5R55E to replace 4R55E

[Pesky24]

Hi Guys,

I'm NEW here, and posted the same thread earlier in the wrong section.

Started having tranny issues (96 Ranger 4.0L OHV w/4R55E)
Been reading about how the 5Rs are stronger trannys for the AT. The
4R only lasted a few years on the rebuild, need more reliability then that.

I know that the neutral safety has to be changed over.

Just wondering if any year 5R55E will swap in or just certain ones? Which ones I should avoid? Which one I should try to find for my truck?
What are the issues I may run into in each of the year 5R55E?
Any tips, things to be aware of?

Any help would be greatly appriated,
Thanx

 

[Viper Command]

Hi Guys,

Been reading about how the 5Rs are stronger trannys for the AT.

Sorry this is wrong, the first number is how many forward gears there are, the R means light duty rearwheel drive trans, the 44 or 55 means load holding capablity(55 stronger due to more clutches), E is for eletronicly shifted.


so your 4r55e is just as strong as a 5r55e, and before you ask the trans is the same but the 5r55e has 2 hall effect sensors on the case to sense shaft speed to engauge overdrive wile in 2nd gear to make a new 3rd gear.

with that being said you can put the 5r55e in your truck but if you dont change your computer and trans harness the 5r55e will act just like you current 4r55e.



But what problems are you having with your trans?

 

[Pesky24]

Thanks for responding Viper.
I know the tourque rating is the same, what i meant was there are a few updates in the 5R trany internally compared to the 4R which make them a bit more reliable.

As far as the problems with my trans, starting to slip under load starting out forward and slipping(almost like its binding) in reverse. Shifts firm through the rest of the gears and OD.

 

[Viper Command]

How dark is your fluid? it almost sounds like the bands need ajusting.

 

[Pesky24]

Haven't dropped the pan yet, but from the dip stick the fluid looks clean.

The trans was rebuilt about 6 years ago when I was running 33"tires, not that many miles
on it since I don't drive it much in the winter, now running 35"tires.

changed the filter and fluid about 2 years ago.

going to try to get it up on the hoist this coming week.

felt trans slip a few weeks ago backing up, thought it was brakes sticking,so never gave it that much attention, now any time under even a little load starting out slips in first(sluggish), and trying to back up is worse(slips in and out of gear) if I feather the throttle to start sometimes doesnt do it/ at least less.

if i'm going to pull it out might as well look into rebuilding complete.
And if it going to be rebuilt:
-I would like to know all the changes internally ford did to the 5R from the 4R so i could look into using these in the rebuild.
-Any aftermarket upgrades available for the 4R?for the 5R?

Is the band adjust easily done?
Thanks
Rich

 

[Viper Command]

the changes ford did 4r to 5r is only 2 sensors, i was tring to tell you before they are the same internals, its the computer that makes it a 5 speed. read what it says for the 5r55e.
http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/AutoTrans.html



but if you want to build it baddddd asssssss use red alto clutches, kevlar bands (all3), transgo or shift- shift kit, tci servos, tci street fighter TC, xxl aux trans cooler.

that would last for a good wile.

 

[Pesky24]

I'll definitly look into the upgrades

Thanks again Viper