Also is it all years or just certain ones?
Im looking at older V6 MT 4x4s and dont want tranny issues immediatly. Also I may end up having to go with an AT, so Id like to make sure its ok when mated to the V6.
Keith C
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So far I dont' think any of the answers have any validity. First Ford NEVER offered an V8 explorer with a manual transmission. Manual transmissions were only offered with the V6 engines. Second, the Manual transmission that was offered was NOT a T5. The T5 was used in MUSTANGS. The 5 speed used in the Explorer is the Mazda 5 speed also known as the M5OD. This was also used in all the F-series trucks and is a good manual transmission. Third, the "Troublesome" transmission you hear about is the A4LD. This is the same transmission you hear about when trans problems are mentioned in regards to Rangers and Especially in Aerostars. The A4LD was only used for 91-94 models. In 95 Ford changed to the 4R55E a much better transmission, The only thing ford could have done better with this transmission was put on a good trans cooler. This transmission does not like to tow. 90% of warranty issues on this trans are directly related to retards towing with the transmission set in the Overdrive position and burning them up. In 96 Ford offered the 5.0 and the ONLY transmission offered with the V8 is the 4R70W. ALL V6 models used the 4R55E. The 4R70W is a newer trans based on the C4 transmission. It replaced the AOD/AODE which is based on the Ford FMX Transmission 4R70W's are not very prone to problems they handle power and towing easily and the V8 explorers came with a decent cooling system for the transmission. The 4R70W is also the trans used when the switch from 5.0 to 4.6 was made and is STILL used behind the V8's today. The 4R55E was jsut recelty replaced with the 5R55E this is a 5 speed automatic and hasn't been around for very long. as it sits thie 5R55E is holding up fine with no problems although it is only offered behind the 4.0 V6. If you want to keep safe from transmission problems don't get a 91-94 with an automatic. This one problematic transmission has left the Explorer namebadge with an unjust blackmark.
teamepler@verizon.net
The manual transmissions on the V-8's are very bullet proof.
The manual transmissions on the V-6's are a totally different animal. They had more then one supplier and some were weaker the others.
I don't know how to tell which ones are in what.
The AOD transmissions suffer from owners not how to use them. So given the choice I would take a V-6 with an automatic and a V-8 with either.
gearbox
Actually we had better luck with the v-8 autos than the v-6s....
There are some issues and yes it goes back the whole stretch... but I'd say 5-10% max of owners have had issues.... before you buy, have a shop look at the vehicle and check the fluid.... brand new fluid or burnt fluid and I'd walk away...
The manuals are very hard to find as it was a rarely ordered item I find...
jgonzos6
ford transmissions are solid if you take care of them. I have blown up several t-5's in racing with cars with 450-860 hp before I went to a c-4 automatic and it is a solid tranny. the only drawback its a three speed. The aode is o.k., but when you go past the basic car hop ups, some attention is needed. if you need anything further e mail me
john t
Fords weak point has always been their automatic transmissions but its still cheaper and easier to fix than a blown chevy engine or mopars electrical system.