Serious Transmission Question.

[Joe in NY]

Hi guys,

Ok, so my new to me Explorer has only 63,000 Miles on it. Now I have been reading your great database of knowledge and from what I gather I will have to have it rebuilt before 100K miles... Or did I read wrong?

Its a 2002 Eddie Bauer, 4.6 V8, 4X4, with Tow Package

So it should have the 5R55W right?

Because its in my Uncles shop waiting for me, should I have his transmission guy install a shift kit and do the extra oil passages? I plan using it as a daily driver and do some mild towing in the summers. I do plan on installing an extra transmission cooler in series with the factory.

Thank you,

Joe F.

 

[cross6]

Yep 5R55S (V6) and 5R55W (V8) are basically the same trans with different gearing and bellhousing.

I don't get why ford didn't use the more robust 4r70/4r75, like all the other 4.6 modular vehicles, but I digress.

I have 187K on my 5R55S and no issues. One time under warranty the solenoid pack was replaced with a fluid change, but it's never been touched since.

Weak points are the servo bore issue and solenoid pack for sure. http://etereman.com/blog/ford/commo...-and-a-few-great-suggestions-for-accessories/

I know in the mustang/thunderbird community a good shift-kit mod greatly increased the power handling of the 4r70w. I assume same holds true for this trans, since shift kits reduce slip. Make sure they know what they're doing, you usually have to drill holes in the valve body separator plate and gasket. Don't want that to get screwed up. I've always heard transgo kits suck, so I'd research brands.

Make sure they use real Mercon V. Some shops use generic ATF and add in some snake oil that claims to boost it to Mercon V specs. No good. Use the real stuff.

Make sure they know how to properly fill the trans, here's a great video by a ford tech and forum member: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOgs_zbzA5I

Here's the same guy replacing the solenoid body: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5D6m4h7fW4

The servo bore sometimes needs to be machines/sleeved, means pulling the trans. Some people go ahead and rebuild. There is a fix using a piston with an o-ring. Some claim it's a temp fix but others have had it last. My servo bore is still fine at 187K.

You also might want to check and adjust the bands: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158160

Most of this should apply as well: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386920

 

[Joe in NY]

Ok, makes sense. Take care of it, and it will last.

Another Q. How soft is the 5R55W at shifting? My friend has let me drive his 2007 FX4 5.4L 4X4 and wow, talk about soft... All I heard was the motor pitch change, and watch the rpms go up and down some while speedo kept going up.. Not once could I feel it shifting with 110K on the clock... And he has a tuner on it to help firm up the tranny...

For a trans kit I was thinking this:http://www.transgo.com/products.php?category_id=74&parent_id=30&product_id=128

 

[cross6]

Ok, makes sense. Take care of it, and it will last.

Another Q. How soft is the 5R55W at shifting? My friend has let me drive his 2007 FX4 5.4L 4X4 and wow, talk about soft... All I heard was the motor pitch change, and watch the rpms go up and down some while speedo kept going up.. Not once could I feel it shifting with 110K on the clock... And he has a tuner on it to help firm up the tranny...

For a trans kit I was thinking this:http://www.transgo.com/products.php?category_id=74&parent_id=30&product_id=128

Hiram seems to use http://www.superior-transmission.com/Product_Type.cfm?Type=1 for his 5r55 builds. Whatever is good enough for Hiram is good enough for me. Here's a vid where he installs one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgEB1mmNguo

I'm not familiar with those F150s, but yeah, most newer cars are super soft shifting. Could also be from axle wrap/hydraulic mounts/whatever.

 

[roughrideraz1]

what kinda tool needed to unhook remote trans cooler lines on ford 2005 explorer 4.0 motor by front of engine. Im trying to replace condenser but have to remove radiator,trans cooler and condenser as one unit. Any suggestions and pics or videos? Thanks

 

[Joe in NY]

Hiram seems to use http://www.superior-transmission.com/Product_Type.cfm?Type=1 for his 5r55 builds. Whatever is good enough for Hiram is good enough for me. Here's a vid where he installs one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgEB1mmNguo

I'm not familiar with those F150s, but yeah, most newer cars are super soft shifting. Could also be from axle wrap/hydraulic mounts/whatever.

Yes he used the Superior, but, if you watch the vid, recommends TransGo and he says he rarely uses superior, so actually, Transgo is what I should get according to Hiram.

 

[cross6]

Yes he used the Superior, but, if you watch the vid, recommends TransGo and he says he rarely uses superior, so actually, Transgo is what I should get according to Hiram.

Whoops! What I get for not watching the whole thing!