Urgent - 5r55e diagnosis and VB rebuild

[GreatDane]

Hi guys

So ive bought my new project; 97' 4.0 4wd ext cab with the 5r55e.

Story of the tranny:


10 months ago it dropped a lot of oil from the tranny while hauling on the highway, it was later refilled but none other actions was taken. It has been sitting still afterwards

Error codes: P1701

It can barely engage in Reverse & only does so when the RPM it up at 2500RPM approximately and it can only go reverse very slow and only like 1/10 times.

D it not functioning, it will not engage.

1 & 2 manual is working fine and drive & shifts.

I bought it well knowing I would possible need to rebuild the VB & tranny, maybe only the VB if I am lucky.

And so yesterday I began to dismantle the VB:

Update 14.01.15 - Valve Body pulled

Alright so today I initiated the valve body pull!

I removed the pan and inspected the oil - Pretty dark / & redish. Smelled a little burned



So what the conclusion of the state of the oil in the pan? I havent split the filter yet to inspect the internals!

Here's a shot before I pulled the VB:



As I went through the guide I found I noticed that this lever was supposed to be attached to the spool like this:



But mine was not ???



I created the template for the valve body bolts:



Pulled the valve body, but gasket stayed on the tranny and it was broke here (other piece is on the VB)?



And VB, filter and servo gasket pulled:




So whats the next step for me? What shall I inspect to check for internal component damage and if I need to do a full rebuild?

The guys at FRF suggested that it is coolant mixed with ATF - almost looks like the metal components on the VB is a bit rusted? I will do a full flush of the tranny and oil cooler - whats the easiest way to flush the whole system?

On the guide I found, the poster had mentioned these parts would be needed for a updated an slick valve body, can anyone confirm?


a. EPC – XL2Z-7G383-AA @ = $112 (This part is the same for all)
b. SOL BRACKET – XL2Z-7L491-AA = $6 (same for all)
c. FORD SEP PLATE – 1L5Z-7Z490-GA = $14
d. FORD TSB KIT – 3L5Z-7M203-JA = $14 (same for all)
a. SUPERIOR SHIFT CORRECTION KIT – S56165H = $36 (same for all)
b. FILTER - 56010G = $11 (Same for all 4X4)
c. GASKET - 56300EF = $2 (Same for all)

And in another thread:

Additionally, here are some part numbers*:
Sonnax Boost Valve:37947-01K(OEM RATIO)
Superior Shift Kit:K4R/5R55E
TransGo Shift Kit:SK4R44E/55
Ford VB Kit:3L5Z7M203JA
Ford Solenoid Braket Update:XL2Z7L491AA
VB Separator Plate
VB Separator Plate Gasket
Filter
Pan Gasket

 

[black_demon69]

IMO tranny needs rebuilt it looks alot rusty which means water/coolant got into it rust is grit which will destroy tranny.. also no reverse/drive makes me think either reverse/foward band or clutches. in any case if it was me i would just get it rebuilt and or rebuild it yourself but they do require some special tools and are pretty involved for someone that doesn't do it everyday.

i of coarse am no expert

another concern is radiator if coolant got into trans from cooler lines then radiator needs to be replaced as well..

 

[GreatDane]

IMO tranny needs rebuilt it looks alot rusty which means water/coolant got into it rust is grit which will destroy tranny.. also no reverse/drive makes me think either reverse/foward band or clutches. in any case if it was me i would just get it rebuilt and or rebuild it yourself but they do require some special tools and are pretty involved for someone that doesn't do it everyday.

i of coarse am no expert

another concern is radiator if coolant got into trans from cooler lines then radiator needs to be replaced as well..

That was my concern as well - I have bought the 5r55e repair manual and have some good guides for a rebuild but if anyone here can drop some links for some guides I would appreciate it!

I also have till september or more till I will consider driving it as I have a DD.

And by radiator you mean the tranny cooler right? Or the main radiator?

I do not know if it IS coolant but somethings definitely went wrong.

 

[black_demon69]

That was my concern as well - I have bought the 5r55e repair manual and have some good guides for a rebuild but if anyone here can drop some links for some guides I would appreciate it!

I also have till september or more till I will consider driving it as I have a DD.

And by radiator you mean the tranny cooler right? Or the main radiator?

I do not know if it IS coolant but somethings definitely went wrong.

radiator only if cooling lines go to radiator from tranny if you have a separate cooler just flush it really good or get a new one. you will need a torque converter as well.. rebuilding a trans is not for the novice/shade tree mechanic if you have never done one i would have it rebuilt for you.. having it rebuilt will also give you a warranty.... you could also get another tranny that has been rebuilt and use your current one as a core..

 

[GreatDane]

radiator only if cooling lines go to radiator from tranny if you have a separate cooler just flush it really good or get a new one. you will need a torque converter as well.. rebuilding a trans is not for the novice/shade tree mechanic if you have never done one i would have it rebuilt for you.. having it rebuilt will also give you a warranty.... you could also get another tranny that has been rebuilt and use your current one as a core..

Yeah well I live in Denmark and can only buy used ones most from Sweden! A used cost 8 times more then a full rebuild kit if that can put it in perspective for you

I know it's not a novice job, but it's possible with caution and a manual - my best friends dad is specialized in American cars with +50 years experience, so if it's to hard I'll pay him to do it then.

But firstly, how would I inspect as it is now with just the VB off - is that possible ?


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[GreatDane]

Oh and rebuild a tranny is something I have on list of next steps I want to archive and learn, and only way to learn is by doing.

Thoose tranny's I can't get it just pulled from the wrecked explorers and the state of them and history is totally unknown


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[black_demon69]

But firstly, how would I inspect as it is now with just the VB off - is that possible ?


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as far as i know you would have to tear it down

 

[downer]

an atsg manual is an excellent resource when it comes to rebuilding. they have excellent instructions on tear down and assembly. generally around $25USD.
https://www.atsg.us/atsg/5r55e-1.html

 

[GreatDane]

an atsg manual is an excellent resource when it comes to rebuilding. they have excellent instructions on tear down and assembly. generally around $25USD.

https://www.atsg.us/atsg/5r55e-1.html

Exactly that's the one I bought! Host hoping there's a diary or other user experience in regards to a rebuild of the 5r55e


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[Earl43P]

Great Dane,

The 5R55E was installed in Explorers, which put a lot more interest onto the Internet.
Click on the following link for another resource:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386920

Good luck!

 

[GreatDane]

Great Dane,



The 5R55E was installed in Explorers, which put a lot more interest onto the Internet.

Click on the following link for another resource:



http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=386920



Good luck!

Thanks for the link

Is there a particular rebuild kit to choose ? I see some variations on the kits, been looking at this:

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=261378421029

It has all the components I need right ?


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[GreatDane]

But this kit looks different as it is with bands ?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=200577926208

Could I just by them by them selves ?


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