Hey all, so I own a 2003 ford ranger 4.0L 4x4, bad news is that my automatic trans is toast.
im faced with 3 (realistically 2) options for repairs and I’d like to see what y’all think.

option 1) have a shop rebuild it. I’ve been quoted roughly $2700-$3000 by various shops

option 2) buy a remanufactured trans off AutoZone from National Powertrain and put it in myself. Roughly $2400

option 3) buy a remanufactured Motorcraft trans and put it in myself. Roughly $3,300

I’ve considered manual swapping but here in the Bay Area it’s just not practical. And I don’t mind doing it myself cause I can do it and know how but if I can avoid it I’d like to.
lmk which route y’all would take, I’d greatly appreciate your input.

 

You have a 5R55E automatic

2001-2011 models have ISS and OSS sensors added so different that earlier years

If shop has a good reputation and a WARRANTY, 2 years at least, then I would do that
Cheap rebuilds only last 12 to 18 months
Beside clutches and bands, it should get a new pump, sprags and OD drum, and a good inspection

Don't forget you need a new torque converter
Also the trans-cooler and lines must be cleaned, if old trans was spitting out metal bits then you do NOT want those to go into the rebuilt trans
And a 2nd trans-cooler is a must on ALL automatics, period


2003 4.0l also needs the 2 timing chain tensioners changed, every 100k miles, or NOW, if you don't know when, or if, they have been changed

 

thank you, always coming in clutch with good knowledge. I was definitely leaning towards having the shop do it, and that just confirms it. Id hate to bite off more than I can chew on this one.
do you really think the timing chains are necessary? I haven’t had any issues with my engine aside from some coolant system stuff months ago.

 

Changing the two OilPressurized TimingTensioners on a "NewToYou" V6~4.0L~SOHC or every 100kMiles is a must;
can be done in a couple of hours, does NOT require opening up or removal of the engine or TimingChains.
These Tensioners are notorious failure items, need to be renewed every 100kMiles; same for Plugs+Wires+OxSensors.

 

+1 ^^^

Not the timing chains, just the 2 tensioners, takes maybe 2 hours, if its your first time and you go slow, not at all hard or technical, just wrench work

 

Right on, definitely misread the tensioner part. Well I guess I might as well then cause I’m at 183,000. So I guess it’d be smart to do those anyways, along with the spark plugs and wires. Man I swear I’ve been playing catch up ever since I got this truck but each repair has been so satisfying upon completion so it’s worth the slight project.

 

I, too, would also personally go for the shop that can provide the teardown and installation with a warranty. If they are doing all the work, and you adhere to their guidelines, then its a no brainer, considering all the other options are a few hundred apart at best.

I would also suggest having the trans cooler replaced if at all possible. If the shop does a flush and calls it good, then go with their recommendation. It is often times very difficult to remove metal shavings from cooler assemblies though.

While I am almost always the guy to suggest "do it yourself, learn something along the way and save money" automatic transmissions can be quite easy to mess up, or void warranties on install due to all the red tape involved.