4R55E (95-97 4.0) 4speed -> 5R55E (98-2011 4.0) 5speed Help/Compatibility (or anyone got a 4R55E for sale :) Questions...

[mgreig]

So I'm having a heck of a time finding a decent, used 4R55E for 2x4 1996 ranger. It seems like the small window for these Gen3 trucks (95-97) + the auto/2x4 combo is not the most common thing in the world. I'm sure if I looked long enough I'd find something but another truck popped up on my radar - a 2000 Mazada B4000 that is also an auto/2x4 and I may be able to pick up the entire, running (not well) truck and steal parts. It has a number of other aftermarket mods that would theoretically make this worthwhile...

*IF* the 5R55E will bolt up and function in place of the 4R55E with minimal headache. I'm really hoping someone(s) can shed some light on this - as what I ?think? I've uncovered is:

1. 5R55E is functionally the same tranny as the 4-speed, there just an overdrive 1st gear that becomes 2nd and the rest of the gears match 3-5th
2. No compatibility issues between Ford and Mazda
3. Belhousing will bolt right up - no issues
4. Starters may/may not be the same/compatible...

Here's where it gets fuzzy (though please do correct anything above if I've gotten it wrong):

5. starting somewhere in the 1998+ Gen4 line (not sure if it's in 2001 or ??) PCM (along with ECU/ECM and whatever else) needs to be programmed or else won't work/immobilizer kicks in b/c there's a common canbus ...
6. For my application, would the 2000 5R55E work without any PCM reprogramming - i.e. - just function happily as effectively a 4 speed (no 2nd gear OD)?
7. I think I read about some weird shifting issues as I've been researching for folks who did this swap so it doesn't sound like it's as easy as just swapping trannys??
8. If I have the entire 2000 Mazada B4000 donor truck (and don't care about saving it as it's beat up) - should I also swap PCM modules ... or would I also have to swap wiring harness + PCM or get a reprogrammed PCM or ....??

Basically, I'm trying to get my head around how much effort is involved - a straightforward tranny swap out or a messy science project that I don't want to get involved with (like a 5.0 swap).

Thanks a ton for the guidance

 

[Rightname]

I have a factory reman 5R55E still in a 2000 explorer chassis. All the wiring and computers are there too.

 

[mgreig]

I have a factory reman 5R55E still in a 2000 explorer chassis. All the wiring and computers are there too.

... but can you confirm that the 5R55E will bolt up and function in place of the 4R55E with minimal headache/hassle? ... would it require any computer and/or wiring swapping?

 

[Brain75]

It was either RonD or Allen-something who said (long before I got here) that you could do this swap.. the 5r55e has an additional solenoid & electrical connector (to make the extra gear) and if you don't have that in the recipient truck it will just function as a 4 speed. That said, I haven't found anyone who claims they have done it and been happy with it. If I remember right the 4r55e and 5r55e have the same gearing in 1st, 2nd=3rd, 3rd=4th, and the 5r55e has a new 2nd (more of a 'faux gear' cause it isn't a real new gear it is 1st + OD). I would double double check.... You could search on my ID for somewhere where I reference his posts, and then find exactly what he said.

 

[Brain75]

I think I found one of his posts that shares that claim - https://www.therangerstation.com/fo...er-5r55e-open-to-a-manual.205897/post-2004968

Something else I forgot to mention (sure you already checked it), there are 2 different bell housings (I have not seen the 3.0 personally), but the cologne (4.0) and the vulcan (3.0) versions of that trans obviously wont swap. You didn't specify what engine you have and what engine the donor has, but make sure they both have the same family engine so the same bell housing.