When (if ever) Did Ranger Automatics Become Reliable?

[CJREX]

Long story short, my severe clutch leg injury from almost nine years ago (which I thought I was completely over) has reared its ugly head again after a 2.5 hour stint in stop-n-go Atlanta traffic

What that means is that now that I have my Ranger pretty much how I like it, I need something with an auto.

Is the 4r55e/5r55e any better? If so I'll probably just get a newer Ranger. If not, I guess I'll sell my car and get an automatic equipped car.

Both choices suck. I far prefer a stick.

 

[Totalled]

1983 and 1984...

 

[CJREX]

Can't do a C5.

I need the O/D for my commute.

And I can almost buy a decent used truck for the price of a GearVendors O/D unit.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

Pretty much never. All the O/D autos suck.

However, the later electronically controlled autos are marginally better from what I've heard. The 4R55E and 5R55E (4.0 autos) are probably the best in terms of reliability. The 4R44E (4cyl and 3.0 V6) sucks IMO, but I have had a pretty bad experience with mine.

 

[ZSK]

The 5R55E 5 speed auto behind the 97+ 4.0's are probably the best O/D autos in Rangers but it's still a light duty unit.

 

[arrabil]

The 4R55E that replaced my 4R44E doesn't seem any different to me from a ride quality and shift quality standpoint. I got 130K out of the 4R44E and I beat it pretty good for the last 40K. If the 4R55E lasts 100K, I will consider it acceptable.

 

[Ozwynn]

use this

http://www.4-x-fab.com/Transmission_adapters.php

and adapt and AODE

 

[4LO 4.O]

The 5r55e in mine has over 140,000 miles and no sign of stopping anytime soon. I haul 4000 pound trailer around five days a week and 4-wheel her all weekend. Make sure you keep the fluid and filter changed and there`s no telling how long these trannys will last

 

[TireIron]

yea the 5R55E is actually a pretty decent unit, and if you drop in a shift kit and take care of it then it really shifts and holds well.

 

[Mutant Pony]

I've seen the A4lds last over 200,000 miles as well. All the Ranger autos are based on the A4ld and can break just as easy. If you drive them like you love your truck, they will last. If you drive them like a total idiot (like I would) they break really easy.
I've been inside all of them and believe me the parts are tiny.
I like that AOD adapter kit. Good idea.

 

[Bent Bolt]

Trust me, after about 2002 the 5R55E is a decent trans. I rarely see Rangers in the shop and even more rare is trans problems. Now, if you beat on them, of course the life expectancy will go down. Hiway commute ?? Shouldn't be a problem.
FYI, I do more repairs on 4R70W/4R75E ALOT more than Rangers.