Help on Auto Transmission

[JOY]

Hello All,

Need a little help here. I have plans to change my automatic transmission fluid in a couple of days. The problem is I am unsure of what transmission kit to purchase i.e., gasket for pan and transmission fluid filter. I called the only auto part stores in the area, O’reilly’s, AutoZone and Pep Boys.

O’reilly’s asked if it was an AOT, A4LD or an E4OD transmission?

AutoZone said, “this kit is for your make of vehicle, it does not state what transmission.

Pep Boys said the same as AutoZone but told me it was an A4LD transmission.

Now I am a little confused. I thought I had a 5R55E transmission but none of the auto parts store could find info on 5R55E. What transmission do I have? What kit do I purchase for this task? Am I going to have to visit the friendly local Ford dealer on this one? Is there a website or some link on this site that gives all the Stats on each particular Explorer?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Vehicle Stats:
1997 Ford Explorer Sport
Automatic Transmission with 5 speed and Overdrive
4.0L SOHC
4X2

 

[jimbo74]

well, not sure which tranny you have, but it is not an a4ld those were the 4 speed automatics only found in the 91-94 explorers

 

[Robert]

You have a 5R55E. I wouldn't use any filter that doesn't specifically state that it is for use in a 5R55E. You can use a transmission from a 5R55E in the previous generations, just not the other way around. I picked my filters up at Pep Boys the two times I changed it. I think they were made by Purolator. I just went to the application book and looked up the filter for a '97, 5-speed automatic and went and pulled it off the shelf.

 

[Opera House]

If you can wait a while

I get my filters online. Yes, you have a 5R55E. At bulkpart.com they have a top of the line SPX (OEM and they have the patent on the design) American made filter for about $10. Autozone sells a Taiwan copy for $22 and Pep Boys sells one for 23. These come with a pan gasket. You have to order the gasket seperately at bulkpart for 70 cents if you get the filter there. No one seems to supply the O-rings anymore but they can usually be switched over from the old filter. Don't forget them or you will have shifting problems. By the way, this improved filter fits all the wau back to the A4LD. Even with shipping of $7.50 it is still cheaper. Have multiple vehicles or go in with friends and you have quite a deal.

 

[JOY]

Gettin' warmer

Preciate all who replied!

So what your saying is that I can get the correct filter from AutoZone, Pep Boys, etc. but the gasket for the pan is only available online?

Still a little hazy on this.

 

[Robert]

My Pep Boys filter included the o-rings and the pan gasket. I didn't need to reuse anything nor did I have to buy extra supplies. I did spend more than you can get everything from Bulk parts though. Problem was it was Friday evening and I decided that I would change my tranny fluid the next day. When time comes around again, I'll probably look into bulkparts a couple of weeks before I plan on changing it.

 

[Opera House]

Sorry about incorrect wording

Sometimes the brain is elsewhere. The pan gasket is always included at the chains. I've bought filters twice for the 5R55E at Autozone when I was in a rush and didn't get the O-rings. These came from behind the counter so I didn't think someone just pulled them out. Cheked a Purolator filter on the shelf at Pep Boys and that didn't have them. I used to get them included back years ago when I bought filters for thr A4LD. Sounds stupid not to include them but my experience was 3 for 3 not having them. All the more reason to check before you walk out the door. I read a post where the person asked if the new filter should have O-rings because It didn't come with them. So it's an issue people should be aware of.

 

[config]

Which Filter

How do I find out which transmission I have on my '96 Explorer XLT (auto)? I need to change my tranmission fluid and will go all synthetic this time but I don't which filter I need. Thanks!

 

[TPLYNCH]

Config - should be the 4R55E if u have the 4.0 engine, 4R70W if it's the V8. Here's a reference page Dead Link Removed