Transmission Wonders!!!

[BigDakota]

Hi !!

I would like to know what other Ford automatic transmissions can bolt up to my 95 exp. 4.0.,4x4--transfer case and all!! I know some think I am nuts to take out my manual trans , but I need the convenience of the auto. I posted in modified explorations, but recieved no response. It may be more of a royal pain than its worth, but you know

Thanks

Mike

 

[Doug]

Only transmission that will bolt in will be a ford 4r55e, basically the stock automatic for your truck. Though swapping that in will be not easy task. You're going to have to get the transmission as well as a new ECU and then all the wiring assuming it isnt there. Plus the 4r55e is a piece of crap transmission. Or you can do what I'm going to do and others have done and swap in a GM 700r4, it's a much more stout transmission but it'll probably cost you a bit more to do. The 700r4 is a much stronger transmission though and will last alot longer than the 4r55e and you wont have to worry about wiring to much.

 

[410Fortune]

I converted my truck from 5 speed to auto, its not that difficult, but thats because I build this stuff alot, so I know what was involved.
If you have never dropped a transmission or swapped an engine this might be over your head, maybe not? But just know what youa re getting into.

Computer and wiring changes
pedal mods
shifter mods (explorer's are in the steering column, but you can do a floor shifter)
addition of trans cooling system

and more....best to have everything you need from the same donor.

 

[BigDakota]

Thanks for the input and info. I was hoping to slip in a c-4 or c-5 trans with an adapter for my transfer. I have read alot about some of these conversions.
I have rebuilt an engine or two and can do mods and fabrications to make things work. I had a 87 BII that I rebuilt from the ground up..I sure miss that little stinker
It looks like I may have to find a donor vehicle and stay pretty much factory at this point. If any one knows of someone wanting to swap out a auto for a stick, let me know, My setup is in perfect condition and it would be pretty slick to put them side by side and swap.

Mike

 

[Mbrooks420]

You may want to read up on the v6 autos. They are very, very light duty, and abuse will send you to the rebuilder. Often.

 

[Kirby N.]

Agreed. That is why I pulled out my auto and slapped in 410fortunes old manual.

 

[410Fortune]

what a deal you got on that sucker too! Thats Brett for ya! Glad its working good for you. I made sure the rebuilder got that one right.

You can adapt a C4 to work in your Explorer, using the wiring and computer from a 5 speed. You will also need the C5 bellhousing, a flywheel and torque converter. Do a serach for this, you will not have OD however.
the 700R4 is nice, but expensive and there is alot packed under the truck...

 

[BigDakota]

Thanks for the info. A buddy has a 79 ford f 150 (not 4x4) with an auto trans that I can have. Thats what started my thoughts on converting my Exp.5-speed.

410, I liked your pics on you BII. I had an 87 that I had a lot of wheeling fun in. Some of the areas you were in on yuor pics, brought back memories. I used to live in Santa Fe New Mexico and wheeled in the surounding states.

Mike

 

[NK]

BigDakota you can indeed use a C4/C5 auto in your Explorer with the C5 Bellhousing, torque convertor, etc. C5's unfortunately can only be found in 83-84 Bronco II and Rangers. Well some also claim that there are some factory C5's in 85 Rangers/Bronco II's but I've not actually seen them in 85's. I happen to have a C5 I'm going to put into my 85 Bronco II because unfortunately I believe the manual Transmissions to be crap as well as the Auto's. BTW Bronco II's and Rangers have the same auto OD Trany you Explorer folks uses. Only difference is yours has been upgraded to make them mildly better and yours is no longer called an A4LD it's a 4R55E. Just be glad you don't have an A4LD because these tranies suck even behind a 2.8L V6.

Anyways where was I? Oh yeah Okay. Here's my point it will be easier for you to swap in a C5 (which is basically a C4 only setup for a 2.8L/2.9L/4.0L V6) then it will be for you to swap in a C4 because the C5 will bolt to your engine and T-case. A C4 won't without getting a C5 Bell and T-case adaptor.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Just an FYI. The Explorer used the A4ld from 91-94. After that it was "upgraded" to electronic controls, and some other bandaid fixes, and called he 4r55e. Then it was upgraded again(somewhere between 97-99, not sure when)with an extra torque converter lockup, some more bandaids, and called the 5r55e.

 

[BigDakota]

It sure sounds like there is a lot of different problems and or concerns with the automatic. I guess the transmissions are fine if a person is not using and abusing. A Sunday driver tpye of use. I had a 90 BII with an auto that did not give me any problems, but I did not do over the top off roading with it either. It sure had one heck of a low gear. I swear I could climb a wall in low range!!

Thanks for the info!!

 

[Mbrooks420]

After my second rebuild I babied the trans in my 96. Never redlined it, towed anything, drove it cold, and it still went out in 30k. It seems that the trannies are hit and miss, and once one goes bad, it stays bad.

 

[Dignan]

I've decided that that is the problem. See I beat the crap out of mine. I tow stuff that is too heavy, I drive it like it is a sports car, and I take it off road. I have 213,500 miles and just now my OD is going out but I can still drive it just fine in D.