So need a new transmission :(

[mattpresley]

So I have been having some transmission issues with my exploder. Its a 1996 sport 4.0 2wd 4r55e with 142,000 miles. I went to two tranny shops(don't have a ton of trust in these kinds of shops lol) Both of them told me same thing, it's an internal sensor that needs replacing, Tranny has 72K on it and last one died at 70k so i guess its time for number 3. My preferred shop (like their pricing better) Sells rebuilt transmissions. I was quoted on 2 different options there. $1,200 rebuilt transmission installed or $1,800 rebuilt transmission with shift kit and heavy duty torque converter. Do you think it's worth the extra $600? I can care less about performance enhancing but I would like more durability. Mind you I am doing balljoints soon and rear brake pads/rotors (This I'm doing myself) and than I need to replace my intake gasket. So obviously I'm trying to do this transmission thing the right way but I'm on quite a budget. In the same respect if I'm doing all this work to the truck I want to keep it at LEAST a few more years.

 

[pcollins]

70k miles is pretty bad for a trans. Do you change the fluid regularly? Not sure how the first one died but this one *might* be a sensor. Old fluid probably wouldn't kill a sensor but I'm just curious on the maintenance history.

 

[mattpresley]

I have all the service records on this truck but I have only had it for about a year (and 15,000 miles). On the original transmission I have records of 3 tranny services at the dealer before 70K when it was replaced. On this transmission I don't have any transmission service records. The fluid looks pretty good in it so I'm not sure if it has been serviced or not I just don't have a record of it.

 

[shane96ranger]

The valve bodies are junk in the 4R55E. YES, do all of the valve body upgrades you can. It will last much longer. They can eliminate the shift flares with the upgrades. You also need an EPC upgrade. Almost always, the valve body or EPC (pressure control) is what makes them prematurely fail.

If they don't know what you're talking about, take it somewhere else. I really don't see the point in a heavy duty converter though.

EDIT: You will want a Sonnax EPC. Their valve body kits are the best IMO as well.

 

[mattpresley]

The valve bodies are junk in the 4R55E. YES, do all of the valve body upgrades you can. It will last much longer. They can eliminate the shift flares with the upgrades. You also need an EPC upgrade. Almost always, the valve body or EPC (pressure control) is what makes them prematurely fail.

If they don't know what you're talking about, take it somewhere else. I really don't see the point in a heavy duty converter though.

EDIT: You will want a Sonnax EPC. Their valve body kits are the best IMO as well.

Alright thanks for the info bud.