'95 trans into '99?

[kidairless]

I have a good 1995 Windstar AXOD metric I would like to install into my 1999. Looks like the electronic parts for '99 bolt on. Will this work?

[Windstartled]

There was a thread about a similar swap some months ago but I can't find it. IIRC there are problems with the PCM when attempting to use a transmission from a first-generation Winnie on a second-generation model. You are probably aware that there were major changes in 99: new platform, new electronics, upgrades to engine performance, etc. At the very least I would imagine the PCM will need to be reprogrammed to accept the graft.

[kidairless]

I have that 'Don't go in there alone' feeling myself, however, the electic connections do seem to mate up handily. I bought my '99 with 152k on the speedo. Trans has never had 1st gear going for it so I've always driven it like a manuel shift powerglide w/ push button odrive. When I 1st got Winny I had trans power flushed & synthetic fluid fill. At 232k it still motates but I long for the thrill of a full auto takeoff. Alternately, do you suppose I can get the 1/2 shift piston fixed & keep current trans?

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by kidairless

I have that 'Don't go in there alone' feeling myself, however, the electic connections do seem to mate up handily. I bought my '99 with 152k on the speedo. Trans has never had 1st gear going for it so I've always driven it like a manuel shift powerglide w/ push button odrive. When I 1st got Winny I had trans power flushed & synthetic fluid fill. At 232k it still motates but I long for the thrill of a full auto takeoff. Alternately, do you suppose I can get the 1/2 shift piston fixed & keep current trans?

One would think that Ford using matching connectors means the components thus connected are compatible... but one could be wrong There seems to be little logic in Ford's choice of connectors, I have seen perfectly compatible electric components using non-matching connectors, and the other way around as well.

My personal opinion is that a 95 AXOD probably can work on a 99 Winnie but it will likely have to be made to, if you see what I mean. Some call it "detaurusifying", in reference to Taurus-based first-generation Windstars although admittedly I do not know to what extent the Taurus tranny was identical to the Winnie's. In 99 they redesigned the Windstar as a light truck congener so surely they did something to the transmission's electronics.

I don't know if the PCM is programmed to recognize an individual transmission but there are serious chances it will recognize the electronics on a 95 tranny as different from those it (the PCM) is programmed to deal with. Without flashing the PCM you could encounter issues ranging from bizarre shifting to no-start. On the other hand you can't keep driving your van in manual-shift mode forever so something has to be done. At this point you should perhaps seek the opinion of a Ford mechanic online, it's not that expensive and all he needs to tell you is the swap can be done without major headaches or not.

I'm quite sure you could get the transmission fixed but you'd have to find a tranny shop that will do just that and not try to sell you a rebuild, obviously it's not falling apart heck you've driven it all this time without it getting any worse haven't you.

[kidairless]

Sage advice always appreciated. I stay as is .

[Windstartled]

Originally Posted by kidairless

Sage advice always appreciated. I stay as is .

I forgot to mention the most important: your transmission range sensor (TRS) could very well be the culprit. You could pick one up on ebay or at a local junkyard for $5 or so and install it on your van to see what happens. This is an easy fix.