What would you do? I have a 1999 exCab Ranger. 4x4, 4.0, Auto with 146k miles. I started noticing when you put it into drive it takes a sec or two the gear to engage. Shifting seems normal when driving.
I took it to a shop and they pulled the pan and the fluid was reddish brown (more red) and smelled a little burnt. There didn't seem to be metal shaving's in the fluid.
Now... What would you do? Do I get this repaired immediately as continued driving may destroy more parts than if I got it fixed now (thus costing even more).
I understand it is going to fail. How long does a transmission "normally" last once this is happening if I drive it until it quits. Will I have I caused the failure of other parts?
How can you determine which transmission is in the truck? (It was made in Feb)
Is the transmission that difficult to repair? Does a rebuild kit contain all items that may be failing in my truck?
Kit example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...#ht_1351wt_941

Thanks

 

think i would change the fluid and filter and run it for as long as you can then have it built by someone that knows what there doing

 

I have read that changing the fluid can actually make it get worse faster? I assume you would disagree with this? I just wish I knew auto transmissions.
Thanks for your post!!!

 

If the filter is restricted it takes longer for the fluid pressure to get up to spec. Once up there it seems OK, but because it may be starving for fluid the trans is not working as designed. The most reasonable thing you can do for now is as, stated by labc26 . change the fluid and filter and keep an eye on how it behaves. Have never heard of any bad results from changing a plugged filter. When was it changed last any idea?

 

I have just bought the truck. I dont know any maintenance history, but I would guess never. I think I will plan to replace the filter and the fluid. Do you recomend flushing the transmission? I have also been told to add a qt of Lucas Tran additive? Do you agree?

Thanks for you help

 

If you change the fluid and filter you will no doubt clean the sediment in the pan.
There is no further need, in my opinion, to flush the trans and stir up any settled stuff and now have it circulating throughout the trans. If you have to add any additives to the trans fluid it is usually because the trans is on its way out. I would suggest a fluid and filter change. If that doesn't help correct the problem then, maybe, an additive might help. You will be better able to know a little more about the trans once you drop the pan , look in it and change the filter.

 

I have a 91 ford explorer with the 4.0 in it and one time I put the suv in gear and it did'nt feel like the trans had any power the back of my suv did'nt lurch up like it do's. I took it to my uncles and we pulled the pan and there was'nt any thing in it other then normal cluch dust I put the lucas trans slip fix in it just for added pertection.the lucas trans stuff is prity good stuff I was told. that was 9000 mils ago. It terned out to be that my trans filter was way past the 12,000 mils that you should change it now its right there. just like hanky said change the filter thats your best bet my explorer has 237,000 on it and its never bin rebuilt. I have two trans coolers on it and it leaks trans fluid I think that helps it live a long life.

 

How can you tell if you have the 4R55E (1995-2001 4.0L Rangers) or the 5R55E (1997 - 2009 4.0L Rangers) as listed in the link? I,m fairly sure mine is the 4R55E due to it having 1, 2, D and the overdrive switch on the GS tip. (no 5th gear in that arrangement) LOL
Where do you find the transmission code?

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...AutoTrans.html

Thanks

 

It should be listed on the label on the inside of the driver's door.

 

2003 ranger reverse just stoped working, everything else works fine