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Have you driven a FORD lately. Good luck!
I have been experiencing some early transmission problems in a 2002 Ford explorer. The trans Model is a 5R55W. I have made an attempt to contact the Ford Motor Co. with no reply. I have a buddy who runs a Ford Parts Dept. and he is having problems with My question: What is the difference between the 5R55W and the 5R55S. The only thing I have found is that Ford used the S and E prior to 2002 and the "W" is the only model used for 2002. And from 2003 on up they are using the "S". Can I install a "S" in my 02' explorer with out any problems?  

No !  No !   NO !    Your Computer will Kick you in the ass every time you try to drive it. You see   Externally their Identical, *** theill even bolt right up  . But they wolnt work ............
The Internal Gear Ratios are Differnt  
Hog Rider

I think you wrong on this one, solenoid dont determine ratio
planets, sun gear, and ring gear is what determine ratio
computer can alter shift strategy
and shift solenoids can have different ohms, but when the solenoid's are on their on  from computer commands I think your talking about 5r55n and 5r55s,w
5r55n was jag and lincoln ls cars
5r55s and 5r55s are explorer  2 wheel drive and 4x4 units
I have built both and used same solenoid packs on both I will post ford part number Monday  

Why you always picking on me ????
I said Nothing about solonoids !
If the planet Ratios are differnt  and the input and outputspeed sensors send an incorrect signal to the computer ,  Thats Calibrated for  an
 "S" rather Then a " W"  Unit .  You tell me WHAT WILL HAPPEN ???
Your so smart  ... TEll Him To Use It  and aks him how it works !!!  
Hog Rider

Hog Rider:
Why you always picking on me ????
I said Nothing about solonoids !
If the planet Ratios are differnt  and the input and outputspeed sensors send an incorrect signal to the computer ,  Thats Calibrated for  an
 "S" rather Then a " W"  Unit .  You tell me WHAT WILL HAPPEN ???
Your so smart  ... TEll Him To Use It  and aks him how it works !!!

I am not picking on anyone just posting  replies, but I can tell you with all  good faith that I have installed the same solenod pack between s and w new from Ford and they are the same, also our shops have within the my family members sell hard parts so I can state what I feel will work and that I have tryed and did not correct the trouble. I am on another board and I am out spoken when I dis-agree with another post. It is not meant to be mean just a different thought since 1978 I have been in the transmission repair business all of my older brothers are in the same business, we dont always agree but that what works for each other and use it to try when we have a problem. some work some dont I take advise with a grain of salt and dont think twice about it. But some post are not correct and I will speak up when I think I can help , if the person listen's or not.  

checked today with our hard parts division, they only difference they could say diffently wouldn't fit between 5r55n to the 5r55s or w was valve body and solenoid pack.(planets would fit)(case is not interchangeable n to s or w )the case between w and s is the 4x4 case has different fill than 2 wheel drive. I have installed 2 wheel parts to 4 wheel and vise versa without any problems. If you can tell me anything different I will pass on the input!  

airworld2  Here `s what you wanted ...........
2002 5R55W   Ratio (this is what he has !)
1  3.22 .1
2  2.41 .1
3  1.55 .1
4  1.00 .1
5  0.75 .1
R  3.07 .1

2003 and  Up 5R55S (This is what he want`s to use)
1  3.22 .1
2  2.29 .1
3  1.55 .1
4  1.oo .1
5  0.71 .1
R  3.07 .1
Now ............. This is what this Gentelman would like to know if it will work  in his truck , Well Will It ???????????????  
Hog Rider

my money says yes, since we sell parts and no one has had the problem you imply. but I would install them to disprove one way on another.I will pass this on and see what happens.the ratio isnt that far apart with tire size and rear end to factor as well. It might set 1-2 gear ratio code but I really doubt it. I have installed the guts from one to another from a core bought and its still out there......  

Ok then tell this Gentleman It Might work
BUT it Might set a Gear Ratio Code !!!
( If he like`s to see Check engine light`s and hard shifts He,ll be Happy  right ? !!)  
Hog Rider

what are you saying you have changed the planets yourself and you for a fact know it won't work?
My final words on this since he was asking Ford follow what they want to sell.(zipping up my fly pissing contest over)  

Hello,

Who has the background to diagnose the flowing symtem on an 02 explorer 4x4?  

While driving I heard a klink noise at the transmission, sounded like a bolt falling in to a can.  Transmission wont go in drive, or reverse (makes a faint high pitch grinding noise when put in to reverse), but seems to work just fine in 1st, 2nd.  Can take off from a stop with out any issues in 1st and 2nd.  Seems to be OK in 3rd, but taking off from a stop in 3rd is very sluggish.  Trans was fully rebuilt about 15,000 miles ago.