How Reliable are the 4R44E, 4R55E or the 5R44E, 5R55e?

[Kirby N.]

So I am looking into a 1995 to 1997 Ranger. I understand that they do not have the a4ld anymore, which is a big plus. But my question is:

1. How reliable/ resilient are the 4R s and the 5R s?

I really don't want another a4ld near me. After 2 of them in my sploder I put in a manual. Now my 1993 ranger's a4ld is giving me problems.

2. How do you know which one is in the truck? Say I am looking at a ranger, how do I know which one it is?

I want something that is going to be trouble free. I would rather have a auto, but if it is going to compromise reliability, I will go with another manual.

Also, it will see some light towing and some moderate to heavy 4xing.

TIA.


Kirby

 

[BrooklynBay]

They are part of the same family as the A4LD. You should look for a V8 equipped model with a 4R70W transmission if you plan on using it for towing.

 

[Kirby N.]

Thanks for the reply. I am pretty sure the Ranger did not come with a v8 or a 4R70W??

 

[BrooklynBay]

Only the Explorer came with a V8, but some people have swapped a V8 drivetrain into it. There are adapters available for a 4R70W with a separate control module.

 

[ragajungle]

if you get a ranger don't tow in OD, get a remote fluid filter, and an external cooler. If it has been maintained it's a good truck. If it is not maintained there are 10,000 posts on here describing what you can look forward to.

 

[Kirby N.]

So the 4R s and the 5R s are just newer versions of the A4ld plagued with the same durability problems?

I may just have to stick with the stick if you know what I mean.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The 4R & 5R have upgraded hard parts, but they are more computerized. The best compromise is to use an A4LD with 5R parts. Check the sticky thread called Project Frankentranny.

 

[Jack Flash]

I've been hauling fairly heavy loads, towing vehicles on a tow bar & a tow dolly.....my 99 Ranger hasn't whimpered yet. All things in moderation is the key. I stop around every 100 miles and check the fluid; if it's starting to foam, then I need a break as well as the truck. Generally, if you can't stand to touch the dipstick, then it's too hot. Let her cool down.

You have to remind yourself: "I'm not driving a race truck nor a tow truck."
,
,

J...182K and still rolling.

 

[Kirby N.]

LOL. That is pretty sad, honestly. Having to nurse an under engineered tranny so you don't kill it. For me, that would be like having a supercar and driving it like a girl because you want to get better mileage- in other words it would never happen. It is funny ford missed the mark so substantally with the A4LD then stuck a bandaid on it and renamed it. Honestly, I would buy a comanche with a 4.0 in a heart beat if they had an extended cab. The aisin trannys in those things hold up to pretty much anything you want to throw at them. I want something I can depend on when I need it.

Thanks for the info. I am a bit dissapointed, but it is good to learn this before I have another time-bomb in my garage.

 

[ragajungle]

Kirby,
I am disheartened at all of the issues surrounding this transmission too, but I think a lot of people on here will attest to a few mods (cooler/remote filter) to make a questionable transmission into a reliable transmission. There are more success stories than horror stories, but like the news, good news doesn't make the headlines...
Mike

Also no one ever maintains transmissions- I worked at Valvoline in highschool and it was the same story

Me: "Your due for a trans service"
Customer: "Nah, it's a lease"
Customer: "Nope don't have the time"
Customer: "nah -- too much money"
Customer: "I'll be trading it in, I don't care"

 

[Kirby N.]

Thanks for the responses fellas. If I must have an auto it will definately get a cooler and a remote filter. More research on that soon.

I do have another question though. I have expanded my search to 2001-2003 Explorer Sports and 2001-2005 Sport Tracs.

What Auto transmission do these come with? It seems like there are some with the 4.0 OHV engine and the 4.0 SOHC engine. Do any come with a manual?

Thanks transmission experts!