Vehicle is a AWD.

Can a 4.0 engine and 5 speed transmission from the 97 model year be installed in a 93 successfully?

Is the 5 speed tranny better than the earlier 4 speed models?

 

You would have to bring over the entire wiring harness and computer. I think the AWD is also controlled by the same computer.

The 5 speed is pretty much the same transmission with the computer engaging a pair of planetary gear sets to enable a new ratio in between two existing ratios. I don't remember the reason they did it; maybe to reduce the transition difference between the two existing gears. It may help acceleration a little, but I would not expect a big difference.

 

I was thinking it might help with mileage during acceleration, lowering engine rpm more quickly during acceleration etc..

 

I've done some generic swaps like this.
Unless you truly want a challenge, in all reality it's better to just buy a '97 with a blown motor/tranny and put your engine and tranny in it.

 

To answer your question, yes you can, but as stated, you need the computer and wiring harness from the '97 as well. The AWD is controlled by a separate computer located under the driver seat. This is true of all AWD models.

The 5R55e is a much better trans. There is a 2nd gear split, that the computer activates by engaging the OD band on top of 1st gear. This creates and extra gear ratio between first and third, but if you accelerate lightly, it will skip second gear and just go straight to third. On hard acceleration, it uses the second gear so there is not such a huge shift bump between gears, it does help reduce wear, and it makes the van quicker and more fuel efficient while accelerating. The performance differences are subtle though.

The main advantage of the early 5R55e is reliability. The A4LD depending on use and maintenance, averages between 50,000 - 150,000 miles, with most failures occurring between 100,000 - 120,000 miles. With excellent maintenance and conservative driving, the trans can last well beyond 200,000, I'm speaking in averages here. The 5R55e under the same conditions averages between 120,000 - 250,000 miles before a rebuild is required, average lifespan is increased by about 50%. With excellent maintenance and conservative use, you could get over 300,00 miles out of a stock 5R55e. The later 5R55e used in the Explorers and Rangers switched to a pulse modulated TCC lockup, which made operation smoother but dramatically increased valve body wear and cut lifespan.

For the record, the 5R55e made the Aerostar the fastest minivan until Honda introduced the 3.5L in the Odyssey and bump the power to a little over 260 hp. Even though the Odyssey has over 100 extra horsepower, its 4 speed gearbox and power curve mean it has to work harder to accelerate more quickly. The 1997 Aerostar 4.0L 2WD with a 5R55e could do 0-60 in 9.2 seconds, which is basically the same time as a 1997 F150 with a 5.4L. So it does make a slight difference, but you wouldn't notice unless you were taking your van to track days.

As far as practicality of the swap, I would try to make sure the body of the recipient van is in excellent condition, otherwise I would say the swap is not worth it.