Transmission compatibility

2001 FORD RANGER
200,000 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JOHN C. FARMER III
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Will the transmission from a 1997 for Explorer work in my 2001 Ranger? They both have 4.0 with automatic and 4wd.
Feb 17, 2019 at 10:10 AM
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STEVE W.
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They are not the same transmission as Roy said. The internals are different as is the control system. The 1997 transmission would work in a mid year 2000 truck, by 2001 they all had a slightly different transmission. For your 2001 you need a transmission from a 2001 - 2003 Ranger or Explorer or a 2001-2002 Mazda B4000.
Feb 18, 2019 at 4:51 PM
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JOHN C. FARMER III
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I would like to say that the transmission from the 1997 Explorer fit in the 2001 Ranger without a problem one and the transmissions were exactly the same..
Feb 18, 2019 at 11:22 PM
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STEVE W.
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The externals are the same but the internals are not. Ford changed parts inside them. That is why the interchange books say they are different. They also use different software calibrations. I would keep a close eye on the fluid and shifting patterns.
Feb 19, 2019 at 12:37 AM
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MICHAEL1204
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i have the truck listed above and the reverse is gone. i just bought it and i don't know what i'm doing. I have a 2005 that has a good transmission could I possibly swap them? can someone help me?
May 4, 2021 at 10:51 AM (Merged)
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning,

You had 3 options for your 1999.

2005 had only one, the 5R55. You must make sure that the 1999 has a 5R55 or it will not work.

There should be a tag on the side of the transmissions to verify the type.

I attached a YouTube video of the procedure for you to view.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDtHwU0uyxA

Roy
May 4, 2021 at 10:51 AM (Merged)
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IRGRUNTSMOM
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Will a transmission out of a Mazda 4.0 swap into my truck and bolt to bell housing? If not please suggest what transmissions will swap.
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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No that one will not work 1998-2000 ford ranger with a 3.0 L and 1998-2000 Mazda B3000 with a 3.0L engine those are the ones that will fit.
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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KGRIBBLE
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Can I swap my truck listed above transmission with the Ford Explore as long as it’s the same model number on the transmission (5R55E) and there both between 1995 and 2005.
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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DANNY L
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Hello, I'm Danny.

Unfortunately, I need to have a little more info before answering that.You based the question on a 1999 4wd Ranger. What year is the transmission you plan on swapping into the 1999 Ranger? Hope this helps and get back to me when you can.Thanks for using 2CarPros.
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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KGRIBBLE
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The Explorers range from 1997-2001.
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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As long as the model number is the same and the electrical connectors to the computer you should be okay.
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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BFROMAN
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Our 1998 Ford Ranger has a transmission that needs to be replaced. We were told by salvage yard that we can ONLY replace it with another "1998" Ford Ranger transmission, NO OTHER YEAR. When you research the Tag code it is 5R55E which says fits from 1997-2004. Can you verify this statement to be true, and if so why ONLY 1998 transmission. Thanks!
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I would recommend replacing it only with the same year and here is why. The manufacturers change things very often, sometimes within the same model year. Also, the computer on the truck is designed to recognize specific sensors within the transmission that change from year to year. It's sad to say, but the days of the C4 and C6 transmissions that would work on just about any ford are gone. Trust me when I tell you if the sensors are the least bit different, you will have problems. It could be a shift problem, no shift, engine rev too high before shifting... Stay with the exact replacement.
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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DANNY L
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To answer BFROMAN and KGRIBBLE
Yes, You can use an Explorer transmission as long as the transmission tag number is identical for the 5R55E that come in both Rangers and Explorers.

To answer CHRISELIG no you cannot interchange a 2wd with a 4x4 transmission. The 4x4 version has a transfer case that is mounted on the back of the transmission and therefore the lengths of the transmissions are different. It would be best for you to find a 2wd version transmission.Hope this helps all of you and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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BRIANK12
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I need to know what model of transmission i have in my truck listed above. is it a 4R44E, 4R55E, or 5R55E?
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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KASEKENNY
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This is a little tricky because it depends on when the vehicle was built. Even though it is a 1994, if it was built later in the year it could have a 4R44E, or 55E. However, the 1994 Ranger had an A4LD but it was replaced with the 44 or 55.

You have two options. First you can try to locate the tag that I show attached. That will tell you what part number you have and can look it up.

Second, you could call a Ford dealer and give them your VIN and they can look up how your vehicle was built. Unfortunately, we don't have the ability to look that up here.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
May 4, 2021 at 10:52 AM (Merged)
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JOHN CRANFORD
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Putting 1990 engine and transmission in 1939 coupe need to know how to hook up two wire switch on transmission. I have neutral and back up switch hooked up. No computer going old school.
May 4, 2021 at 10:53 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Sounds fun. Here are the engine and transmission wiring diagrams so you can get the job done. (Below)

Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the project.

Cheers, Ken
May 4, 2021 at 10:53 AM (Merged)
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