4r44e questions

[351ranger]

I picked up a 2000 ranger 2wd 2.5L and I'm having some trans issues. I've been doing some research and found a few people are having similar problems but not exactly.

For the most part it works ok but there is a whining sound that I hear as I slow down that sounds like a power steering sound but I know it's the transmission. Also sometimes 1st to 2nd shift is a little bit hard. Another issue is when I put it in reverse it takes a few seconds before it engages.

I've read these are known for blowing out the gaskets between the valve body, would this cause hard shifting between 1st and second? Also sometimes it shifts weird as I'm slowing down to a stop light.

So I guess my question is, should I change the valve body gasket? With it whining the way it is, it makes me wonder if it's on its way out? Mileage is at 120k.

Any input on this would be great, maybe if someone had similar stuff happen and what the result was would be great. Thanks

 

[ratdude747]

I picked up a 2000 ranger 2wd 2.5L and I'm having some trans issues. I've been doing some research and found a few people are having similar problems but not exactly.

For the most part it works ok but there is a whining sound that I hear as I slow down that sounds like a power steering sound but I know it's the transmission. Also sometimes 1st to 2nd shift is a little bit hard. Another issue is when I put it in reverse it takes a few seconds before it engages.

I've read these are known for blowing out the gaskets between the valve body, would this cause hard shifting between 1st and second? Also sometimes it shifts weird as I'm slowing down to a stop light.

So I guess my question is, should I change the valve body gasket? With it whining the way it is, it makes me wonder if it's on its way out? Mileage is at 120k.

Any input on this would be great, maybe if someone had similar stuff happen and what the result was would be great. Thanks

It sounds like you picked it up recently. While the gaskets are a common failure, in my case, the PO drove it that way long enough to kill everything but 3rd gear. If it was a recent purchase, there's a good chance this is the case and you're better off rebuilding it just to be safe. People don't sell vehicles because they love them. Always assume a used car was abused, because it probably was.

 

[351ranger]

It sounds like you picked it up recently. While the gaskets are a common failure, in my case, the PO drove it that way long enough to kill everything but 3rd gear. If it was a recent purchase, there's a good chance this is the case and you're better off rebuilding it just to be safe. People don't sell vehicles because they love them. Always assume a used car was abused, because it probably was.

Yes I just bought it. I couldn't drive it because it hit a tree and I put a whole new core support, radiator, front fenders, hood bumper. I really was hoping someone would say yeah mine did the same and all it was was this or that. I'm not that lucky! Haha.

I think I may drop the pan and change the filter and look at the valve body gasket. Cheaper then a damn trans rebuild. I bought this thing to just get me by until my big truck is back together and now this! It doesn't seem like it's gonna quit moving any time soon but there are little signs of a problem starting.

 

[351ranger]

I've been doing some reading about lubegard. The stuff sounds pretty good, reviews from auto trans rebuilders are even good. I think I'll drop the pan and change the filter and put a bottle of that stuff in there and see if there is any improvement. Better then 1500 for a trans.