How to identify tranny
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How to identify tranny
I'm going to look at a parted-out '97 explorer tomorrow with a view to buying the drivetrain in case of any problems with mine later.
Is there any way of identifying the tranny?
AFAIK the whole thing is still together in the car so I will probably not be able to see any identifying marks or features until it's pulled out....which might not be for a week or two yet.
Because explorers are as rare as hen's teeth here in the UK I want to grab onto this one while I can if it's good.
Mine has the SOHC motor and 5R55E trans. Obviously I can tell straight away if it's an SOHC (should be if it's a '97 build, right?) and I can tell the year and engine type from the VIN number but so far I don't know how to tell the 5R55E from a hole in the ground!
Is there any way of identifying the tranny?
AFAIK the whole thing is still together in the car so I will probably not be able to see any identifying marks or features until it's pulled out....which might not be for a week or two yet.
Because explorers are as rare as hen's teeth here in the UK I want to grab onto this one while I can if it's good.
Mine has the SOHC motor and 5R55E trans. Obviously I can tell straight away if it's an SOHC (should be if it's a '97 build, right?) and I can tell the year and engine type from the VIN number but so far I don't know how to tell the 5R55E from a hole in the ground!
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Ok, mine is
1FMDU34E2VZB60542
I'm sure mine's the 5R55E based on decoding the VIN using the instructions from this site which told me that mine's a definite '97 build, therefore has to be the 5r. It's certainly a 5-speed.
I don't have the VIN on the other one yet because it's some distance away and I didn't get the time away from work to see it yet. According to their website it's a '98 but over here that just refers to the date it was first registered; it could be as old as a '96!
I'll call them on the phone tomorrow and get it from them.
Thanks for the kind offer.
1FMDU34E2VZB60542
I'm sure mine's the 5R55E based on decoding the VIN using the instructions from this site which told me that mine's a definite '97 build, therefore has to be the 5r. It's certainly a 5-speed.
I don't have the VIN on the other one yet because it's some distance away and I didn't get the time away from work to see it yet. According to their website it's a '98 but over here that just refers to the date it was first registered; it could be as old as a '96!
I'll call them on the phone tomorrow and get it from them.
Thanks for the kind offer.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Seattle
yours is a 5r55, let me know when you get the other vin and i'll see if I can confirm that it will work. Can't pull up the tag number from vin, Ford didn't get it together until late 2000 on providing the info when we input vin number.
It would be best to see if you can get tag ID form both trans.
Ed
It would be best to see if you can get tag ID form both trans.
Ed
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I gave it to you from memory so the engine number on the end MIGHT have some digits transposed... however I've quoted it so many times in the past year.... along with my credit card #, I now know that from memory too LOL
How about 1FMDU34E2VZB50642 ?
That could be it.
But I'm a truck driver and not home tonight so I can't confirm until tomorrow.
It DEFINITELY isn't an Aerostar!!!!
Thanks for yout time, I appreciate it.
How about 1FMDU34E2VZB50642 ?
That could be it.
But I'm a truck driver and not home tonight so I can't confirm until tomorrow.
It DEFINITELY isn't an Aerostar!!!!
Thanks for yout time, I appreciate it.
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OK, the definitive on the vin numbers etc:
I've checked all the doors, tailgate & hood but the only place I saw any kind of labelling was under the hood (plus the visible vin # on the dash). This isn't unusual in the UK AFAIK, the only vehicles that I regularly notice VIN details in the door frame are the heavy trucks I drive, most european cars don't have that so I'd expect a USA made import made for this market to be like to too.
MY CAR has the following info on the VIN plate...
Vertically, down the left side of the VIN decal it has; RHD (right hand drive), XS, D, 373L, [blank box], FLTR
In the Centre of the VIN decal, in a vertical column it has; Ford, E11*93/81*0029*02, 1FMDU34E2VZB50672, then the axle, gross and towing weights, followed underneath by U2, WE21, R4CKDAM
The only info I could get from the owner of the other explorer is the VIN number which is:
1FMDU34E9VZB75214
Again, thanks for the help.
I've checked all the doors, tailgate & hood but the only place I saw any kind of labelling was under the hood (plus the visible vin # on the dash). This isn't unusual in the UK AFAIK, the only vehicles that I regularly notice VIN details in the door frame are the heavy trucks I drive, most european cars don't have that so I'd expect a USA made import made for this market to be like to too.
MY CAR has the following info on the VIN plate...
Vertically, down the left side of the VIN decal it has; RHD (right hand drive), XS, D, 373L, [blank box], FLTR
In the Centre of the VIN decal, in a vertical column it has; Ford, E11*93/81*0029*02, 1FMDU34E2VZB50672, then the axle, gross and towing weights, followed underneath by U2, WE21, R4CKDAM
The only info I could get from the owner of the other explorer is the VIN number which is:
1FMDU34E9VZB75214
Again, thanks for the help.
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THANKS!
So much for your valuable input.
I'm on vacation next week (coming over the the US can you believe but a tranny is too heavy to ship economically back to the UK LOL) so I'll be trying to see this one before the weekend if at all possible.
So much for your valuable input.
I'm on vacation next week (coming over the the US can you believe but a tranny is too heavy to ship economically back to the UK LOL) so I'll be trying to see this one before the weekend if at all possible.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2026
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Hi, it also detects what version of the transmission I have on my Ford. Could you find that out for me as well?
VIN: 1FMDU34E3VUB61760
thx
VIN: 1FMDU34E3VUB61760
thx
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,323
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Hi, it also detects what version of the transmission I have on my Ford. Could you find that out for me as well?
VIN: 1FMDU34E3VUB61760
thx
VIN: 1FMDU34E3VUB61760
thx
That aside, you should have a 5R55E, 5-speed automatic transmission.
But, that assumes you have a US spec model.
Last edited by Johnny Paycheck; Jun 15, 2026 at 08:51 AM.
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