears ect.. I just finally got it out. As are a lot of people I am low on money. I am or was a ASE certified Master medium heavy duty truck technician. So do you think I should try and find a used one or dive into this one and rebuild it. I have not messed with auto trans much at all. Years ago I did some. I am now 72 so things have changed a lot.
Bob T

 

[drdoom]

Bob you could DIY but there are some special tools required and of course one of those is the reamer set for the servo bores. Just something to calculate in. Best wishes.

 

[rwt101]

The servos are one of the important areas for sure.
Bob T

 

[drdoom]

Bob there is a member on here who purchased a main case with upgrades on eBay for around $250-350...not cheap but something to consider when you run the numbers.

 

[rwt101]

That would be a possibility. I did see a few on ebay. It's going to be costly anyway I go.
Bob T

 

[Number4]

I was quoted $90 to do the servo bores if I brought the case in.

Also, the bell housing is different between the V8 and V6, in case you locate a used one.

 

[mmasire88]

I would suggest rebuilding, and updating the servo bores like many others have. If you buy used you may wind up up with the same issues you had before and out hundreds of dollars.

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

The ~$1500 to get a properly rebuilt one from RockAuto is a pretty solid value, especially since it comes with a new solenoid block and torque converter. Going used is a huge gamble on one of these transmissions, and by they time you have bought the tools and parts to rebuild it yourself you will not save much.

 

[drdoom]

+1 Josh, very sound advice.

 

[rwt101]

I checked with a local shop and they wanted $180 to do the servo bores. And then I got the line that they would have to check out the case and it might be more?????
Bob T

If I could only remember the password to my Swiss bank account I wouldn't have to worry about this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!