Reliability of V8 drivetrain

[JoshMcMadMac]

Do you have data showing that those parts are more failure prone than with other transmissions? Seriously - an automatic transmission is a "wear point" and it will wear out. When you start talking bands, you are talking general rebuild items, and that is pretty much the same for all automatic transmissions that use them. And like most things, a never maintained tranny is more likely to croak earlier.

And yes, there are $200 fixes that will delay shelling out $2K for another 50K miles.

Every fricking rebuilt automatic starts at $1500 and goes up - that's just the cost of running them.

The 5R55W/S-series is well understood - no surprises. And frankly, in a daily driver Explorer, I don't see a reasonable alternative. It would be really cool if someone could work through a 6R-seriese retrofit - but after reading one fellow's work it looks way beyond the capability of your average home mechanic.

Get your panties out of a wad. Spend any amount of time reading around here, you will see the common denominators of transmission issues...to include bands breaking, not wearing. I forgot to mention the valve body, which has a few places for improvement too.

Maintenance is one thing, but the preponderance of 50k-60k mile transmission failures on the 3rd gen Explorers clearly goes beyond that.

That said, the point you are missing is that I agree with you that it is (as a whole) a good transmission. Get a remanufactured unit with all of the issues addressed from RockAuto for ~$1600, to include the latest revision of solenoid block and a fresh torque converter. Swap it in along with good Mercon V, and you have a transmission that will outlast the rest of the vehicle. The problem is, people have a reasonable expectation that they should not have to do that; that the vehicle should have that lifelong transmission from the beginning.

 

[2000StreetRod]

why different?

I just checked Rock Auto and the cost for a rebuilt 2003 5R55S is $2,038 that includes a refundable $600 core charge. That's pretty decent for a complete rebuilt with a 3 year warranty. I wonder why the part number for the 2003 Explorer and the 2003 Aviator are not the same. Maybe the torque converters have different stall speeds. Or maybe the Aviator torque converter is heavier duty because of the Aviator's greater weight.

 

[dla]

Get your panties out of a wad. Spend any amount of time reading around here, you will see the common denominators of transmission issues...to include bands breaking, not wearing. I forgot to mention the valve body, which has a few places for improvement too.

Maintenance is one thing, but the preponderance of 50k-60k mile transmission failures on the 3rd gen Explorers clearly goes beyond that.

That said, the point you are missing is that I agree with you that it is (as a whole) a good transmission. Get a remanufactured unit with all of the issues addressed from RockAuto for ~$1600, to include the latest revision of solenoid block and a fresh torque converter. Swap it in along with good Mercon V, and you have a transmission that will outlast the rest of the vehicle. The problem is, people have a reasonable expectation that they should not have to do that; that the vehicle should have that lifelong transmission from the beginning.

I believe we are in violent agreement

Point #1 : Don't confuse forum chatter with "data" - not remotely the same.

Point #2 : every automatic transmission wears out. Every one. Some, like the 5R55W/S have fundamental design problems that "can" cause them to wear out earlier. (BTW, the broken bands are due to the same servo-bore issue.) Some transmissions outlast the rusted body metal of the vehicle (Jeeps). But they all wear out.

Point #3 : It has been a long time since the 5R55W has been in production and it is a well-understood device - warts and all.

I agree with you completely that a good remanufactured 5R55W/S can extend the life of your favorite vehicle for a long, long time. A great condition 2002 Explorer XLS will set you back maybe $4K, versus an brand new one at $41K. I'm one of those people willing to shell out $2K for a transmission, $300 for timing chains, and assorted nickle&dime activity to keep an Explorer on the road for 300K miles.

Thanks for the discussion!

 

[JoshMcMadMac]

I just checked Rock Auto and the cost for a rebuilt 2003 5R55S is $2,038 that includes a refundable $600 core charge. That's pretty decent for a complete rebuilt with a 3 year warranty.

Do not forget that there is a 5% discount code for RockAuto, as well. That knocks ~$70 off, then add $150 for shipping. It comes out to ~$1520, then factor in the cost of transmission fluid and you can DIY for right at $1600. Really a pretty solid deal for what you are getting, like you said.

I believe we are in violent agreement

...

I agree with you completely that a good remanufactured 5R55W/S can extend the life of your favorite vehicle for a long, long time. A great condition 2002 Explorer XLS will set you back maybe $4K, versus an brand new one at $41K. I'm one of those people willing to shell out $2K for a transmission, $300 for timing chains, and assorted nickle&dime activity to keep an Explorer on the road for 300K miles.

Thanks for the discussion!

I am the same way; buy it at 10% of new, know the weaknesses and address them. Come out way ahead!

 

[Snowcone]

My 02 has 260,000kms on it and I regularly tow 3,000kg
I have only had the shift solenoids fail and have now fitted the upgraded ones.
I never use overdrive when towing though as it struggles too much.

 

[rwt101]

cancel

 

[Number4]

I've asked this over and over, too darn bad we can't put the 4R70 in an Expy and get it to work! If I had the time and money I'd try it! The 4R70W in my 02 F150 has 228,000 miles on it and shifts like butter!

http://www.fbperformance.com/Techni...erting-the-Ford-5R55S-to-the-4STB-E-AODE4R70W

It's always just a matter of money.

I wonder why the part number for the 2003 Explorer and the 2003 Aviator are not the same. Maybe the torque converters have different stall speeds. Or maybe the Aviator torque converter is heavier duty because of the Aviator's greater weight.

After market, I show the same TC for the Ex and the Aviator.
Proking: FM1388

 

[riverdawg]

I guess I've been very unfortunate with my 02 XLT v-8. I've had the trans rebuild twice. Apparently the rear axle bearings have gotten better because I haven't had to replace those in a while. Probably replaced them 3 times in the 8 or 9 years.
I wonder if it also has a software problem. Every since I bought it in 03, when the weather warms up it will occasionally hang up and not shift from 2nd to 3rd until i either lift off the gas or it goes up to 3500 to 4000 rpm before shifting. I guess I've noticed that less often now after the second rebuild. I love the truck and have around 150k on it now. I was hit about 2 years ago and insurance wanted to total it but I talked them into fixing it.

 

[Snowcone]

I guess I've been very unfortunate with my 02 XLT v-8. I've had the trans rebuild twice. Apparently the rear axle bearings have gotten better because I haven't had to replace those in a while. Probably replaced them 3 times in the 8 or 9 years.
I wonder if it also has a software problem. Every since I bought it in 03, when the weather warms up it will occasionally hang up and not shift from 2nd to 3rd until i either lift off the gas or it goes up to 3500 to 4000 rpm before shifting. I guess I've noticed that less often now after the second rebuild. I love the truck and have around 150k on it now. I was hit about 2 years ago and insurance wanted to total it but I talked them into fixing it.

I have also gone through several sets of front and rear wheel bearings and a pair of rear struts.
Did they replace the shift solenoid pack with the upgraded one? This make a big difference to the shifting and stops them hanging on and flairing.
This what you need -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5R55S-5R55W...ash=item1e6b5e9dda:g:ofgAAOSw~bFWMvJ9&vxp=mtr