Looking to buy a new trans - what is a "tag ID/numbers?"

[08EddieCA]

Hello,
I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on a new trans. I can see, for example on rockauto, it will list the transmission for 4WD 5R55S. Then the description will add a TAG number or ID. What is this? I'm stumped.

I have a 2008 Explorer Eddie Bauer, 4.0, A4WD, Build date in late 2007, 126,000 miles.

It's time for the new trans. My wife is tired of pushing the Explorer when I need reverse...

 

[Explorer_PL]

Eddie -
as you know I went thru the same dilemma few weeks ago, mine is 07 with 4.0 4wd so basicaly same thing. It lost reverse and some of the forward gears at 116k, I guess 100k is the "magic" number for 5r trannies
I shopped around and ended with Street Smart for $ 1,820 incl shipping. How much is from Rock Auto ?
All I needed to provide was VIN, and had a re-manufactured unit within 2 days. There is my post somewhere.

 

[08EddieCA]

Rockauto is $2,037.79 which includes $450 for the core and includes return shipping of core, not shipping of the new trans (Powertrain Solutions).

Shipping to Los Angeles is $236.99 by way of freight. My net should be $1,844.78 incl shipping and return of core (assuming a return of $450 for the core).

I'm looking at $1,000 for installation which includes oil, new trans oil lines, a new external oil cooler with a therm triggered fan (temp gauge in cabin), and not a new radiator. I'm providing the parts. Reputable shop. A little pricing but quick and familiar with explorers (what trans shop isn't, LOL).

Thank you.

 

[08EddieCA]

Eddie -
as you know I went thru the same dilemma few weeks ago, mine is 07 with 4.0 4wd so basicaly same thing. It lost reverse and some of the forward gears at 116k, I guess 100k is the "magic" number for 5r trannies
I shopped around and ended with Street Smart for $ 1,820 incl shipping. How much is from Rock Auto ?
All I needed to provide was VIN, and had a re-manufactured unit within 2 days. There is my post somewhere.

What maintenance schedule are you going to follow? I was thinking of a pan drop and filter change at 5,000 miles then every 15,000 - or yearly. Did you add an in-line filter?

I'm thinking Ford should have been more aggressive in their maintenance schedule of these trans. Plus, if the unit cost included the cost of a trans oil cooler fan, I wonder how many explorer's would still be on the road and the saved expense to the customer.

 

[Explorer_PL]

5,000 sounds like good idea.
No in line filter, I spoke with a tranny shop when I was shopping around, and unless you have the "screw in" type (gravity type), the inline ones get clogged easily. Also, they told me once you cut the lines, and use rubber houses, they will eventually leak.
15,000 k will not hurt but it' an overkill I think, but maybe that's what 5r55 needs.

This morning I clocked 235,000 on my 06 with original 6r60, and I changed fluid there every 60k, and the filter for the first time at 210k.

 

[08EddieCA]

I hear you on the in-line filter. That would suck to have a new set-up burn up due to a clogged filter. I never thought of it getting clogged.

I think I'll plan on a pan drop at 5K then at 20K (net 15K) then every 30K. If it costs me less than $100 yearly to keep this trans running, I'll do it.

Did you get estimates to install? I'm wondering how my $1,000 estimate compares with yours???

 

[Explorer_PL]

$ 1000 sound just right with all the extra you are getting. I had my teenage son do most of the work on ours with my help in our driveway. It was a good summer project since it will be his car when he gets licence next year. He likes turning wrenches.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums...ot-a-remanufactured-unit.449796/#post-3557684