I've got an 03 4.0 4x4 step side.

Reverse died today while I was slowly backing up with 4x4 engaged (I was on dirt/grass). All of a sudden, I hear this bang noise and stopped reversing.

Based on what I've read on the forums, sounds the reverse bend broke, not the seals. :-(

I found someone with an 03 Explorer 4.0 engine. They're selling the transmission for $200.

Question 1:
What do I need to check to make sure the transmission is compatible?

Question 2:
Is it possible that something else is wrong? Such as the rear differential? Idk, I'm grasping at anything else other than the tranny.

😢

 

Question 3:
How can I tell which tranny I've got and which tranny this guy has?

 

Here's my door jam sticker.

I tried to decide it, but none of the decoders tell me what engine R45 is.... I'm at a loss.

 

 

You have a 5R55E automatic, TRANS(TR) code "D", at the bottom of label

Rear axle is R7 which means Limited Slip, 4.10 ratio, just FYI

You would need trans from a 4x4 for sure, can NOT convert 2WD trans to 4WD, or visa versa

Yes, 2003 Explorer with 4.0l would also use the 5R55E automatic, but as said it needs to be a 4WD explorer.


If you have Forward gears then transfer case and rear axle are OK, if you can't move backwards or forwards then could be transfer case has slipped to Neutral or rear axle pinion or ring gear is bad

I assume you have an electric shift 4WD try shifting it to 4low see if it is working, and then back to 2WD
You can remove shift motor and manually select a position
Look here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...-motor.123542/

There is a close up of shift positions on transfer case, Neutral is across from 2WD(2H), between 4H and 4L, it is not a selection offered with electric shift, but it is there none the less


Just FYI, and not that it matters, but "bands" in an automatic transmission are brakes, they stop parts of transmission from spinning so other gear ratios can be selected, some think a band sounds like it is driving something like a fan belt or chain drive might, in this case it is a brake

 

Thanks Ron.

When i didn't have reverse movement, I switched it back to 2wd and nothing. Then I tried 4hi and 4lo, but still nothing.

If I drive for a few weeks without reverse fiction, I assume it cannot get any worse due to the existing damage, is that right?

I've been looking for the 5R55E tranny for the last two days and decent low mileage units are about $700... This might be the end of my Ranger. 😢 There are too many other problems with the truck due to rust.