Replacing 5R55E questions

[Slotz00]

Hello all,

Finally took the time to get my old tranny out that has a broken reverse band. I have a used tranny from a reputable salvage yard. I have a few questions,

1) what preparations should be done to the used tranny to ready it for install?
2) is there a gasket/seal kit to install or are they all separate items? Can anyone help with actual part numbers?
3)The used tranny came with the torque converter, am I correct to use that one?

That may be it for now the truck is a 98 4.0 SOHC 4X4.

Thanks for any assistance.

Scott

 

[Torqueranger]

Sorry but most people on here will be little to no help cause they are such a huge post about upgrading the tranny and you will have to search for post instead of people just helping cause it comes up so to much...

Personal I go through these posts
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386920
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140987
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154655

 

[Slotz00]

Thanks.

I had hit most of those links you sent and also tried google for transmission replacement gaskets and such. So much info on the valve bodies and such. Even links on transmission rebuilds don't seem to show what is needed to just swap a tranny.

Oh well I'll keep plugging along I guess.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[BrooklynBay]

Don't reuse the old torque converter. Flush the front cooler along with the lines. There are several versions of rebuild kits. None of them come with hard parts such as servos, solenoids, planetaries or drums. Check WWW.TransmissionPartsUSA.Com.

 

[drdoom]

+1 Brooklyn replace that converter! Externally not much you can do, other than a valve body update and fresh filter. Beyond that you would be going internal. May want to have a new adapter housing paper gasket on hand.

 

[Slotz00]

Ugh this is going to turn out to be one of those things I wished I farmed out to someone else.

Ok on with some questions though some may be silly.

1) BB you mention flushing the front cooler lines. With the tranny out can I still do that as described in a post about hooking a hose to the top cooler line and putting in a jug and starting the engine?

2) In this whole process before it was believed a reverse band broke I purchased a upgraded reman VB from Central VB. Now that the tranny is out and I pulled the VB I cannot see any difference between the two with exception that the new one has bored holes in the retainer plugs. other then that I can't see a difference. Both have a reg VB gasket and the old one wasn't even bad. I want to swap VB's but I can't help to feel scammed as I expected to see visual differences. Anything to look for?

3) I read somewhere about drilling and draining a TC and then plugging it. I'm sure it's not a very recommended practice but anyone know anyone that has done it and had good results?

4)DrDoom I think this is what you are referring to?
http://www.manualtransmissionpart.com/315304.html

5) appears there is no actual gasket from the converter housing to the engine?

I'm tight at this point and already fighting dirty looks from the wife as I brought this truck just about a year ago and it's barley been on the road and our other cars are bugging out.

I think that's enough for now. I appreciate the assistance.

Scott

 

[koda2000]

actually, your torque converter should already have a drain plug, no hole drilling required.

there are no gaskets associated with a torque converter.

 

[BrooklynBay]

There's no gasket between the engine & bellhousing. You could flush the front cooler with the transmission in or out of the truck.

 

[bill06447]

You must flush the cooler and lines before installing the replacement trans, to get the old contaminated fluid out. I don't recall the brand, but the best cooler flush came in a large aerosol can with a hose you hooked it to one line and ran the whole can through the system. Once the replacement trans is in, then you flush the fluid from the trans and TC using the top hose/bottom hose/bucket method.

Bill

 

[BrooklynBay]

http://www.explorerforum.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/226/cat/all

 

[drdoom]

I agree definitely run a can or two of flush through there... Around here a lot of the parts houses don't even know they have it, but they always seem to pull a dusty can out of the back room. As a good precaution run a magnetic in line trans filter too, such as Magnafine or Pro King. Anything the flush misses, this will catch. FYI all transmission shops replace the radiator & external cooler when doing a transmission replacement, to prevent recontamination of the replacement unit.

 

[pingj]

About 2 months ago, my 98 Explorer had the tranny go out with 222,000 mile on it. I was lucky enough to have a friend that is a Ford mechanic and was able to take the tranny to work and have the shops transmission guy rebuild it for me. The parts cost me @ 400 bucks and his labor was only $200. I pulled and installed the tranny with my son.
I wanted to make sure I only had to do this one time, and wanted to replace the torque converter. The tech who was rebuilding the tranny checked the TC and recommended not replacing it. Especially with an aftermarket. The Ford TC is close to $1000. I have put about 4k miles on it so far and it shifts like it is new.

 

[Slotz00]

I picked this up today and will run it through.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...lush-and-filter-kit-tfk1/5150002-P#fragment-3

Past that I have not decided on the TC. Belt on my Sentra went today on my way to work setting me back more.

I appreciate all the replies. I am real curious though on the VB I got from central VB. What should I be looking for in regards to upgrades?

These are the listed sonnax upgrades
4R/5R55E Large ratio boost valve and sleeve
End plug kit(7 plugs with o-rings)
Elevated pressure regulator spring
TCC regulator sleeve
Pressure regulator sleeve