Question about V8 trannies and durability

[geosnooker2000]

I am in the market for a new Ex. It needs to be 4X4, leather, etc... all the things we prefer as individuals, I've used as refining search criteria. The one thing I want some advice on is what year/tranny. I know I want a V8 for the durability; especially the transmission durability. But if I get a 3rd gen 4.6L V8, it's got that 5R55s or 5R55w. I KNOW the 5R55e is a POS. I had that with my '96 EB V6. BTW, I just got rid of it, and it was getting the early signs of the cracked heads... Another reason I want the V8. Not as big of a problem, right?

I mean, have they ended up with a decent product with the s and w versions of the 5R55? And what do the s and the w stand for anyway. I thought the e stood for electronic? Is that right?

From what I've gathered from this site, it would be low risk getting the 2nd gen 5.0L because of the 4R70W. But what if I just want the newer truck with the updated look? Is the 5R55s or w acceptable? Or are they too new/young to know yet?

Sorry to be so long-winded. I suppose I could have just said: Durability issues between 4R70W and 5R55W - GO!

 

[Jumpjets]

I am currently replacing my 5r55w at 95k miles. I have a v6 though.

 

[1992fordgreen]

5R55E transmissions are pretty lousy overall. The 4R55E's are solid. At least, that is what I've experienced. My 96 Ex just got it's original transmission rebuilt. Original transmission had 197k and hadn't been touched since assembly day.

You stated that your 96 had a 5R55E? Impossible. 5R's came out in 1997 Explorers. You must be thinking of the 4R. The 4R55E's came in the 1995-96 Explorers.

GL on your decision.

 

[geosnooker2000]

5R55E transmissions are pretty lousy overall. The 4R55E's are solid. At least, that is what I've experienced. My 96 Ex just got it's original transmission rebuilt. Original transmission had 197k and hadn't been touched since assembly day.

You stated that your 96 had a 5R55E? Impossible. 5R's came out in 1997 Explorers. You must be thinking of the 4R. The 4R55E's came in the 1995-96 Explorers.

GL on your decision.

You are correct. My mistake.

I had my '96 rebuilt from original at 190K+. It had to be rebuilt again 14K later, and again at less than 12K later. The 2nd rebuild I had done by Colman Taylor. They did it right. I drove it about another 40K, and it started showing signs of failure again. It's just not durable.