Hope I'm not high jacking this thread, but concerning the 5R44E vs. the 5R55E, I have a conflict identifying which one is in my Ranger. 2004, 4.0L, Ranger Edge, 4x4. I am the original owner, it has 90,000 miles. I want to put a transmission pan on there with a drain plug so we can drain and replace the transmission fluid. I called the parts desk in Elk Grove, CA (with my VIN), the guy said I have the 5R44E transmission. From what I'm reading, I should have the 5R55E, is that right ? There is a dipstick in it. I thought mine should have the 5R55E, because it's 4.0L, and 4x4 (four wheel drive). Hmmm, any information is much appreciated.
Yes, the 4.0l OHV or SOHC engines used the 5R55E model, the "55" means it has a larger Overdrive drum so can handle up to 550ft/lb torque
The 5R44E was used on 4cyl engines and 3.0l Vulcan V6s and can handle 440ft/lb torque
Yes, all the "E" models have a dipstick
5R55W don't have a dipstick, also a different wiring connector, usually found in Explorers not Rangers
The "5R" models were changed in 2001, and up, Ford added 2 sensors on the outside of transmission, the ISS and OSS
The 2001 and up computers need these sensors, so you can NOT swap in a 5R that doesn't have them, i.e. 1997-2000
However a 1995-2000 Ranger CAN use 2001-2011 5R and just leave the 2 extra sensors unhooked
All transmissions, manual or automatic, are engine specific and "drive" specific
2WD or 4x4 have different tail shafts so transmissions are not interchangeable, even if the same "model number"
Bellhousing is specific to the engine, so a 2.3l 5R44E won't bolt to a 3.0l engine, even though both transmissions are the same 5R44E model
4R..E and 5R..E are the same transmissions internally respecting the 44 and 55 differences
4R denotes computer shifting is 4-speed
5R denotes computer shifting is 5-speed
So a 2004 5R55E transmission in a 1996 4.0l Ranger would act as a 4-speed because of 1996 computer shifting
The 1996 came with a 4R55E
There is no extra "gear" in a 5R, there is in the way the computer uses shift solenoids