5R55S Automatic Transmission Assembly T163005

Transmission in my 2010 Ford Explorer 4.0 v6 rwd went out. This one replaced that one. A few things to note: it comes with the correct rear adapter for the rwd version. Not sure if they change it up if you run a transfer case or not, but my explorer doesn’t have one so this fits up just fine.A few things you’re going to need if you’re diy-ing this transmission:A transmission jack, 19mm-6mm socket set, breaker bar, o2 sensors front and back (not strictly required but may as well replace them while you have the chance and the exhaust is out) extensions for the socket set, a t-30 torx head. A 1 liter/1 gallon fluid pump (got mine at oreilly for like 11 bucks) and a 5r55s wiring pigtail because you’ll probably destroy yours trying to get it out of the old one.Don’t forget to strip everything off the old transmission. I nearly forgot that there are two threaded inserts where the transmission lines tie in on the passenger side. The new transmission doesn’t have those so you’ve gotta snatch them from the old one. Let’s see let’s see......drain the old transmission. Pull the pan off. And take the solenoid pack off. There is a bolt holding the wiring harness into the plug that you have to loosen up before you can pull the solenoid pack out. Once you have the solenoid pack out, use a deep well socket and tap that wiring harness plug out from the underside. Otherwise you will destroy that plug trying to get it out of the transmission. (Wish I had known that before I destroyed mine) if you do destroy it, Amazon has a replacement for sale that works great. You’ll have to splice some wires and pay close attention when you re-wire it but it comes with a nice wiring diagram. don’t try to disconnect the three little plugs for the transmission speed sensors. They are held in on the top of the transmission by an 8 or 10mm bolt. Lower the old transmission down as low as you can without stretching the wires too much, take the bolts out, and pull the whole sensor out. Much easier and you’ll have to re-use the sensors anyway (unless one is bad) in which case, Amazon again sells the sensors.Tips and tricks: tip 1- don’t try to do this on a gravel/degraded asphalt driveway. It sucks.Tip 2- get some ramps because a vehicle lift is probably out of your budget if you’re buying this transmission to diy anyway.Tip 3- if you have to do this on a gravel/degraded asphalt driveway, find a nice big piece of cardboard to lay down on.Tip 4- your back is going to hurt. Your neck is going to hurt. Buy some aspirin and take it before starting on this project. It’s a lot of work crawling around under the car and you’ll hurt like hell the next day.Tip 5- You’re going to get a LOT of dirt in your face/ and falling in your eyes. Wear goggles if you have them. Safety glasses are uselessness against falling dirt.Tip 6- if you have a buddy, don’t ask him to help. I repeat- Do Not ask him/her to help. They won’t be your buddy by the time you’re done. They will resent you.Tip 7- keep your phone handy. It works ok as a flashlight, but it works even better when you have to call your wife/neighbor/friend to come jack up the transmission that has your other arm pinned underneath it.Tip 7- let others know what you are doing. They may not want to help, but at least they’ll know you’re working under a vehicle and maybe if they love you enough, they’ll bring you a bottled water every few hours and make sure you’re still alive.Tip 9- if you can afford it get an impact gun. You shouldn’t use it for assembly, but it makes a huge difference when you’re disassembling.Tip 10- I had trouble getting the new transmission up onto the transmission jack once I had the new one under the car. I ended up getting a couple of 4x4 blocks under each end of the transmission, then used a 1” ratchet strap running from one side of the frame to the other and held the transmission steady while ratcheting up and once I had the height I needed,had the wife shove the jack underneath and jack it up till it was supported.Tip 11- jack the new transmission up once it’s under the car and on the jack. Temporarily re-install the transmission mount and cross member and use the cross member to help center the transmission. I don’t care how fancy the transmission jack’s little tilt and swivel functions are, if it’s not centered up it’s going to be a pain in the neck (literally) to get it installed.Anyway, you’ll probably have more trouble getting the darned exhaust off than you will the transmission. The one on the drivers side is blocked by the front o2 sensor. And if you’re like me you’ll get a nice cut off wheel and just hack that o2 sensor right off.Transmission itself is pretty nice. I haven’t had much time to drive it yet, but I did drive around for the test drive today and it seems to function pretty good for now.