Im looking into getting a 1997 Explorer 4X4 with the 4.0 and an auto for my girlfriend. It has some transmission issues, like jumping into gear and slow to shift from one to the next. It runs great but I can't drive it because of the trans. I'm a 4-speed guy and an auto trans is unknow territory for me. So what are the possible reasons for the trans issues and possible fixes for it.

Thanks in advance

 

I have a 97 Exploder with the "X" engine (solid as a rock), the transmission has been well maintained but has required rebuilding twice in 360K....

If you are intent on this vehicle, expect to look into a rebuild in the near future......Philip

 

Ok are the trans compatible with a ranger of same year and engine? We have a lot of rangers around here that get parted quite frequently and almost no explorers. And another thing is it better to rebuild or get a reman. I know the difference in price is one thing but quality of rebuild over reman.

 

I'm 'pretty sure' the trannies are interchangeable between the Ranger and Explorer but the biggest thing to watch out for is the difference between the 4.0OHV and the 4.0SOHC the trannies are different. In '97 Ford started putting both in the Ex's and Rangers where all OHVs until somewhere around '00 (cant remember when Ford stopped making the OHV) Being that the 4.0s are Ford Germany engines unfortunately no other American tranny will fit so we are all stuck with one that is infamous for electrical problems.

From talking to others that have done it, it sounds like as soon as 1 sensor goes they all follow and the only way to fully cure the problem is to replace all of them. Most people that do the rebuilds only replace the faulty sensor so another 10,000- 20,000mi. down the road the trannie goes again.