Not worth it
Those are auto to manual conversion threads, I want a to go from the 4r55e to the 5r55e (I believe that is the 4-speed tranny code).
'95 and '96 V6 (OHV only) Explorers used the 4R55E 4spd-auto
All V8 trucks '96-up used a 4R70W
'97-up V6's (both OHV and SOHC) used a 5R55E 5spd-auto
I'm not 100% sure, but I believe both V6's use the same bellhousing pattern, so the 4 and 5 speed tranny's might physically swap, but it won't work. The trans is controlled by a computer. It's the same one that controls the engine. (The ecm) Since your '96
couldn't have come with the 5R55E, you can't just get a junkyard ecm that will control it. You also can't use a '97-up ecm from a vehicle w/a SOHC motor. So, if it could work, you're only chance would be a trans and ecm from a '97-up explorer w/an OHV V6. Now, this still doesn't mean it's just gonna work. That '97-up ecm almost certainly won't just plug-and-play with your '96 chassis and motor (and GEM)
If it can be made to work at all, it will most likely require a custom tune from someone like James at Henson Performance. You would also have to get a Ford dealer to program the new ecm to work with your GEM and BCM, if it's even possible (I believe '98-up has PATS w/ chip key).
Bottom line, good thinking about wanting to upgrade to a 5spd auto, but it's just not worth it; if it's even possible to make all the electronics talk. Of course there is another option: James at Henson can sell you a stand alone trans controller, and take the trans control function out of your original ecm. Of course this will probably cost more than your truck!
If you really want the 5-spd 5R55E, sell your '96, and buy a '97-up. If you do this, you can also upgrade your motor by buying one with the SOHC-V6.
