Transmission replacement

[SirSantie]

I bought a used trans at a junk yard today for my 1998 Ford Ranger 4x4 4.0 V6 however the donor vehicle is a 1999 Ford Explorer 4x4 4.0 V6.
My question is will it fit?

 

[Tedybear]

What's the model of the trans? So long as the outputs match. You can also check interchange catalog (car-part.com comes in handy for this ) model id of both former and doner trans will help more)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530A using Tapatalk

 

[RonD]

Automatic or Manual trans??


Manual will be the same, so no problems

Automatic is a different story.
The bellhousing will match since both are for 4.0l, and tailshaft housing will match because both are 4x4

But the model of transmission "may not" match
1995-2001 4.0L Rangers could have come with a 4R55E automatic, 4-speed
OR......
1997 - 2009 4.0L Rangers came with 5R55E, 5-speed
depends on where they were built

1997-2001 Explorer w/4.0L came with 5R55E

So you got a 5R55E from a 1999 Explorer

Look at your Drivers Door tag for the TRANS code letter
T = 4R
D = 5R

They are essentially the same transmission, just the computer software to run them is different.

The "5th gear" added to the 5R was a new 2nd gear, but it wasn't a physical change in the transmission
There was a wide gap in ratios on the 4R trans between 1st and 2nd
So Ford change computer software to "add" a new 2nd gear
when starting off in 1st the 5R will turn Overdrive(OD) ON when RPMs get too high, that is now "2nd gear", then when RPMs get high again OD is turned off and the shift to "3rd gear" happens.
3rd gear is 2nd gear on the 4R

4R gear ratios 2.47 /........../ 1.47 / 1.00 / 0.75
5R gear ratios 2.47 / 1.87 / 1.47 / 1.00 / 0.75

2.47 with .75 = 1.87
Makes for smoother shifting

Since there are no new solenoids added or changes in wiring, the 5R may work fine with 4R software, as a 4-speed of course

 

[Andy D]

So a 4 spd trans could be a 5 spd with the right brain? Neat but cheesy

 

[RonD]

Yes, adding OD shift is similar to adding a 2-speed rear-end.
1st low(OD OFF), 1st high(OD ON), 2nd low, 2nd high, 3rd(1:1 ratio), OD, so a 6 speed trans, lol.

The 4R and 5R valve bodies are different so not exactly the same transmission, solenoids are the same.
I doubt just changing computer would make a 4R a 5R, but never tried it

 

[SirSantie]

Thanks RonD, looks like I am clear. My trans is a 5R55E and it looks like the one that I bought from the junk yard is also a 5R55E.

So essentially I had my original trans rebuild but the mechanic screwed me over because it wasn't engaging in first gear even after the rebuild. I got my truck back and decided to buy a used one and get it going again. Negative 2500 and my truck is still broken down. I was thinking of lifting it and getting some 33s but after all this bad luck I will post it up for sale...