Used ranger advice

[variable70]

I'm looking at a stock 1998 ranger 4x4, 4.0 ohv, auto trans code D 5r55e, 3.73 rear, 193K on the clock. I test drove it and it shifts hard from a stop into first. There appears to be trans fluid leaking from where the trans bolts to the engine. I guess it could be oil but it had a reddish tint to it. Body is straight some rust on the frame and bed mounts. Is the trans shot? Any idea where that leak may be coming from or how hard it would be to fix?

 

[RayInStl]

Since it's coming from where they bolt together, I would think either torque converter or the front main pump. Might just be a seal, but I would assume the worst and make sure my offer included the likelihood that I'd be replacing or rebuilding the transmission. Either way, the trans has to come out.

 

[RonD]

Yes, at 200k miles the trans was either poorly rebuilt(soft parts only) or is original and needs to be rebuilt.
So I would plan accordingly or walk away from it

Replace rear main seal, always, when trans is out

 

[variable70]

Thanks for the replies

I thought initially rear main seal since higher mileage. it was clean before I drove it but there was a noticeable drip when I checked it post test drive. I read the other threads regarding shift issues with the 5r55e.

 

[55trucker]

The 5r55e is essentially a heavy duty version of the 4r44e/4r55e trans.

It's a reliable trans, but if you don't know the history of the vehicle & how much care the trans has seen then like everything else its *buyer beware*.

If the trans is shifting hard into 1st when in the throttle overrun it may be a case of needing the *trans shift correction kit*. You really have no idea what trans fluid is in the trans as well, it should be Mercon 5, is it?, may very well not be.

If you looked under the truck before you took it for a drive & the bell housing was drip free but after returning there was/is fluid dripping that tells me (depending on the fluid colour) either the engine rear main seal is in sad shape or the trans front seal is in the same boat.

As stated after 200 thousand miles be careful what you spend your money on.

 

[pjtoledo]

are you in a rust belt area?
take a hammer and bang on the rear frame areas, and the stuff above the spare tire.