When (if ever) Did Ranger Automatics Become Reliable?

CJREX · 08-23-2007, 06:57 AM

Long story short, my severe clutch leg injury from almost nine years ago (which I thought I was completely over) has reared its ugly head again after a 2.5 hour stint in stop-n-go Atlanta traffic

What that means is that now that I have my Ranger pretty much how I like it, I need something with an auto.

Is the 4r55e/5r55e any better? If so I'll probably just get a newer Ranger. If not, I guess I'll sell my car and get an automatic equipped car.

Both choices suck. I far prefer a stick.

Totalled · 08-24-2007, 03:42 AM

1983 and 1984...

CJREX · 08-24-2007, 06:17 AM

Can't do a C5.

I need the O/D for my commute.

And I can almost buy a decent used truck for the price of a GearVendors O/D unit.

4x4RangerGuy · 08-24-2007, 06:25 AM

Pretty much never. All the O/D autos suck.

However, the later electronically controlled autos are marginally better from what I've heard. The 4R55E and 5R55E (4.0 autos) are probably the best in terms of reliability. The 4R44E (4cyl and 3.0 V6) sucks IMO, but I have had a pretty bad experience with mine.

ZSK · 08-24-2007, 07:23 AM

The 5R55E 5 speed auto behind the 97+ 4.0's are probably the best O/D autos in Rangers but it's still a light duty unit.

arrabil · 08-24-2007, 07:30 AM

The 4R55E that replaced my 4R44E doesn't seem any different to me from a ride quality and shift quality standpoint. I got 130K out of the 4R44E and I beat it pretty good for the last 40K. If the 4R55E lasts 100K, I will consider it acceptable.

BDAB · 08-24-2007, 10:51 AM

use this

http://www.4-x-fab.com/Transmission_adapters.php

and adapt and AODE

4LO 4.O · 08-24-2007, 05:40 PM

The 5r55e in mine has over 140,000 miles and no sign of stopping anytime soon. I haul 4000 pound trailer around five days a week and 4-wheel her all weekend. Make sure you keep the fluid and filter changed and there`s no telling how long these trannys will last

**TireIron** · 08-24-2007, 11:48 PM

yea the 5R55E is actually a pretty decent unit, and if you drop in a shift kit and take care of it then it really shifts and holds well.

Mutant Pony · 08-25-2007, 12:02 AM

I've seen the A4lds last over 200,000 miles as well. All the Ranger autos are based on the A4ld and can break just as easy. If you drive them like you love your truck, they will last. If you drive them like a total idiot (like I would) they break really easy.
I've been inside all of them and believe me the parts are tiny.
I like that AOD adapter kit. Good idea.

Bent Bolt · 08-25-2007, 11:16 AM

Trust me, after about 2002 the 5R55E is a decent trans. I rarely see Rangers in the shop and even more rare is trans problems. Now, if you beat on them, of course the life expectancy will go down. Hiway commute ?? Shouldn't be a problem.
FYI, I do more repairs on 4R70W/4R75E ALOT more than Rangers.

