Replacement options for 4R55E

[Fatalshock]

I have a 96 Explorer 4x4 4.0l with a 4r55e that does not go into gear. It will occasionally 'catch' and go into drive, but will slip under acceleration, or randomly slip for no reason. It is not my daily driver, so the first time it happened, I parked the truck and forgot about it. Now I want to get it back on the road and really can't find a reasonably priced replacement, so I was curious what non 4x4 transmissions (if any) may work as a replacement. I understand only the 95's and 96's had my specific transmission, so I'm finding used ones few and far between, and typically way overpriced...I'm not making the money I once made after all. I have found several good deals on 5r55e's, and have heard of other transmissions that will bolt to the 4.0. What are those options? I have read on this site that the 5r55e is not much different and can work, but despite my reading I can't find what exactly needs to be done to make them compatible. Could someone clear this up for me please?

The truck has been lowered with leaf spring blocks, torsion flip, and camber kit from Explorer Express. The front drive axle is not currently attached to the transfer case essentially making it a 2wd anyway, so I don't really care to utilize the 4wd. Is there a 2wd tranny perhaps from a Ranger or Aerostar or something that would be a direct fit other than the 4r55e/5r55e's? Are the different transmission options for the 4.0 the same dimensions, or would I need the driveshaft lengthened or shortened, for example? What electrical issues would I face? Mounts different? Any knowledgeable help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BrooklynBay]

In comparison to the 5R55E, the shift solenoids are the same but the EPC & TCC solenoids are different. The separator plate, and the range sensor are different as well. The bell housing, torque converter, and starter are different too. Keep in mind that all of the parts are easy to swap. The 97 & 01 5R55E have extra sensors which are not used for your application.

 

[Fatalshock]

So if I was to get my hands on a 5r55e from a 1999 2wd Ranger, Is it feasible that between the transmission I have now and the 5r I would have everything needed to allow the trans to function properly? It would just be a matter of swapping parts around, correct?

And how about the mounting and driveshaft issues? Would these be problems for my application requiring any modification or fabrication, etc.?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Both transmissions are the same dimensions.

 

[Fatalshock]

I apologize if I'm asking to be spoon fed information here, but do you know of any existing tutorial, or step by step guide for switching the necessary components over? Something with some pictures perhaps? I'm mechanically inclined, but I rarely work with transmissions and wouldn't know a separator plate if it hit me in the face.

 

[Fatalshock]

I've read EVERY 4r55e to 5r55e thread on this site and 50% of people say you need the full computer, harness, etc. and 50% say it will work fine with the switching of some components. I'm really confused. Does anybody know for sure if this works, because although I greatly appreciate your responses, there are obviously some people on this site who have no idea what they're talking about.

Let's just say I don't care about having a 5th magical overdrive gear...does the swap function perfectly fine from 1st to 4th with reverse and neutral remaining the same if I swap no sensors over?

Meaning, if I remove the 4x4 4r55e trans in my truck, and directly bolt in a 5r55e 2wd tranny from a ranger there will be no complications? The bellhousing and starter need to be swapped and that is all? This is a lot of money for me to play tranny guessing games, and I just wanna confirm that this can be done easily, and know EXACTLY and SPECIFICALLY what needs to be done. Thank you again for all your help, but it seems every other thread on this matter gets to this point and no one ever replies.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Swap the necessary parts over from the list above. Don't transfer the computer or the main wiring harness. This will make it into a 5 speed. It will remain a 4 speed with the original wiring harness, and computer.

The separator plate is connected to the valve body. The range sensor is connected to the driver's side of the transmission, and will need to be properly aligned. The EPC & TCC solenoids are connected to the valve body. I suggest that you read the sticky thread called the 5R55E valve body rebuild diary on the top of the transmission section.

 

[95exploresport]

Did you try adjusting the bands first? a simple task you can do without pulling anything. here is a link by BrooklynBay that has plenty of detail and pics and is simple to do, takes about 15 minutes.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158160

 

[Fatalshock]

I have not tried that yet. I may try that tonight. Does a delayed and slipping drive gear sound symptomatic of bands that need adjustment? I've been reading a lot on the valve body gaskets as well, but it doesn't seem like the symptoms match. I would just pull the pan, but our neighborhood is a bit "stuffy" and would probably frown upon me having my truck on jackstands for more than a day or two, and if that's not the problem then I would hate to waste the time and money.

Thank you for the help guys, Great info..

 

[Fatalshock]

http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/...ew&current=photobucket-1574-1320355352360.mp4

link to a video I made earlier today showing exactly what my tranny is doing/not doing. Hopefully this could help you guys help diagnose what is going on here. Thanks again!

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could try to adjust the bands, but use caution not to break anything. Do you have a shift flare? it sounded like you had a few in the video clip as it started to warm up. It could be caused by a misadjusted band, leaking servo piston or a failing EPC solenoid. There is a sticky thread on shift flare issues. When was the last time you replaced the fluid & filter?

 

[95exploresport]

Yeah, I would change the fluid and filter and check the band adjustment. two simple tasks that are easy to do and you wouldn't have your truck in the air for very long. just have plenty of rags available and a good wide drip pan as changing the fluid is a messy job. Why they don't put drain bolts on tranny's is beyond me. it would be allot less mess to simply drain the trans then take the pan off.

I had that same shuttering noise (on take-off) in my last trans but I have no Idea as to what was causing it, I am guessing a slipping band?

BTW: if it happens to be a simple fix I suggest a rebuild in the near future as with anything those problems you are now having create more problems in the near future.
check out my post http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332542 as it gives all the links I reverted to do the job at a much lower cost to you if you feel so mechanically inclined. changing trans as you suggested in your first post VS a rebuilt has many pluses as you know what you have in a rebuilt one.

How many miles are on it? ( I could't see it in the clip) plus I didn't see the flashing OD light on, hopefully it is just the fluid/filter and bands

Good luck!

 

[greasemanicure]

I swapped out the 4R on my 96 with a 5R from a 97 model about four years ago. Swapped the bell housing and TC, but did not have any issue with the starter (after changing the bell housing, I guess). Works as Brooklyn Bay says. You still have a four speed with the same gear ratios as before. The fifth gear is a "1.5" gear with a ratio between first and second. That was a little over 100k ago. Having issues now but not related to the swap. You will have one sensor connector on the 5R that will not be used.

Joe