4R55E to 5R55E simple reprogramming flash or more to it?

[gdk771]

I have a 96 Ranger with the 4.0 V6 and 245k miles on it. I believe it has a 4R55E in it but from what I understand it can be "converted" to a 5R55E by software. Has anyone ever done this before?
What module needs the software "upgrade"? The ECM or another module?
Do I need to replace any modules?
I am going to have to rebuild mine and thought it would be nice to have a 5th gear for better fuel economy or does the extra gear really gain you much?
Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

 

[pjtoledo]

the extra gear is a new 2nd gear inserted between the original 1st and 2nd.
the old 2,3,4 now become 3,4,5 so there won't be any changes to economy in those gears.

the change is accomplished by applying overdrive to 1st gear, that happens to provide a ratio that lands between the original 1st & 2nd.
the old 4th already has overdrive so no gain there, it is simply renamed 5th.

 

[Uncle Gump]

According to this sheet the 96 with a 4.0L had a 4r55E... it switched in 97.

In this thread there is a bunch of information in the attached .pdf... I only skimmed it but it might have some helpful information to get your head around.

Here is a LOT of good ranger transmission info from the Automatic transmission rebuilders association, pdf

https://atracom.blob.core.windows.net/manuals/individual/2000/2000_web_ford.pdf

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Orca]

I have a 96 Ranger with the 4.0 V6 and 245k miles on it. I believe it has a 4R55E in it but from what I understand it can be "converted" to a 5R55E by software. [...]

Suggested thread to read: 4R44E (Door Code "T") - Let's make this a 5R44E please... [Magic Happened!]

Both from what I've seen first-hand and read elsewhere, during normal driving, you probably won't see that additional gear (#2) being used very often. Frankly, having read that thread, it sounds like a lot of bother for limited gain.

 

[gdk771]

Thanks guys. I did not realize the extra gear was in the low range. I see what Orca means now, not really worth the bother, some marketing for the salespeople to use to sell more Rangers with back in the day.