08-23-2007, 06:57 AM	#1
CJREX Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: N. GA. Year: 1989 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 4.0 Class: 4x4 + Used For: Truck stuff Posts: 737 Rep Power: 13 iTrader: (1)	When (if ever) Did Ranger Automatics Become Reliable? Long story short, my severe clutch leg injury from almost nine years ago (which I thought I was completely over) has reared its ugly head again after a 2.5 hour stint in stop-n-go Atlanta traffic What that means is that now that I have my Ranger pretty much how I like it, I need something with an auto. Is the 4r55e/5r55e any better? If so I'll probably just get a newer Ranger. If not, I guess I'll sell my car and get an automatic equipped car. Both choices suck. I far prefer a stick.
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08-24-2007, 03:42 AM	#2
Totalled Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tumwater, Wa Year: 1985 Make: Ford Model: BroncoII Engine: 8 rabid gophers Class: 4x4 Used For: to GET IT! Posts: 780 Rep Power: 13 iTrader: (0)	1983 and 1984... __________________ 1985 BII Eddie Bauer 302/C5/1350M/Aussie Locked Explorer 8.8/D35/4"ish of Tuff Country lift/35x12.50x15 MT/R's... Some assembly still required. 1992 Explorer - Sold The Org
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08-24-2007, 06:17 AM	#3
CJREX Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: N. GA. Year: 1989 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 4.0 Class: 4x4 + Used For: Truck stuff Posts: 737 Rep Power: 13 iTrader: (1)	Can't do a C5. I need the O/D for my commute. And I can almost buy a decent used truck for the price of a GearVendors O/D unit. __________________ '89 Ranger 4x4:Gone :-( '90 FSB: 351W, 4" lift, 35x12.50 AT '00 Super Duty: V10 5 speed
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08-24-2007, 06:25 AM	#4
4x4RangerGuy Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newton Highlands, MA Year: 2003 Make: Subaru Model: Impreza WRX Engine: 2.0 Class: AWD Used For: DD, showing up ricers, fun Posts: 809 Rep Power: 13 iTrader: (1)	Pretty much never. All the O/D autos suck. However, the later electronically controlled autos are marginally better from what I've heard. The 4R55E and 5R55E (4.0 autos) are probably the best in terms of reliability. The 4R44E (4cyl and 3.0 V6) sucks IMO, but I have had a pretty bad experience with mine. __________________ 1998 Ranger XLT 4x4 SOLD 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX Still the 3.0's biggest fan.
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08-24-2007, 07:23 AM	#5
ZSK Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Year: 2004 Make: Ford Model: F-150 Engine: 5.4 Class: 2WD Posts: 151 Rep Power: 12 iTrader: (0)	The 5R55E 5 speed auto behind the 97+ 4.0's are probably the best O/D autos in Rangers but it's still a light duty unit. __________________ Past: 1996 Ext. Cab 2wd XLT 4.0 auto, Flowmaster 40, K&N, Jet Chip, AAL, Rough Country 4" lift with 31's and 4.10's Present: 2004 F150 Crew cab 5.4 2wd auto
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08-24-2007, 07:30 AM	#6
arrabil Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Winterstown, PA Year: 1990 Make: Ford Model: Bronco II Posts: 158 Rep Power: 12 iTrader: (1)	The 4R55E that replaced my 4R44E doesn't seem any different to me from a ride quality and shift quality standpoint. I got 130K out of the 4R44E and I beat it pretty good for the last 40K. If the 4R55E lasts 100K, I will consider it acceptable. __________________ 1990 Bronco II 2.9L M5R1 BW1354e 5.13 D35/arb 8.8/arb 35s +6". The Deuce. 2006 F-150 5.4L 4R75E BW4406e 3.73 8.8 9.75/ls 33s.
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08-24-2007, 11:48 PM	#9
TireIron RBV Technical Advisor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Methuen, MA Year: 1994 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Posts: 513 Rep Power: 13 iTrader: (1)	yea the 5R55E is actually a pretty decent unit, and if you drop in a shift kit and take care of it then it really shifts and holds well. __________________ '94 2.3L, M5OD, BW1354 manual, 4x4, 31x10.5 BFG A/Ts, 15x8 AR Chamber teflon rims, 7.5 4.10 lock-right w/disks, D44 SAS 4.10 aussie-locker, duff traction bars, electric fans, spintech muffler, herculined floor, 400,600 miles My Truck Wheelin Pics!!!
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08-25-2007, 12:02 AM	#10
Mutant Pony Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hersey, Mi Year: 1977 Make: Ford Model: Pinto Engine: 2300 Class: 4x4 Used For: Mud racing/trails Posts: 1,755 Rep Power: 15 iTrader: (1)	I've seen the A4lds last over 200,000 miles as well. All the Ranger autos are based on the A4ld and can break just as easy. If you drive them like you love your truck, they will last. If you drive them like a total idiot (like I would) they break really easy. I've been inside all of them and believe me the parts are tiny. I like that AOD adapter kit. Good idea. __________________ '84 Ranger, 351c,C6,208,EBsas."DeRanged Mudder" '86 Ranger, 3.0swap,coil rear suspension"Black Frog"
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08-25-2007, 11:16 AM	#11
Bent Bolt Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Edmonton,AB Year: 1987 Make: Ford Model: Ranger STX Engine: Supercharged 4.0 SOHC Class: 4x4 Offroad Used For: Breaking parts , sitting in the back lot Posts: 1,423 Rep Power: 14 iTrader: (0)	Trust me, after about 2002 the 5R55E is a decent trans. I rarely see Rangers in the shop and even more rare is trans problems. Now, if you beat on them, of course the life expectancy will go down. Hiway commute ?? Shouldn't be a problem. FYI, I do more repairs on 4R70W/4R75E ALOT more than Rangers. __________________ 87 Ranger , a bunch of stuff including a supercharged 4.0l SOHC and 35 x 14.5 x 15 Pitbull Maddog's. Woof ! Now with C5/C4 hybrid !
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