TRANS Question PLEASE HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ballistik]

Ok real quick history. I bought the truck last year and it had a small trans leak. So I put Lucas Trans Treatment in it and stopped all leaks and no problems until no. On Wednesday when I put car in drive it waited about 2-3 seconds before going into drive and it did it with a small bang and later leaving work it did the sme thing but no slipping at all so I checked trans fluid and level was perect and fluid was still red and no burn smell.
Well today my wife took truck to bank and it started to shudder and shake on her and when she parked the truck would not go into drive. Goes into reverse perfectly. But you have to give it gas and get the RPMs up there to get the trans to even bang into gear or it is like slipping really bad for a few feet then stop.

Here is my question is the trans shot or is it a tourque converter. I need to know quickly so I can try to find a used trans and get it fixed.
Thanks for everyone's time and help.

 

[RangerSVT]

To rule out your TC, if it goes in reverse, your TC is working. Fords are known to get 'morning sickness' with higher mileage, goes into reverse right away, but takes a little to go into forward gears...My dad's trans did the same thing (C-6), I had to put it in reverse, and hold the brake and alittle gas for almost 30 seconds, then it'd go into forward. Basically you have to warm up the trans fluid and bands to get them to expand to grab, once warmed up, it shifted fine, even stopping and starting the engine again, providing you did not allow the trans to cool. Try this, if it does this, then it won't be long you'll need a trans rebuild, if not, your forward clutches are probably shot and need a rebuild anyway...hope this helps
SVT

 

[Ballistik]

OK thanks then my guess is the trans is shot and I need a new one because when it did finally go into reverse it just starts to jerk and shake. Well I guess I will start looking on craigs list. Are there any tips when doing a trans swap on this truck or is it straight forward. I am mechanically inclined but never did a tranny swap. Thanks again for your help.

 

[RangerSVT]

You should have the same trans as I have (96), 4R55E. I bought my truck with the trans shot, got it cheap, I actually bought a rolled 99 explorer with a 4.0 SOHC motor and used that trans, a 5R55E, bolted right up, I just had to switch out the module on side the trans where your shifter linkage goes, no codes, no shifting probs, runs great. The SOHC motors run a little higher HP and TQ numbers, so if you can run the 5R55E, it should last you quite a while.
SVT

 

[Ballistik]

I found a 5 speed auto out of a 97 ranger 4.0L 4x4. Will the trans fit from a 97 to a 94. Also if its not the same model number trans what are the issues. He is getting me the model number some time today and I have to double check to see what mine is but I jsut want to know. I need my truck back.

 

[RangerSVT]

Yeah it'll work. The 5 speed auto is the 5R55E, the 4 speed auto is 4R55E. I know the 4R55E came in 95+ rangers, but I gotta check if it included 94...What month is your production year?
SVT

 

[RangerSVT]

Okay bad news, you got the A4LD. The trans will bolt up, but you don't have the computer to run the trans. any trans from 87 to 94, ranger, broncoII or explorer is what you need. Your best bet is to find a trans from a 91-94 explorer, the internals are a little stronger on them than the earlier years...
SVT

 

[Ballistik]

I dont know all it tells me is that it was the 1050th truck built that year.

 

[RangerSVT]

The production year is on your door , like 09/94...I looked up your truck, you got the A4LD.
SVT