5R55E 4WD vs 2WD
 

I have a 2001 4.0 SOHC 4WD Ranger, 145,000 miles

tranny is dying

other than the transfer case, can I use a 2WD 5R55E tranny--is the 4WD and 2WD the same tranny or do I need different housings, shafts, etc

thanks in advance for the help

The 5R55E 2WD pan and filter are different than the 4WD version, so you may have to swap them over. Other than that, they are the same tranny, as far as I know. Just be certain that the 2WD donor vehicle has a 4.0L, otherwise you'll be getting a 5R44E.

The 4.0 has a unique bolt pattern so no worry about getting a weaker trans. The main issue will be the length of the tail shaft. Most 4x4 transmissions have shorter shafts and I do not believe this trans is an exception. The bad thing is swapping the shaft involves complete disassembly of the transmission.

Just did a search and it confirmed my suspicions. The tail (output) shafts are different lengths and must be swapped in order for the 2wd trans to work. The really bad part is that it is the last part of the transmission to be removed upon disassembly. So basically you have to completely tear down the transmission and if you are going to go that deep you might as well just rebuild your existing tranny.

Welcome to FTE.

What do you mean by "tranny is dying"????

If it's never had a pan drop & cleaning, tranny filter change & full fluid pump out, maybe all it needs is a little TLC!!!!

4WD vs 2WD tranny
 

thanks for the answers

tranny has 145,000 miles and is now making a grinding noise and does not shift very well from 1st to 2nd.

fluid and filter have been changed several times

bummer that the 2WD and 4WD tailshafts are different as I found a 02, 4.0 tranny 2WD with 25,000 miles on it for sale.

Bummer about the grinding noise, yup that doesn't sound good.
Tranny pan, filter & tailshaft is different that I know of.

You might try an inquiry on the FTE Tranny forum about good sources for a replacement.