Hello all to all you in the Ranger Nation. I recently bought a 1997 Ford Ranger fx4 off road. I live in Naples Fl and this vehicle was bought on the fly around here we call them condo cars, cars that are generally driven by retirees 4 or 5 months a year then parked then driven ect. It was purchased at an estate sale with the knowledge that the transmission was bad but other than that it is in great shape and a good pickup for my soon to be 16-year-old daughter. She has grown up around a ford pickups so it didn't surprise me much when she asked for a Ranger. So, unfortunately, this one needs a transmission what can I use, what years any suggestion/advice would be greatly appreciated. Ford Rangers are all over this area of Florida so there are plenty of opportunities I just need to understand what I should be looking for or stay away from

 

Manual or automatic? There aren't many choices as far as stock, unless you wanna mod things.

 

Opps LOL automatic

 

Anybody help me?

 

Looks like u have a 4.0? Well then, u will need to source an auto from another 4.0l as the bell housing is different.... other than that not sure of really anything else....I do know they changed from a 4speed to. A 5sp auto, however I am unsure what yr that was ....I have a 2010 with a 5sp manual so I don’t really know squat about older rangers.....

 

Perhaps RonD will see this and jump in to help? He’s seems to have an infinite knowledge of these trucks.........

 

FYI, just to add to my earlier post.. u may wanna also stick with a trans from a 4x4 as I’m unsure if the tail shaft if interchangeable?

 

Thank you

 

I guess its kind of important do I need to look for a tranny out of a 4x4 or not? Anyone know

 

Yes, with an automatic the main shaft is shorter for a 4x4, so to change it from 2wd to 4wd you would need a complete rebuild with new main shaft, not advisable.

1997 was last year of the 4R55E(4-speed), it was only used in 4.0l Rangers for 3 years
1998 and up got the 5R55E, 5 speed, which can't be used in the 1995-1997 Rangers, different computer software.

So you need an automatic from a 1995-1997 4.0l Ranger 4x4, for a plug and play installation
1995-1996/7 Ford explorer 4.0l 4x4 used same trans, 4R55E, 1997 explorer can be 5R or 4R depending on the 4.0l engine model, OHV or SOHC, you have OHV

Since you are close to transition year, 1997/1998, I would check the drivers door label and get the TRANS code
TRANS code T = 4R55E
TRANS code D = 5R55E

99% sure it will be T, but that 1% really really matters

Door label seen here, also has other info like Rear Axle ratio and type: Ford 7.5 & 8.8 Inch Axle Tag & Door Codes : The Ranger Station

Because of the limited years, 1995-1997, you may be better off just doing a rebuild

 

here is what I found

 

Good thing you checked, you have a 5R55E automatic, Trans code "D"

So you can use 1998 to 2009 5R55E from 4.0l 4x4 Ranger, use your transfer case
I think Explorer change it in 2002, so 1997 to 2002 explorer 4.0l 4x4

5R55E 2001 and up will have an extra bolt hole in the bell housing, that was added for the 4.0l SOHC engine, you just don't use it with the 4.0l OHV engine

You also have a Limited Slip 3.73 ratio rear axle, so posi-traction, Axle code R6

And truck was assembled at St. Paul, Minnesota, in Oct. 1996, for 1997 model year

 

Wow you are a wealth of information I thank you so much. When I find what I need I will run it through here. I did start working on it tonight as I said it was bought at an estate sale, I had never seen it run, I took a battery out of my 450, dropped it in the ranger hit the key and it started right up and I think it had been at least a year since it had been run. It sounds great nice and tight no odd noises. Thanks again for everyone's help time for me to get busy with the rest of it