I just purchased a 99` Ranger Xl 2.5l for 500$ as a work truck odometer reads 200k plus. As far as I know the truck had a used engine replaced with supposedly 70k to 90k on it not so long ago they didn`t do a very good job installing (stuff loose missing nuts) but it starts and all. Reason I bought it was I took it for money owed it was either that or lose my money. Well one of the issues that its having is shifting. Reverse works fine, Forward is the issue to get it going I need to start in 1st gear then work my way in Drive. fluid looks red and haven't smelt it for burn smell. I can get a junk yard one for 120-200$ off a 2000 ranger just wanted you guys feed back on what it could be or if jump the gun and buy the junk yard one. also suggestions on what Year ranges fit the 1999 ranger.
Thanks in advance for any help provide.

 

1995 to 2001.5 4cyl rangers used the 4R44E automatic

1995 to 1997 2.3l SOHC and 1998 to 2001.5 2.5l SOHC engine transmission will work.

2001.5 means in mid-2001 Ford changed Rangers 4cyl engine to a 2.3l Duratec DOHC engine, its transmission will NOT fit on your 2.5l

1999 Ranger used rear axle speed sensor, so any year, 1995 to 2001.5, will work for you

Forward one-way clutch(sprang clutch)problem meets your description, which is a rebuild it part, to repair.

Valve body issue would cause issues going into Reverse
Solenoid issues would cause flashing OD light

 

RonD Thanks for the all the good info.

I am guessing the Forward one-way clutch is inside the transmission (according to google).
I have never opened one up and to rebuild prices here are to high compared to a u-pull it.
I will go see what they have next week and let you know how it goes.

I will pay attention to see if the OD light is flashing didn`t really notice it.

 

@RonD

I found a 1998 ford ranger that runs and all but no title its a automatic 3.0 for 400$. will the transmission off that fit my 2.5? if so It would be a good deal for me for extra parts needed like Power steering pump, AC lines, Driver Window Plastic lips, headlights and bunch of other parts and bolts/nuts its only 200$ more than the you pull it for just the transmission.

 

No it won't, and no adapter for it

But you may be able to sell the 3.0l trans and engine to get some extra cash for correct trans for your 2.5l
Same 3.0l Vulcan engine was used from 1991 to 2008 in Rangers so many buyers out there, same for the 4R44E transmission, used from 1995 to 2000 on 3.0l Rangers

4R44E is the model of transmission(the guts inside), but bell housings were specific to the engine it was made for, 3.0l and 2.5l have different bolt patterns so are not interchangeable.
You can swap bell housings, but........on automatics the back of the bell house is the front part of the main pumps case, so not a simple swap, it can be done though.

 

@RonD

Since I am doing the swap from a 1996 2.3 transmission and have it ready to be mount this week. do I use Mercon or Mercon V since on the site below states that 1991-1996 used mercon and 1997-2007 used Mercon V. I have a lot of regular mercon in my garage but if I need mercon V I`ll have to purchase.


Ford Ranger Automatic Transmission Fluid Change

 

Just use the Mercon you have
The new Mercon V you would buy now would be backwards compatible to Mercon, so would work as well, but why spend the money if you don't need to

 

Here to bother you again i have installed the transmission from the 96 2.3 on my 99 and noticed that the range sensor has a different connection fitting one is more oval and groves are different. Do i just swap out the range sensor from the one i removed from 99? Also it has a sensor at rear end that my 99 doesn't have i assume its the speed sensor since i think the you mentioned the 1999 has the speed sensor on the abs rear axle so do i just leave that unplugged? Thanks again.

 

Yes swap over the Range sensor to match your wiring

Yes just leave tailshaft VSS unplugged, your 1999 uses rear axle VSS, 1998 to 2000 used that

 

Swap went well. Still Working in other areas on the truck to fully try it. I started the truck and drove a small distance forward and in reverse. thank you for you good information.

 

Good Work

Thanks for the update