2.3L/2.5L horsepower junkies w/ 4R44E trans: What are you doing to the trans?

[Dirtman]

The 4r44e and 5r44e are the exact same transmission, only the computer software changed. The 55e series has some slightly beefier parts and was only used in the 4.0 engines.

In 2001 they added an intermediate shaft speed sensor for better computer feedback to use the adaptive shift control but you can simply leave it unplugged. Adaptive shift control is the single dumbest thing in the history of transmissions.

 

[Fredness]

...unplugged you say....

Pretty sure there is no provision for the Speedo Cable on the '01 either.
'97 output shaft and tailhousing?

 

[Dirtman]

If your ECM has adaptive shift control you can't just unplug it (it will go into limp mode), you can however put a transmission with the ISS sensor in a non adaptive shift control truck and then just leave the sensor unplugged.

As far as I know the 4r44e never used a cable. It was either run off the output shaft sensor or the rear diff abs sensor. (Mine uses the diff).

 

[8thTon]

The 4r44e and 5r44e are the exact same transmission, only the computer software changed.

Well there is the matter of an additional forward gear.....

 

[Dirtman]

Well there is the matter of an additional forward gear.....

That extra gear is done by the computer. There is no physical extra gear in the transmission. The computer engages overdrive while still in first to make a "fake" second gear. Both the 4r44e and 5r44e are identical 3 speed transmissions with an overdrive.

 

[Fredness]

Is there anything external that tells me it's a 4R55 vs 4R44E?

 

[Transman304]

Nothing external to identify. In 1997-1998 they went to 5 speeds it will be 5R and depending on engine size a 44/55. The 44 will have 3 pinion front and rear planets and 1 less friction in the direct drum. The 55 will have 6 pinion front and rear planets and 5 frictions in direct drum. Both use 6 frictions in forward drum. OD will use 2 or 3 frictions.

 

[8thTon]

That extra gear is done by the computer. There is no physical extra gear in the transmission. The computer engages overdrive while still in first to make a "fake" second gear. Both the 4r44e and 5r44e are identical 3 speed transmissions with an overdrive.

Ahh, OK - still works great though!

 

[Fredness]

The 2001 Ranger I scored for this swap was the first time I ever drove a 4R44E and i was in first gear like "Holy crap, is this thing ever gonna shift?!?!?!?"
I had to go around the block in the Wife's 5R55E to verify - Gimme my fake 2nd!!