I feel like I’m seeing conflicting answers online.

Both are 4.0L and 2WD so I thought both will have the 5R55E and be compatible with each other. Is this correct?

 

Yes, 2001 4.0l thru 2011 4.0l 2wd are interchangeable

1995-2000 4.0l 2wd would not work

 

Im new to RF. Anyway im trying to get info on transmission specs and looking for a way to compare specs between my '96 Explorer xlt 4.0 and maybe getting a newer Explorer, I found newer ones but want to find out if which or if any parts from my truck will work with other years/models? Any help is much appreciated!

 

Welcome to the forum

You have a 2nd generation Explorer, 1995-2001, so those are the years with compatible body and interior parts
In 1996 a 5.0l V8 was an option thru 2001(used 4R70W transmission)

4.0l OHV was used as standard engine in all these years, but in 1997 Ford added optional 4.0l SOHC as an upgrade to the 4.0l OHV, extra 40HP

1995/6 4.0l used the 4R55E transmission, 1997 to 2001, either 4.0l, used the 5R55E transmission

2WD or 4x4 matters for transmission, not interchangeable

M5OD-R1(M5R1) manual transmission was a rare option on 4.0l Explorers, same trans is much more common in Rangers

 

First off thank u RonD! Reading your post has resulted in more questions. Your insights and any are appreciated! I just got home from doing 18months in the can so the old exploders been sitting for that whole time so I was looking into just getting something newer, more comfortable and in better shape. I need to look at my motor but I think my 96 is a SOHV, I know it was replaced by a dealer before I bought it and can't find the paper work but I'll have to go check. Just to get it running would entail replacing the waterpump(bad gasket), blower fan, oil change and fuel filter. Also I have all parts to replace front end susp too. It's ok for a 96 4x2 with about 300,000miles on it but the frame is semi rusty, and a rear window doesn't work among a few other minor things but just weighing my options. There's a few newer explorers in my area for sale(a 2002,2004,2005) and most with 4wd, in decent shape but 2 have bad transmissions so that sparked my idea of just swapping my Trans but guess that won't work for me! Any suggestions and tips is greatly appreciated!

 

1996 would only have a 4.0l OHV
1997 was first model year 4.0l SOHC was an option

If you don't see this when you open the hood: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6TcVOKXpyOI/maxresdefault.jpg
You have a 4.0l OHV

The gas in a tank only lasts 4 to 6months, so drain it

Don't know what "mechanics specials" sell for in your area
A running drive-able vehicle will always sell for more

So I would get it running, and the old gas flushed out
As long as the front end doesn't shake when you drive I would sell the parts with vehicle or separately

Stuff that doesn't interfere with driving can be left alone
The vehicle is 27 years old, so its more of what does work, not what doesn't work, lol
People don't buy 25+ year old vehicles because every thing works, they want a cheap "driver"

Never tracked Explorers by year so can't speak to "whats a good year" or "whats a bad year"