Automatic Transmission Guidance Needed

[helper]

I have a friend with a 96 XLT 4x4 4.0L Explorer. His transmission is making lots of noise and reverse is gone. It is his family's only vehicle :-(
I want to try to help him find a good, cheap replacement automatic transmission. What years/models are interchangeable without adapting wiring etc? We are capable of doing a transmission swap if everything plugs and fits the exact same as the original. Any guidance would be very much appreciated from you Explorer experts!

 

[Xplorer82]

what trans is in there now? if you dont know check the door sticker and find the code for the trans then check the thread below, find your code in it and you'll know what trans your working with.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239360

if you want a direct swap, check craigslist(or where ever) for the trans that is in there now. i am not a "trans guy" so im not sure what all will bolt straight up.

good luck.

 

[safn1949]

My understanding is that the 4.0 tranny is no prize so you need to be careful what you buy.If you get one from a junk yard make sure they guarantee it works.So if it doesn't they will exchange it.
Then get it serviced,drop the pan,new filter then pay to have it completely flushed and it will last a lot longer.I still have the original in my 94 and have no problems because I take care of it.A tranny cooler is a good idea also.

Define cheap transmission.

 

[helper]

I checked the door jam and it showed "T"
T= (1992-1995) ..... A4LD
His is a 96 but I guess since it was manufactured in 95 that makes sense???

So I guess I just need to figure out if the wiring etc. is the same for 92-95. Anyone???

I'm sure a lack of maintenance contributed strongly to the transmission's demise. He'll probably learn a lesson and maintain the next one though. In regards to how cheap, I should have said I wanted to find him the best deal I could on his limited & currently undefined budget.

 

[Xplorer82]

My understanding is that the 4.0 tranny is no prize so you need to be careful what you buy.If you get bone from a junk yard make sure they guarantee it works.So if it doesn't they will exchange it.
Then get it serviced,drop the pan,new filter then pay to have it completely flushed and it will last a lot longer.I still have the original in my 94 and have no problems because I take care of it.A tranny cooler is a good idea also.

Define cheap transmission.

good catch on one from a junkyard. always buy their warranty, just in case.

another GREAT idea is a external trans filter. im so glad i added one.

i still got the original trans in my 97 as well, 207k miles on it .

 

[safn1949]

Well the good news is that a tranny from a 1rst gen explorer should fit if the wiring matches up so there will be more of them out there.But finding a good one might be hard to do.
Try not to get one with 100,000+ miles on it even if it works,going to cost $500+ I would think for a good used one at least.My understanding is $1700 for a rebuild.

 

[helper]

Okay, so I have confirmed through multiple sources that he has a 4R55E trans. I see they came in Explorers & Rangers from 1996-2001. However, does anyone know if all years are a direct fit or not? We need the electronics and wiring to match up; not just the bolts.