4r44e is clunking, lets talk!

[flattusmaximus78]

The vehicle is a 1999 Ford Ranger. It is the 3.0, and from what I can gather it is the 4r44e. I've had the truck for about 2 years now. She has been great to me. This vehicle was my daily driver so that I could keep miles off my turbo fox body, but now it's my dd for my ls1. My gf had the truck for two days while I replaced a throw out bearing in her mustang. I took the truck back and didn't drive it for a day. Well I hop in it to head to classes and I noticed 2-1 (might be 3-2) shift clunks extremely hard all of a sudden. I checked the fluid, it's def burnt. It's brown, I feel as if thats the obvious sign of clutch packs being toast. I normally don't put addatives in my car's, but I bought some lucas bs, it didn't work at all. I had purchased fresh fluids, but at this point I feel if I flush it and the clutch packs are toast, the tranny is done for at that point.

So my question is, I have found a cheap low mile 4r55e. From my understanding this tranny belongs in the 4.0 rangers. All the specs seem to be about the same. The problem is no one is selling the tranny my truck has locally, so I was wondering if there was a chance that this would be a straight swap into my truck, or a swap with only minor mods to work?

Thanks guys!

Edit: Just for reference again
1999 ranger
3.0 v6
4r44e (I assume)
2wd

 

[Viper Command]

yes you can install the 4r55e but you need your bellhousing from your old trans.

but that might not be your problem...

how is your ring & pinon back lash, U joints and motor/ trans mounts????

 

[flattusmaximus78]

Well if It was my ring and pinion why would it do it specifically on the 2-1 down shift?

Swapping bellhousings is no biggie what so ever.

I did check the drive shaft and u-joint, everything is good there which I was surprised by. Mounts are solid as well. Never been any drive train slack coming off the throttle.

I will have to double check the trans mount, which I will, but I can def dismiss that.

 

[Viper Command]

well low line pressure would have delayed/ harsh engaugementat low engine speeds.
that mighy be your pump, and its attached to your bellhousing.