I'll start off by saying I know next to nothing about cars so if this is a ridicuous question, I apologize, but since my male friends don't seem to know the answer either I thought I would ask it here.

I found a table of Ford transmissions and matched up the transmission type, engine type/size, and transmission model. I have a 1995 Explorer automatic transmission and it seems for the 4R55E transmission I can buy from someone selling it out of the following:
'95-96 Ranger
'95-'96 Explorer
'96 Aerostar
and I read a couple posts of people switching it to the 5R55E successfully which then the following would work (and there's much more selection):
'97-03 ranger
'97-01 explorer
'01-03 explorer sport/sport trac, or
'97 aerostar

I have a couple people willing to replace the transmission for free so want to make it as easy as possible for them but as cheap as possible for me.

Thank you

 

If you switch to the 5R55E, and it is possible, you need to change the wiring harness and the computer, too. What your truck has will NOT operate a 5R55E. You might also need to change the length of the driveshaft, or both driveshafts if your truck is a 4x4.

It is MUCH easier to replace the trans with the same type that came out. Your list of those that used the 4R44E is correct. The other thing you must consider is to get one that is a 4x4 if your Explorer is a 4x4, or to get a 4x2 if yours is a 4x2. If you have a 4x4 and get a 4x2 transmission you have to tear the trans down and rebuild it as a 4x4. The same happens the other way, too. They MUST match.

 

Thank you so much!