Tranny swap

[mudflies]

97 ranger xlt
2wd
4.0 std
odometer shows 308500

Hi everyone.I bought my ranger a couple months ago.The transmission makes a whinning sound in 1st,2nd,3rd,and 5th gears.In 4th it is barely noticeable.So im thinking its prolly gonna fall out the bottom at any time...It still shifts well but im planning for the worst. I am wondering what yrs will bolt right in? How much a used tranny is worth (approx)? And how much a rebuilt is worth (approx)?? Or if anyone has any suggestions for an easy fix, im all ears...Thanks for any and all assistance...

Mudflies

 

[mecca]

You either have the 4r55e or 5r55e transmission if you have the 4.0l. I just recently swapped out my transmission this last weekend and I did it in two days, with the help of my friend. I have the 4r44e transmission and my reverse went out so i decided to purchase a working used transmission to swap it out with. Got it from "all arizona ford parts" for $750.00. I plan on rebuilding my old transmission and selling it for close to the same amount. I'm not too sure how easy its going to be to rebuild it though but the whole removal and install part wasn't too bad.

 

[mudflies]

Thanks for the reply mecca...Any thoughts on how i would tell the difference?I dont really have a prob doing the work.Im thinking that i should prolly plan on replacing the clutch disk and any bearings that are in there as well as the hanger bearing.I used to do alot of motor and tranny swaps with my buds when i was younger, but its been a few years.(Do they still use throwout bearings and pilot bearings)? Im gonna try to familiarise myself with the components and stockpile parts and then do the job in the spring when its warm.Any advice you care to share would be greatly appreciated.

mudflies

 

[Kevery]

5r55e trannys are automatics used on 98-02 I believe. I have a 99 and just replaced mine a yr ago. yours is more prob a 4r55e and a c4 tranny should bolt up but you'll prob have to buy and adaptor from advance adaptors. c4 trannys are usually what people upgrade to. If you do have a 5r55e unfort. there is no adaptors or upgrade's only a shift kit. look for a c4.

 

[mudflies]

Its a standard as stated in the op...so does that mean its a 4r55e? Its a 5 speed (4 plus od).I am looking for a direct replacement.Not really interested in too much upgrading.The truck has 300k+ km on it.If this is the original tranny then i want the same one to replace it.Maybe a rebuild is the way to go....i have been doing some reading and i suspect that the problem lies in the shaft (cant recall name) that is common to 1st 2nd 3rd and 5th. Having never rebuilt a tranny (but i have rebuilt a couple small block chevs in my time),would anyone recomend trying to do this myself? Or is it best left to a pro???Again, any and all comments and insights are appreciated...

Mudflies

 

[mecca]

My bad I missed that you have a standard. Those are all automatic transmissions.

 

[mecca]

You have the M50D-R1 transmission I believe from your year and it being 4.0L. Very common Mazda transmission.

 

[mudflies]

Thanks Mecca. I appreciate your help...Do you know if something happened to the ranger in 97...it just seems like there isnt alot of posts concerning this model year...Also, I went to order new wiper arms at canadian tire and the parts guy said i needed to ask a dealership if it was made before june or after.He couldnt explain what the diff was. My wipers suck.Even with the mouse traps on them they still suck so im just gonna get new ones...
Have a great day and thanks for the info...

Mudflies

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I think '97/98 is the year Ford changed suspension from ttb to a-arm. And probably a lot more. June '97 is probably the split. Before that date trans from a 4.0 '90 onward should work. There could be differences in slave cylinder hook-up, I'm not sure.
Good luck

Richard