Transmission concerns

[jasonnb]

I've located, and am considering, a '04 Explorer XLT 4x4 with the V8 and class 3 tow package, 42k miles. The primary use is for my wife to drive around, but its secondary purpose will be hauling our boat around (4200lbs towed weight, 250-275 n the tongue), mostly on the intestate. I'd be stepping over from my '99 F-150, 4.6, 4R70W. From what I read, it seems like the 5 speed tranny in the 04 might be a really weak link. I'm a maintenance nut and generally change the fluid/filter on my vehicles every 30k miles and expect them to last 150k+.

Will this transmission stand up to this use? I know there are tons of them without issues, but seems like a bunch with problems.

I think I read that the problems were gone by 05, but an 05 is over my budget.

My only other real options are Expys or a Trailblazer EXT. The Expy would be really tight in my garage, and I'm not fond of the TB idea.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! The 4R70W is pretty tough. All automatic transmissions need clean fluid to perform properly. You will not have a dipstick to check the fluid level on a 5R55W. Check the sticky called the 5R55W fluid fill for more information.

 

[jasonnb]

I have the 4R70W in my 150 and it is tough, but I thought the 04 Explorer V8 got the 5R55 something?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check this page for more information: http://www.explorerforum.com/ntrprize/spec2004.htm

 

[jasonnb]

Check this page for more information: http://www.explorerforum.com/ntrprize/spec2004.htm

Thanks for the link. Looks like the X I'm looking at should have the 5R55W. I originally misread your first post (sorry). I tripped on another thread that essentially said that the 5R55W is something of a 5spd version of the 4R70W? Is it as strong or have the quirks of the earlier 5spds?

Just don't want to be rebuilding a trranny on a regular basis understanding that I stress one more than 90% of the general public.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The 4R70W platform is from the AOD. The 5R55W platform is from the C3. It was AOD, AODE, then 4R70W. The C3 made the A4LD, A4LDE (4R44E/4R55E), then the 5R44E/5R55E, then the 5R55W/S/N.

 

[DisneyExplorer]

Well, let me tell you my experience. I have an 04 4x4 V8 with tow, and pull a 5200lb travel trailer which has a larger frontal area than a boat. I have towed up and over several mountains including tioga pass around 10,000ft. It seems to do ok, though I know it has gotten warm a couple times. Twice when I got home, while putting the trailer in it's parking spot, I noticed trans fluid dripping from underneath. But the next day and thereafter no more dripping. I am thinking the fluid may get too warm and comming out the vent or pushing past a seal. So I went looking to see how the stock cooler is set up and found something very interesting. Ford has a 6x22 inch stacked plate cooler mounted between the radiator and AC condenser at the bottom, but they DO NOT have a in radiator liquid to liquid heat exchanger. The stacked plate cooler is instead of, not in addition too, the normal style cooler. And it is below the direct air path of the fan, so when going slow under load, I don't think enough heat exchange is going on, and there is no indication if the trans is getting warm. I strongly feel in my situation I need additional cooling, but I guess I am in the extreme minority because I have not found any information on where to add a additional cooler. The 02+ explorers fronts are different than older generations, so all the posts for coolers on older ones don't apply. I have talked to several Ford techs and have been told "It's been tested and rated to pull 7K lbs, you are fine!!!" I take this with a grain of salt given my experience. If I wasn't so upside down I would seriously consider something different. However, I have 59K on it and it still runs great. Sorry this may not have been much help, but give it some thought. My feeling is the stock cooler is not adaquit for towing a heavy load. I am still trying hard to figure out how to add more.

Daniel

 

[jrford]

What about an electric Fan? Mounted in front of the Rad on the bottom in front of the transcooler. Also a trans temp sensor might do the trick?

 

[jasonnb]

good info

Good info. When I get one, I need to integrate a second tranny cooler.

The '04 I had spotted got away and th wife really wants a Mounty. Problem is, I found one that fits the bill perfectly except its an '02. Consensus seems to be stay away from the '02's. found a beautiful 03 at a perfect price, bu no tow pkg, thus inadequate tow rating.

I just don't get it. My F-150 has the 4.6, 4R70W, 3.55 gears, and is rated to tow 6900lbs. The X/M with the 4.6, 5R55W,a nd 3.55 gears tops below 3500lbs, even ignoring the hitch and looking at the GCWR. The 5R is generally lower geared.... Even then, there isn't a great deal of difference bethween 3.55 and 3.73, certainly not 2x the capacity?