98 5r55e vs older 4r55e band adjustments

[kjgces]

guys, if the internals of the two transmissions are identical, as some have stated, then why do the older units get bands adjusted to 1.5 turns vs 2/2.5 for the 5r55e. is this contributing to the 2-3 flare problem? anyone who has seen the internals of this trans might be able share a reason for the adjustments to be different. that much difference would make a lot of change assuming the servo strokes are the same... thoughts.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Some older bands such as the double wrap band are different than the single wrap band, and therefore have a different number of turns than the single wrap band. For some reason, Ford has different specifications on different years even with the single wrap band. I'm sure that they had a reason for it.

 

[kjgces]

thanks for your thoughts, i'm still having delays, slipping, and shuttering slow engage reverse. i added a pint of seafoam today to see if that will help, i am also going to try to reset the bands to the factory settings to see if it affects the timing of the bands and hopefully improve the 2-3 flare

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could have bad servo pistons if the adjustment doesn't help.

 

[kjgces]

i have been thinking that for a while, i have 163k on it, repaced the vb with a rebuilt one for a supplier in fla, did the tsb plate and blowoff valve, toreued then "retorued" the vb a few days later, still the flare and recerse come and go. the flare will get worse when it is cold, it delays and hangs then jumps into third or sometimes fourth, and reverse goes in slow and then seems to drop out if you are backing up a grade and then will come back in HARD. i have been all over the place with the bands, first at fact settings, then tighter by 1/4 turn, test, test, test, still no real improvements. i did however have it running perfectly after i FIRST installed the rebuilt vb,,, but it only lasted for a few days before the flare came back... any ideas, i think i have tried everything. kevin. i sure would like to fix this without getting a replacement trans!!!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Was the EPC solenoid replaced along with the valve body upgrades? Did you add Sonnax upgrades?

 

[kjgces]

i bought a complete vb from tranzmissions in florida, it came complete and i did the ford sep plate with bonded gaskets and the upgrade that had the blowoff valve. with that in mind, i think, yes, i "did" change all the solenoids. i did not do any sonnax upgrades. glacier suggested i take it apart again and retorque the vb, i did that but with no improvement. the only thing that made a change for a short time was adjusting the bands. now that is not making an improvement either..

 

[kjgces]

BB, i have looked for this answer a few times but found nothing. so , i'll ask you, i'm sure you will know.. can i replace the servos without dropping the trans? if i get the exhaust out of the way can i replace the sevo pistons, will they have enough room to be pulled out.. i would think so, or.. is there something that will fall out of position if the trans is not opened up, is so, i'll be doing that next, thanks, kevin.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could replace them while the transmission is still in the vehicle, but it's hard to get to. You will need to compress the servo cover with either a special tool made by OTC or a C clamp welding Vise Grip pliers. Don't wiggle the vehicle too much or the band strut might fall out of position. It's possible to put it back if it does, but it's very difficult to get to. You will have to remove the valve body if this happens. Try to keep the vehicle level, and only replace one at a time. Replace the servo cover O ring seals at the same time. Each servo has a color coded spring with a different amount of tension.

 

[kjgces]

your the best, excellent, thanks, i'm going to order the parts today...that is the only thing left to try, thanks, kevin.