5R55S swap

[rocket 5979]

Rob, I'm surprised that you forgot the best 5R available so far, the Aviator 5R55.

I read elsewhere(Todd maybe) that there is a difference in how the N model achieves 2nd and 3rd gear, synchronized versus non synchronized. That is part of the strength inherent in the AOD's(4R70W), using a band versus clutches for certain gear changes etc.

I didn't mention the Avi tranny because I don't have any personal experience with them.

Yes, the nonsynchronous way of shifting versus synchronous helps eliminate any possibility of RPM flare between shifts. One is "gripping one and then letting go of the other" at the same time. The other "lets go and then grips" very shortly after which requires better choreography. That is usually fine and dandy until the PCM gets confused on occasion. If you are hard on the gas then there will be a flare in the RPM's and then the trans will lock into gear in a jolting manner.

The internals in the 4R70W & 4R75W are beefier than those in the 5R series trannies too when in stock form.

 

[rocket 5979]

ps. It's always nice when the Mustang crowd shares a design with us Explorer folks....those guys have a larger percentage of gearheads and techies and come up with some great stuff and ideas.

You are right it feels good to get an idea and not have to think of it. However, you might be quite surprised by how many ideas they take from us.

 

[Glacier991]

The internals in the 4R70W & 4R75W are beefier than those in the 5R series trannies too when in stock form.

Amen. The main planetary in the 4R70W and 4R75W weighs more than BOTH of the 5R planetaries combined.... reverse drums are 'close', forwards "might" be considered close... but the diff in planetary size is impressive. Plate friction material is about 50% greater (larger - more of it per plate) on the 4R70W as well.

 

[CDW6212R]

I mentioned the Aviator because it is the strongest engine installed in front of a 5R55 five speed. The ending letter I forgot, I had found the ratios online, but the gearing is extremely close to the other wide ratio 5R's, like 3.25:1 instead of 3.22:1.

 

[jah81592]

I really jumped the gun on this thread. I am planning on starting the swap 2 weeks from now. I currently have the controller,harness,everthing to complete the swap minus the driveshaft. I have to physically have the trans in the truck before I can get the measurement I need to order the shaft. As far as the linkage. The bracket mounting holes are a little different but oh well.I will just purchase one from a salvage yard.

 

[Jakee]

I really jumped the gun on this thread. I am planning on starting the swap 2 weeks from now. I currently have the controller,harness,everthing to complete the swap minus the driveshaft. I have to physically have the trans in the truck before I can get the measurement I need to order the shaft. As far as the linkage. The bracket mounting holes are a little different but oh well.I will just purchase one from a salvage yard.

Most of us know you have a full time job, a family, and a performance business.

 

[rocket 5979]

Most of us know you have a full time job, a family, and a performance business.

There's no excuses James. You will have to be sacrificed to the gearhead gods.

 

[IAmTodd]

I really jumped the gun on this thread. I am planning on starting the swap 2 weeks from now. I currently have the controller,harness,everthing to complete the swap minus the driveshaft. I have to physically have the trans in the truck before I can get the measurement I need to order the shaft. As far as the linkage. The bracket mounting holes are a little different but oh well.I will just purchase one from a salvage yard.

What will you do with the shifter since it has the D321 options?

 

[Silver X]

Sounds like a great project! Can't wait to see some results.

Will this be compatible with the 4wd trucks too? Mine has the 2hi/4hi/4low transfer case.

 

[CDW6212R]

The later trucks do use different transfer cases, the issue would be the GEM module and how the 4WD works in the late model 5R55E. The 2002+ Sport and Sport Trac may have useful parts like the GEM etc. Do they use the same 5R55E from the 4dr's?

 

[basa820]

any new updates man?

 

[jah81592]

What will you do with the shifter since it has the D321 options?

I will just try to get it to where the d and r are correct so my wife won't b**ch when she gets in it. Driveability is my main concern. I don't want anyone to be able to tell this thing has a trans retrofit just by riding in it.

