I just bought a 2003 ranger, I’ve noticed 1-2 shifts not the smoothest but isn’t bad, 2-3 is fine but either 3-4 or 4-5 shifts pretty dang rough sometimes. The engine will rev up for a second then jolt. It’s got 175k on it, 4.0 engine with 4x4. I’m wondering if I should change the transmission fluid or try any transmission additives? I know some people strongly dislike additives but I’m in a pinch this is my only vehicle and I want to figure out the issue before it gets worse and have to spend a lot of $$ to rebuild my transmission. The trans fluid looks redish / brownish. I don’t know if the transmission fluid has ever been changed I’ve heard sometimes changing high mileage transmission fluid can do more damage then good. If anyone has any ideas that would help out big time. I’ll get a picture posted of what the fluid looks like. Also my 4wd don’t engage in high or low if anyone has any ideas abt that too that would help out. Thank you!

 

5r55e Tranny classic symptoms; at 175kMiles, it's way overdue for service:
~ drop TrannyPan, drain 5~7qts of ATF, remove old TrannyFilter
~ remove Tranny ValveBody, new SolenoidSet & ServoGasket+ORings & BondedGasket
~ reinstall Tranny VB, torq+sequence VBBolts to spec
~ inspect+adjust Tranny Intermediate+OverDrive Bands
~ new Tranny Filter & PanGasket, torq+sequence PanBolts to spec, refill with fresh MerconV
~ drive 50miles+, handpump ~1qt of ATF from DipTube, refill with fresh MerconV; repeat 5~7 times to fully flush old ATF
Click here for more info & part#s for the Trans.

1354 TransferCase 4x4ShiftMotor &\or 4x4ConModul are NotoriousFailureItems.
Does 4x4ConModul click when attempting to shift 2WHi~4WHi~4WLo?
If no, 4x4ConModul is likely failed; if yes, 4x4ShiftMotor is likely failed.
At 175kMiles, also way overdue for draining TCF & refill with fresh MerconLV (not MerconV).
Click here for more info & part#s for the TCase.

Hope this helps.

 

Any clue on how much it would cost to have the transmission rebuilt?

 

WildAssGuess\WAG $500~$5000, depending on Used\AfterMarket\OEM Parts & DIY\IndependentShop\DealerShip Labor.
Results could also vary widely, depending on Mechanics Knowledge\Skill\Experience\Motivation.

 

also the 4wd does not click at all when putting it in 4wd, I’ll turn the **** and nothing will happen no noises or anything

 

That could simply be the switch. From what I've read they are the most common reason for the 4X4 not turning on of course there could be something else going on with your truck.

 

i pulled the motor on the transfer case off that engages the 4wd, I would switch it into 4wd and the motor would not spin at all so either the switch is bad or the motor is bad. Also the ABS warning light is on all the time

 

could there also be something wrong with a sensor? don’t know much about transmissions but isn’t there speed sensors and stuff that could be bad?

 

You asked how much to rebuild Tranny, so I answered that question.
Very possible that a simpler\cheaper solution exists.

 

What is the "Switch" that you are refering to?
2WHi~4WHi~4WLo SelectorSwitch on the dash is likely NOT your problem.
You're intermingling\confusing multiple subsystem issues: Tranny...TransferCase...ABS...
Need to troubleshoot & fix each of these issues seperately one at a time.

 

i figured out the transfer case issue, the motor that engages the 4wd is bad, going to pick up a new one soon, so now I’m just left with the transmission issue, the only reason I brought up the ABS light is because i read somewhere that the ABS light could be on because of a transmission problem, could my speed sensor be bad causing the rough shift from 3-4 and 4-5 and that’s why my abs light is on?