What all transmission will swap with the 2003 2.3 automatic? The trans went out at 140k and looks like only 2002-2003 will fit but I know that cannot be true. What are the bell housing, harness and tailshaft issues? If it will hook up it will work...LOL

 

No, its not true

2002-2011 Automatic from a 2.3l Ranger or Mazda B2300 will work, they were all 2WD

Earlier 2.3l were a different engine so would not bolt to your 2.3l and don't have the correct sensors

Good place to shop for used parts is https://www.car-part.com/

Use your Zipcode of course

The reason for the 2002/3 limitation is because Ford changed the engine setup in 2004, it dropped IMRC and the heated thermostat used in 2002/3 2.3l Duratec models, but there were no changes in transmission setup, manual or automatic, so it will be fine to use later models, plug and play

You have 5R44E automatic, that's a Model Number not what it fits
So you need a 5R44E from a 2002-2011 2.3l engine, not from a 3.0l engine

140k is early failure, 200-250k is usual for a rebuild with automatics now-a-days
Be sure to clean out/flush the trans cooler and lines
And new torque converter, always

If you have installed automatics before then you KNOW how to properly seat a torque converter, if not then Google: How to seat torque converter
Watch the 2min video, applies to ALL automatics, not a Ford thing
Incorrect seating of torque converter will cause a broken pump 100% of the time, which requires FULL REBUILD to repair

 

Thanks, Yes I have been wrenching for over 30 years but I've been an S10 guy and new to Ranger. I've probably built at least 10 from the ground up. I thought that was the case, thanks again for the info.