5r55w question

[rlugo87]

Hi guys,

i have just a quick question, after hours of searching i only found one explanation and im wondering if this is true. i have a 02 explorer limited 4.6, this is my first explorer and have never driven one before, my truck shift really smooth, the 1-2 shift is smooth but the rpms only drop about 500-600, i read that if your not used to the 5r55w trans this could seem funky to you as the 1st gear is over driven to produce a close ratio 2nd. is this true, is it normal to only see a 500 to 600 rpm drom from 1 to 2? thanks.

 

[BrooklynBay]

How many RPMs do you expect it to drop? Which transmission are you comparing it to?

 

[rlugo87]

i guess im used to my thunderbird with 4r70? it drops quite a bit more. its just so seemless in the explorer that i dont feel it as much as id like to i guess.

 

[BrooklynBay]

That transmission is a 4 speed while this one is a virtual 5 speed (computer controlled).

 

[rlugo87]

so what i am experiencing is normal?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It doesn't sound like anything is wrong. You're not experiencing any shift flares or abrupt shifts so it sounds fine.

 

[rlugo87]

yeah no flares or harsh shifts. for having 229k this truck runs and drives amazing. it was reported as a lemon in 03 and bought back but has since been on the road. trans shop changed fluid and filter and tried telling me the trans was toast because of a small amount of clutch material in the pan and dark fluid. i told them to get lost.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It possible that the previous owner replaced the transmission.

 

[rlugo87]

i would like to assume that, is there any way to tell? the owner before me had it since 09' @ 109k the only major repair she did was replacing the intake manifold.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Some rebuilders mark the inside of the transmission with a special paint to show that they rebuilt it. Check for this the next time you remove the pan.