Hello everyone I'm back. Thank you so much to all that helped me out on the last repair. The truck was running great until this little problem brought it to a rest. It looks like I will be installing a transmission. The other problem is I don't have the money that it will cost to buy or have one rebuilt. My other option is to go to pull-a-part. They are listing the transmission as interchangeable with the Ford Explorer 2001. Does anyone know for sure that that transmission will fit my 2005 Ranger?

 

Should be the same trans but you will have to change the bell housing to fit the 3.0 should be able to swap from your old one you also need to verify that your torque converter is splined to fit that trans input shaft. Also being 4 years difference and a different motor the expo would have a 4.0. You'll have to verify that all the electrical connections are the same.

 

Alright so bell housing swap, verify splines are an exact fit to trans shaft, and all electrical connections are the same. Great info, now how do I determine all of that before I go to work on removing the transmission from the Explorer? I haven't ever used a Pull-A-Part store before but I do know there is no way to call someone at the store and ask these questions. One thing I don't want to do is get it removed from the Explorer just to find out that it won't fit my truck. I was told by one of the vehicle buyers for the store, that I would have to go to the store just to talk with someone about the parts. I kind of gather the customer service rep at the store will have no idea about any part questions that I may have. So when I go to the store (junk yard) I don't suppose a visual check is going to give me all the information I need huh? I'm guessing I wont be able to see all the connections and splines for sure. Man, it sure would be nice to have a fat checking account right about now. It's just the price for a transmission there is only $75.00 plus my time, verses between $400.00-$800.00 for a used one from other places I've checked.

 

Yeah spline count will need to be verified by visual or i believe at one time there was a part number cross reference on here. You may be able to match it by vin number on the donors door tag. Someone who has a list of both the trans model indicator for both the expo/ranger but to be positive grab the flex plate trans and torque converter from the expo then you can compare. wiring plugs should be easier to check you can count pins/take pics of your current setup then match them up before you pull it. But if you can find a way to verify trans numbers against the vin then the plugs should be the same you'd just have to worry about flex plate fitment.

 

Alright, thank you for your helpful information.

 

Sorry about that flex plate is what autos use instead of a flywheel. Its what the torque converter uses to bolt to the engine. its not a necessary part but since your already there it may be good to have to help match up bolt patterns. it will have an inner pattern that bolts to your crankshaft and an outer pattern that the torque converter bolts to. This will allow you to measure up to make sure the 3.0 flex plate will work with the new torque converter/trans you pull from the 4.0. You probably won't end up using it but its nice to have to compare to the parts you take off incase you run into any issues with bolting it all up.

 

So I should drop my transmission and take it with me if I can right. That way I won't have to pay the core charge and I will have something to compare against. How long do you think it will take just to get one of the transmissions out. I'm pretty good with a wrench, I also have the Haynes manual. This is more than likely a two or three day job for me huh?

 

I swapped from auto to manual in 2 days using some ramps and basic tools. In a yard with no lift/ramps id bet on a day at best but its not to bad at all. Pul the bell housing bolts disconnect trans cooler lines and driveshaft then you pull all electrical connectors remove torque converter bolts then drop the crossmember while supporting the trans then just wiggle it out but be careful to get it clear of the engine before dropping it down to much. I wouldn't leave your old trans until you are sure you have everything you need and it will bolt up (remember you have to swap bell housings and compare the electrical connectors) From my experience id keep EVERYTHING until you have it running. The last thing you want is to need one random sensor or pigtail that you already had but gave up on a core. That cheap project will nickle and dime you real quick doing it that way.

 

Man am I sore. I did get my transmission out after some heavy wrenching. I have a friend that is telling me he does not think that the transmissions are interchangeable. I sure wish there was some way to find out for sure. I guess that I may have to go to the salvage yard just to look and see if they look like they will work in my truck. I know I need the 5R55E but I don't know if the one in the Explorer is the same as mine.

 

Are you sure its 5r55e? I believe the 3.0 had the 5r44e i think the 4.0 was the only one that got the 5r55e but could be mistaken. Check your vin there is a decoder on the forums that will tell you which exact trans you have.

 

You are correct the 3.0L has the 5R44E. TRS has a good article on transmission ID.

5R44E 2001-2009 w/2.3L & 3.0L 5-Speed

Ford Ranger Automatic Transmission Identification