96 Explorer transmission issue

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Oct 16, 2012 | 10:10 AM

Louie Leipus

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96 Explorer transmission issue

i have a 96 explorer 4x4 that blew out the flex plate. upon removing the trans. i noticed that the torque converter had rammed into the trans and was rubbing on the bell housing. i replaced the flexplate, and when i put it back together, had no gears. also fluid level did not go down after only putting 3 quarts in. i thought that when the torque converter rammed into the trans that it may have done alot of damage, so went and got a used trans. the trans came out of a 97 explorer. still no gears. found out that the flexplate needed to be shimmed and wasnt going all the way into the trans. got a different oem flexplate, still nothing. pulled the trans cooler line while it was running and i am getting no fluid circulation. WHAT AM I MISSING HERE??? been working on this thing for over 2 weeks now and am ready to buy a gallon of gas and fix the problem once and for all

Oct 16, 2012 | 11:40 AM

jk080

Transmission Rebuilder

Joined: Jul 2008

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From: North Georgia

When you are installing the transmission do you have the converter in the transmission or on the flywheel when you bolt it to the engine?

Oct 21, 2012 | 09:24 PM

White 97 xlt

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From: Cleveland, TN

If when the flex plate came apart and it shoved the torque converter into the bell housing, there is a VERY good chance it did damage to the pump in the trans at the same time..

Are you sure the replacement 97 trans was a working unit? Also the 97 was the first year for the 5R55E, so it "may" not be compatible with the earlier application..

Nov 11, 2012 | 04:28 PM

Ourobos

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Install it into the trans first. You should rotate it as you put it on the input shaft, and it should make some distinctive 'clunks' as it seats. Look down the front edge of the bellhousing then and the bottom of the studs that attach to the flexplate should be flush with the bellhousing.