New or Used 5r55E?

[Strimustang]

Ok guys I need some advice here. I am not very good with automatic transmissions and I have a 2000 Explorer with the 5r55e trans. (i believe) How can I definately tell what trans I have? My trans slips badly and barely moves. For the gurus here are there any tricks or parts that fail on these. I would LOVE to just do a rebuild on the valve body but I doubt I am ready to take that on. I dont have the dime to drop for a new/rebuilt trans and I hardly trust one from a salvage yard.

I have the mechanical ability to replace this trans and can get my hands on a wrecked 99XLT explorer that was rolled over. So I can physically put this on in and drive it to feel it is in good working shape. I can get this for 300.00. The guy bought it from the woman who rolled it and she said it was rebuilt not long ago but there are no papers for the rebuild. However, I can drive it so that is a plus. So what would you do if you were in my spot? Get a used one, rebuild or try and fix yourself? Advice is appreciated.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could buy a valve body from http://www.800700tran.com/prod.itml/icOid/80, and install it if you don't feel comfortable rebuilding your old one.

 

[Strimustang]

Brooklyn, I have been reading as much as I can and you seem to know your stuff on transmissions so thanks for responding and taking the time. Like I said I can work on cars but dont know jack about transmission. Would a new valve body fix a shot and very badly slipping transmission? I played around with one of my old mustang transmissions and the valve body doesnt seem all that hard to R/R. ?? Thanks.

 

[Strimustang]

What about the clutch bands? Shouldnt those be junk too?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's always possible that there is internal damage, but the valve body is worth a try before you decide to rebuild everything. I had a transmissions with internal parts in excellent condition, and it didn't work because the valve body was severely clogged with fragments. There is a sticky thread in the transmission section called the 5R55E valve body rebuild diary that you should read first before replacing any parts.

 

[Strimustang]

Good to know. Thanks for the response. I will read up on that thread. If the fluid smells bad is that only caused by burnt clutches or just dirty fluid?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The fluid could get a burned smell if it always runs hot or over heats. It should have a bright red color.