Hey guys, I have a 2003 thunderbird with just over 110k miles now and the transmission is done for somehow, seems way too early for a replacement especially considering the car is still stock. However, here I am searching the internet for my best replacement option. I looked at those performance 5R55 transmissions but I really just don't need that. My mechanic wants to do a basic rebuild but is charging 4k for the entire thing which seems very expensive from what I've read. I just read this article below on our transmissions and apparently getting our transmission remanufactured is a better option, is this common knowledge? For reference I drive it maybe 2 or 3 times a week for fairly short drives and I'm not too hard on it.
The Ford 5R55 transmission has four versions, 5R55E,N,S and W. The 5R55S without the Select-Shift feature was used in 2005 to 2010 models and the later Ford Mustang models. The 5R55S was switched to one with the Select-Shift feature in 2003 by the Lincolns and the Thunderbirds, which allowed drivers of these Ford models to mimic shifting like a standard vehicle without necessarily using a clutch.
The 5R55S Transmission is a 5-speed automatic transmission designed for Mercury and Ford Lincoln applications. This Transmission comes with a 5R55S performance built torque converter and with all units upgraded to match the manufacturer's quality. The 5R55S factory transmissions near me are tested, inspected thoroughly, and blueprinted before shipment to ensure they are fully operational. They are most suitable for cars that are powered by an engine that has mild performance advancements. This Transmission features the latest technology in the automotive industry with advanced internal components for increased dependability, strength, and torque.
5R55S Transmission Problems
Before or after the 80,000 mile mark, the Ford models equipped with the 5R55S Transmission have been reported to experience harsh engagement and harsh up-shifts. Others are reported to have excess wear on the valve body. This is mostly experienced in the newer Lincoln LS vehicles and the 2003 5R55S vehicles. When a transmission begins to have problems, some common
parts usually require replacements or rebuilding the filters, gaskets, bands, clutches, seals, and valve body.
Remanufactured or rebuilt 5R55S Transmissions?
Rebuilt transmissions are built in a garage with very low-quality control, and a single individual assembles them. In contrast, remanufactured transmissions are built-in state-of-the-art factories and using the latest tools and equipment.
Unlike rebuilt 5R55S or 4R55E transmissions
https://reman-transmission.com/transmissions/ford, remanufactured ones use strict quality control policies and inspections to ensure that each unit meets the standard quality. They come with matching torque converters ready to install, and they have a longer warranty plan coverage than rebuilt ones.
Remanufactured transmissions are built by qualified technicians who have skilled and specialized in transmissions. If the original components of your Transmission are defective due to a flaw in the design or due to excess wearing, they are substituted with new
parts. In rebuilt transmissions, the rebuild kit doesn't necessarily address design flaws.
In rebuilt transmissions, only the defective, worn out, or broken
parts are replaced. There is an inspection of hard
parts like shafts, planetary gears, and shafts for defects, damage, and wearing out in remanufactured transmissions, then replaced with new components.
The service life of a rebuilt transmission is dependant on the skill and expertise of the mechanic working on it, and the testing is one on the specific vehicle. If there are problems identified still, it is removed and then reinstalled, which takes up time for labor, unlike for remanufactured transmissions, which employ dyno-testing to confirm the Transmission's functionality.
If you plan to keep and use your vehicle for a long time, it's most advisable to have a remanufactured transmission rather than a rebuilt one installed. A remanufactured transmission is beneficial, but that doesn't mean that having a rebuilt one installed by a mechanic will end up badly. Some skilled mechanics are able to identify and prevent some of the potential problems with the Transmission during the build.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_C3_transmission
