Info on automatic transmission casing differences in 98-00

[mfp4073]

I have the auto transmission out in my truck. I had been told that ONLY a 98-00 4speed auto from a 4x4 would fit it. It appears the bellhousing unbolts like every other transmission I have seen and the rear spacer housing (for lack of a better term, the part the tansfercase bolts to). are removable and that other 4speed autos from say, a 2.3l non-4x4 would work with the bolt up parts. anyone know about this?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the mainshafts are different between 2wd and 4wd tranmissions. it IS possible to "convert" a 2wd to 4wd...but requires dissasembling the whole transmission to do it...hardly cost effective when the proper trans can usually be found.

there are also internal differences between 2.3/3.0 transmissions and 4.0 transmissions (strength related).

 

[mfp4073]

yeah, knew the 3.0vs4.0 were different since the 4.0s were 5 speeds right? But that answers my question. Have mine out of my truck and am going to attempt a rebuild...will see how it goes! thanks!!

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

The 4.0 could either come with a 4 speed auto (4R55E) or a 5 speed auto (5R55E). Eventually the 5R55E became standard and they did away with the 4R55E. 2.3s/3.0s get a 4 speed auto (4R44E). The 4R55E is a beefed up version of the 4R44E to handle the extra power of the 4.0, similar to the 4.0 version of the A4LD.

 

[mjonesjr]

ANY 4.0 transmission will fit your truck.....if you have a '98 + 4wd 4.0, then you have the 5R55E transmission in there now...

I have a 5R55E for sale for $150 + shipping if you are interested.....

 

[Bent Bolt]

I have the auto transmission out in my truck. I had been told that ONLY a 98-00 4speed auto from a 4x4 would fit it. It appears the bellhousing unbolts like every other transmission I have seen and the rear spacer housing (for lack of a better term, the part the tansfercase bolts to). are removable and that other 4speed autos from say, a 2.3l non-4x4 would work with the bolt up parts. anyone know about this?

There are significant differences internally to the 4R44E/5R55E and weather or not it's a 2.3 or 3.0 and 4.0L engines. It's not as simple as changing bellhousings.
First are the bellhousings themselves. They don't interchange between the engine types for a few reasons. The way the pump supports the O/D drum is different which means it's not a simple swap.
Secondly, the planetarys are different. A 4R44E behind a 2.3L has 4 pin planetary geatsets while a 5R55E behind a 4.0l has 6 pin planetary gearsets.
Thirdly, the forward and direct clutches have less plates for the smaller engines than the 4.0L.
That said, you could take, for example, a 2002 4.0L 5R55E and swap it in place of a 98 4.0L 4R55E because the newer trans is stronger than the older. But don't swap it out the other way.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

I never understood why they just didn't use the same transmission for all of them. Do the weaker internals in the 4R44E really cost that much less that having to produce two different transmissions?

 

[mfp4073]

thanks! as I said that answers my questions. I probably would have done the rebuild anyway, but figure on keeping options open.

 

[themanrosen]

do you still have the 5r55e?

 

[slvr00gt]

ANY 4.0 transmission will fit your truck.....if you have a '98 + 4wd 4.0, then you have the 5R55E transmission in there now...

I have a 5R55E for sale for $150 + shipping if you are interested.....

There is at least one difference between 98-00 & 01+ 5r55e. ISS sensor was added to newer 5r55e. Somebody mentioned a change in the bolt patten where one of the bolts would not fit ( which should not be too big of a deal ). So far I can't find anybody who tried to successfully install 01+ 5r55e on older truck

I send you private message about the tranny you are selling