Hello. New to the forum.
My 96 Explorer, 4x4, 4.0 engine with 210,000-ish miles (yikes!) is revving up occasionally when shifting, especially between 2nd and 3rd. Obviously due to the mileage my first assumption would be to just rebuild or replace it. But just thought I would ask if there would be any other problem. Also, I'm sure this is a 4r55e, correct?

 

What you describe is known as FLARE (disk/clutches and bands slipping). you may be able to salvage it for a while with a fluid change (no flush). You are looking at a rebuild... Philip

 

My 99 has shifting problems from 2nd to 3rd under load, been this way since it was new. I remember a post with pictures of a problen in the valve body with a steel check ball. Its been a few years when I saw it on this forum. It will rev up to 4 grand before it shifts to 3rd under heavy load or accelerating up an on ramp.

 

Interesting. I will search for that.

 

There is a TSB for a valve body/check valve and a gasket for the 5R55E transmission in my '99 (if there is a 4R55E, it might apply to it also). I am not sure if that is what AuReviour is referring to. But I don't believe the TSB was for slipping between 2nd and 3rd or for delayed shifts, for that matter.

You can tell what transmission you have based on the "TR" code on the plackard on the driver's door (or door sill?). Mine has a "D" for the 5R55E.

The TSB for my '99 was for loss of back pressure when coasting down hill. Mine went out at 32K miles while I was in 4x4 Low going down a steep gravel hill coming down from an altitude of 7500 feet (Yikes!). The transmission still worked normally, just no use of engine compression to slow me down.

(Side Note: Ford did not fix under warrantee even though it was a TSB and happened before 35K because I brought it in after 35K. I was quite a ways away from home.)

I got the TSB kit from the dealer and seal, had a local shop service it and haven't had a problem since, now going on 145K miles.

The slipping between gear changes is more likely from what auqanaut20 has suggested, especially considering the mileage.