 

[jah81592]

Sounds like a great project! Can't wait to see some results.

Will this be compatible with the 4wd trucks too? Mine has the 2hi/4hi/4low transfer case.

If I were to do this in a 4x4 truck I would probably use a 5r55w out of a 4x4 Explorer which is already setup for the transfer case. Purchase the standalone from me to control the trans and be done with the worries of it connecting to the transfer case. But a whole new set of problems are created as to how do you control the transfer case.-James

 

[jah81592]

Update= Truck is going under the knife this Saturday(5May2007)! There is no turning back. I have this day on my calendar and rescheduled all customers before and after this day. Complete dedication. I will definately get the trans out. My goal is to get the old one out and the new one back mounted to the engine and the torque converter connected to the flexplate. Crossmember back in. Pics will be available at that time. I just hope the new flexplate purchased will work. This project won't happen overnight and I hope to see it back on the road with in the next month. It is tough only having 24hours in the day and sleeping only 4 hours a night.

 

[rocket 5979]

It is tough only having 24hours in the day and sleeping only 4 hours a night.

Do I hear a boohoo? :

 

[CDW6212R]

Guys, is the bellhousing bolt pattern the same on the 4.0 and 4.6 engines? I'd love to have a 5R55W in my 99 SOHC truck, but I thought that the 4.6 was a whole new pattern. Is there a stand alone controller for both of the 5R's?

BTW, the GEM module controls the transfer case. If the case used is avalable for that year of truck, the GEM will work for it. The AWD transfer case doesn't need a control, just a 2WD GEM module. Regards,

 

[rocket 5979]

Is there a stand alone controller for both of the 5R's?

Yes there is and James is a dealer for that place.

You would be better served going with a similar setup to what James is doing. The tranny James has is a 5r55S but is meant for a 4.0 V6 because that is out of a 2005 Mustang V6. There should not be any reason why there would be any really large internal difference between an S from behind a 4.6 V8 and the S behind the 4.0 V6.

 

[Glacier991]

If there is anyone who really appreciates what he is doing and his plans to document it all, I'm the guy.

I am admiring what he is doing and will be delighted to see what he comes up with. Cutting edge stuff in this day and age of computer controlled trannies and all, believe me.

(As I sit here with 2 incomplete diaries and 3 more in the wings waiting)

 

[jah81592]

Guys, is the bellhousing bolt pattern the same on the 4.0 and 4.6 engines? I'd love to have a 5R55W in my 99 SOHC truck, but I thought that the 4.6 was a whole new pattern. Is there a stand alone controller for both of the 5R's?

I covered this earlier in the thread, but will rehash for those who missed it. There are two types of 5r55w's and 5r55s's, one which has the large bell housing for the v-8 and one which mounts behind the v-6 small bellhousing. The s & w are basically the same tranny with the main difference being the wide ratio gearing.

In regards to the standalone I am a dealer for Powertrain Control Solutions. It can control any speed autos. If interested I can get you pricing. As far as doing a swap for a bolt on truck I wouldn't do it. The pricing would be ridiculous for the conversion just to be swapping to another tranny. The S will only give me a lower 1st gear but the other ratio's are really similar, with the E being a 5spd auto the advantage would be minimal unless you are needing the strength. The only reason for me going this route is because I need the additional strength (I have outgrown my tranny) and I wanted to retain the minimum of 5 speeds, I have 158K on the ticker and my 5R55E has been an exceptional unit.

 

[jah81592]

In my ATSG service manual there isn't a designation between the v-6 and v-8 trans internals other than the outer case. So I am assuming that the internals are the same. I have followed a few parts and again I don't see any differences in parts between the two.

Glacier- I will be noting the differences between the trannies assembled,flexplate differences,torque converter differences,etc. There will be a hardware differences for mounting between the two. I will eventually break this one so at that time I will give it a shot on rebuilding. Lord help up all.