Reverse busted in my 99 Explorer Sport SOHC Auto..

[Steeda90GT]

Just earlier today I put my truck in reverse, backed up and I heard a BOOM. Every other gear works, but reverse is basically another neutral now.

My questions: How much will a tranny rebuild cost? Is this something I can do myself? I may look for junkyard transmissions, what other Explorers can I pull them out of? Also what is the transmission called?

 

[vayne]

The transmission in your truck is either a 4R70W (4 speed) or a 5R55E (5 speed). Rebuilding these transmissions isn't all that difficult, but depending on what failed inside the trans, you might be better off just putting in a new one.

 

[Steeda90GT]

Is there a way I could tell which transmission I have? It's a fully loaded Explorer Sport, every possible option with the towing package.

Either way how much do these transmissions cost new?

 

[chrisis]

if you have the 4.0 sohc engine you should have the 5r55e transmission.

to buy a brand new transmission is way to much than rebuild the existing one for around $1500.00

my 96 explorer with the 4r55e transmission is doing a similar noise when is uphill and i'm trying to back off, but only when i put reverse uphill.

i hope somebody from here can help me

 

[timleedude]

Check with a local transmission shop. I would just rebuild the existing one. Price can range from $1000-$2000 to rebuild it.. depending on the shop.. and what type of parts you put in it.. A Truly new transmission can range in the $3000+.. Most trans will be "rebuilt" models not new. This can be the time to make your Transmission higher performance with upgrades. Hope someone will post what type of "upgrades" to the transmission they recommend.

-Tim

 

[Steeda90GT]

Oh man, I didnt realize it was that much. This truck isn't worth it...it's just my daily beater. I looked up the 5r55e transmission on ebay and it goes for $795. How much would I expect to pay for install. Is it easy enough that I can do it?

 

[chrisis]

if you buy it throw ebay with shipping is going to get about 1 grand.

for a technician to install it needs around $400-$600 which again you get to $1500.00 range.

is not easy to do it alone, but is not imposible.

my opinion is to try to buy a cheap one out of a junk yard or rebuild the existing transmission.

good luck.

 

[toypaseo]

Are you sure it is the tranny? The reverse went out on my Explorer when my parent's owned it. It was the transfer case. That was not a cheap fix either :thumbdwn:

 

[Steeda90GT]

I just assumed it was the tranny, how much did the transfer cost your parents?

 

[toypaseo]

They got a remanufactured one from Ford. Not sure on price plus install though.

 

[Steeda90GT]

Well I decided to drive it to work, am I doing any damage by continuing to drive it?

 

[toypaseo]

My Dad drove 35 miles to the nearest Ford garage, but I am not sure in your case.

 

[Steeda90GT]

I just went outside to conduct more tests. The truck goes forward and drives when its in manual 1st, but reverse is like neutral. The reverse lights work too. Does knowing this help pinpoint the problem?

 

[timleedude]

If you can do the rebuild yourself, then the parts can be pretty cheap.. from $300-600.. But if you have to pay for labor to remove, rebuild, and reinstall.. then it comes out to $1000+
Either way, I would call some shops for rough estimates.. and then take it to a trans shop that can do a free repair estimate.. they will diagnose the problem for you and give you a price quote. Then you can either fix it there.. or decide on something else.
Hope you have some friends or family that are mechanics or mechanically inclined to assist you.

-Tim

 

[Steeda90GT]

Bleh, I think I'll probably just sell the truck as-is. I had a local mechanic offer me $1500 for it. Maybe I can sell it privately for $2,000 or something.