96 2.3 automatic Trans Interchange confusion

[Jigggawatt]

I'm looking for a replacement transmission. My sons 1996 truck has a 4r44E
with a 2.3. Are 95 and 96 transmissions the only years that will work with the stock computer? Thanks for the help.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

The 2.3l lima and 2.5l lima engines use same bolt pattern, so 1995(1st year of 4R44E) to 2001.5(last year of Lima 2.5l engine) will work, they all used 4R44E
Mid-2001 the Rangers got the Duratec 2.3l 4cyl engine, no relation to Lima and trans will not fit lima engine, it was a 5R44E in any case

The 1995 Mazda B2300 to 2000 B2500 also used same 4R44E transmission

Not that it will come up much with 4cyl but trans must also be 2WD if you have a 2WD, 4x4 trans had different tail shafts

EDIT:

Forgot one thing, an important thing
Not auto or manual thing, a wiring thing
1995 to 1997 Rangers used a speed sensor(for speedometer and computer) that was located on the tail shaft of the transmission.
In 1998 transmissions lost that hook up, Rangers started to use the rear axle ABS sensor as the speed sensor, that signal was run thru the GEM module to correct for true speed, then sent out to speedo and computer.

So yes, you would be better off using a 1995 to 1997 4R44E or you will have to deal with VSS(vehicle speed sensor) issues

 

[Jigggawatt]

Thank You , picking up a rebuild kit and converter tomorrow. Rebuilding it seems to be my best choice.