Need help to swap a transmission

[Tranxmetal]

My transmission actually is a 4R55E, attached to a 4.0 OHV engine, a friend of mine offer to sell me from a wrecked Explorer involved in a rear collision accident a totally reconstructed 5R55E transmission. My question is: Can I swap the transmission with no major problems? The engine fits the bell housing (bolt pattern) and the supports for the 5R55E? The electronic connectors are the same? Thanks a lot, Im new in this and any kind of information is very valuable to me.

 

[PopRichie77]

I believe the answer is yes, internally they are similar except you have to change the EPC an TC solenoids to match the computer. Search the forum, others have done this. I would use the ones from your 4R55E if they are good, or get tested used ones as new ones are very pricy, there wasn't as many 4R55E trans made as the 5R55E and the newer solenoids are cheaper to buy.

I would fine a post where someone has actually done this or another opinion before doing it.

 

[PopRichie77]

I found this post, it seems that along with the EPC and TCC solenoids that the DTR sensor and the valve body separator plate have to be changed and if the explorer has a SOHC engine the bell housing has to be changed also.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334448&highlight=Swap+4R55E+5R55E

If you have little or no transmission experience it might be best if you didn't try this swap. It's not just a direct bolt in swap, there are parts that have to be changed to make it work. You decide.

 

[Tranxmetal]

Thanks a lot POP RICHIE, in fact, I asked for the whole stuff from the donor vehicle, I have experience in some Chrysler and Chevy transmissions, but is my first Ford repair (or replace) and this is a opportunity to me, the actual transmission 4R55E have serious problems, it costs about $600-700 dlls the whole rebuilt including the mounting issues, and the 5R55E my friend offers to me is for about $250, he shows me notes when the transmission was rebuilt six months ago, I checked exhaustive and looks same, but you know, more information is more secure to do the job! Thanks.

 

[PopRichie77]

Yes, physically they look the same but internally they are not the same. These are fully computer controlled transmissions. The 4R55E is a 4 speed and the 5R55E is a 5 speed but it's the 5R55E computer that makes it a 5 speed. The solenoids and other parts mention above are matched to the 5R55E computer. The wiring from a SOHC engine has to be modified to make it work on a OHV engine, it is easier to change the parts in the 5R55E trans and use it as a 4R55E. I would suggest getting both transmission manuals before starting. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

 

[snoranger]

I found this post, it seems that along with the EPC and TCC solenoids that the DTR sensor and the valve body separator plate have to be changed and if the explorer has a SOHC engine the bell housing has to be changed also.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334448&highlight=Swap+4R55E+5R55E

If you have little or no transmission experience it might be best if you didn't try this swap. It's not just a direct bolt in swap, there are parts that have to be changed to make it work. You decide.

There is no reason to swap the bell housing. The bolt patterns are almost exactly the same. The 5r55e has both bolt patterns. (there is only 1 bolt thats in a different spot, to accommodate the timing chain on the SOHC.)

I'm running a 4r55e behind a SOHC. Its bolted up with only 7 of the 8 bolts, but I havent had a problem.

 

[Asploderfan]

I'm swapping my daughter's 4R55E out of her '96 w/4.0 for a '97 5R55E. I am unclear as to whether I can leave the bellhousing on the '97 trans when I stick it in there. Yes/no?

 

[snoranger]

I'm swapping my daughter's 4R55E out of her '96 w/4.0 for a '97 5R55E. I am unclear as to whether I can leave the bellhousing on the '97 trans when I stick it in there. Yes/no?

The 5r55e bell housing has both the OHV and SOHC bolt patterns. (Its only 1 bolt different.)

 

[PopRichie77]

snoranger, since you have done this, only the opposite way, did you have to change the solenoids?
Not sure the 5R55E EPC and TCC solenoids will work with a 96 computer. I have read that they won't?

 

[snoranger]

My swap is a little different, I made hte engine work with the wrong computer. I'm running a SOHC, 4r55e, and a EEC-IV computer from an OHV. The computer I'm using is the right one for that trans, so I have no issues. (Other then the 2 4R55Es I've blown up in the past year or so.) I have a 5r that I was going to attempt to swap in, but I picked up a new daily driver. I'm going ahead with the Cumimins swap in this truck and dump all my spare 4.0l parts.