Hi there,
The transmission in my 03 4.6L Exp (100K miles) is in bad shape and I need to do something soon. I took it to my Ford dealer and they ran the codes and told me that there was something serious going on - missing 3rd gear completely amongst other things. The next step they told me was to spend about $400 to open up the transmission and continue the diagnosis.

I then went to Kennedy transmissions in Minneapolis. They test-drove and also said there was something serious and that a rebuild was required. They said that they can't give a final price until they drop out the transmission and take a look at the work required, but estimated between $2,200 and $2,800. I felt a lot more confident in the people at this shop than I did at the Ford dealership.

A friend who is a mechanic suggested a 3rd option - purchase a transmission from a bone-yard and pay him $300-$400 to do the replacement. I've looked at car-part.com and a couple of other sites and it looks like I can pick up a transmission with less than 40K miles for $800 - $1,000. That would make the entire job around $1,200 - $1,400.

The risk in the last approach is pretty clear - what if the replacement is a dud? But then even if I had to do it twice I'm still probably no worse off than the re-build price.

Anyway - I'd like your advice on which is the best path to take. I've read so many reports of problems with these transmissions that I'm a bit nervous that a used one with even low miles could have problems. But then I've also read of problems with re-builds too. Or should I get a re-manufactured Ford transmission? What would you do??

Thanks ... TC

 

i might be tempted to try a new trans, but not from ford. look at this, call them and ask about specific year and 2 x 4 or 4 x 4... then let your buddy install????

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/97-02...QQcmdZViewItem

 

I would rebuild, or buy a rebuild from a reputable rebuilder. I had the trans go out in my '02 at 50,000 miles, got talked into a new factory replacement -- it died only 20,000 miles later (the same weak parts were in the factory replacement that were in the original)... since it was a factory (Ford) replacement, Ford, fortunately, told the dealer to rebuild the thing, using the updated parts. The guy that did my rebuild acknowledged that this was the best option. Worked for me, as Ford was footing that bill. Knock on wood---it's shifted better than it did new, and I'm sitting at 110K right now.

 

I would get a rebuilt transmission that has been upgraded with better parts. Or you could take it to a shop and have your transmission rebuilt. Just make it clear that you don't want the cheapest rebuild, you want it done right. Upgraded parts from reputable suppliers. It will make it shift smoother, last longer, and it will be more reliable.

And remember the #1 and #2 transmission killers.
#1 is heat. While it is not always necessary to install a tranny cooler, its not a bad idea to replace the factory cooler with a plate type cooler for added protection. The most common source of heat however is hauling a lot of weight with the torque converter unlocked. The converter is normally locked in 3rd and 4th, or 4th and 5th. It comes unlocked under heavy throttle and during shifts. The higher the gear you are in and the more weight you are hauling when it comes unlocked, the more that will be generated. When pulling heavy loads up hills or into heavy winds, you should disable OD to prevent the heat build up.

#2 Old fluid.
Transmission fluid is not like simple oil. It is an engineered lubricant with a carefully designed blend of oils, viscosity modifiers, friction modifiers, detergents, seal conditioners, and thermal compounds. This blend is designed specifically to handle the conditions found in a transmission. Over time and from exposure to heat, some of these compounds break down, get neutralized, or evaporate. As a result this carefully designed blend will no longer protect the transmission. It instead gunks up the internals, allows slippage, causes or contributes to heat build up, and allows contaminants to settle. According the Ford, the fluid should be changed at least every 30,000 miles for the older A4LD and 4E44. Not sure about the newer ones. Its a good precaution however.

The correct way to change the fluid is to disconnect the return line, run the engine at idle and the transmisson in park till you drain out 2 quarts, add 2 quarts of new fluid, and repeat untill you have changed out all 11 quarts of old fluid (some new fluid gets wasted because it mixes in the torque converter). Then drop the pan and replace the fliter. Inspect and clean the bottom of the pan. You can also drop the pan and change the filter before you flush the rest of the system to waste less fluid, but it does allow some old fluid to flow through the new filter. Probably not enough to matter one way or the other.

 

I have an 04 with a questionable trans with 44k miles. I think that they're all bad.
If it was me I get it rebuilt it couldn't be as bad as Ford trans new.

Im trading my 04 in on a Tundra.
The trans is weird, the CD player doesn't work, the rear end is going out.
Ford iether doesn't get it or they don't care.

This is my last American car.

 

Thanks for all the help and advice. I think I am going to go for the rebuild at Kennedy Transmission. They were recommended and the guy who does the work at this particular branch has been rebuilding transmissions for 25 years. He just rebuilt an 02/03 Exp just recently.

 

What is the sticker price on a explorer with these defects. Any one know how much an 2002-2005 eb explorer with a faulty transmission/axles would run me.

Looking into the explorer body not the mechanics for a custom off-road suv.