44RE Master Rebuild Kit 1988-1996, new and ready to install. Fits the 44RE. Ships fast from the USA.
The early small-case A500 sat behind the six-cylinder and small V8 engines in late-80s and 1990s Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler and Dodge Dakota models, and it was badged 42RH, 44RH, 42RE or 44RE depending on year and governor type. If yours has started flaring between gears, slipping out of overdrive or pushing burnt fluid out of the dipstick tube, this is the complete parts set for a rebuild of a 1988-1996 unit. It is a new, US-made master kit built around Borg-Warner friction plates with a full set of steel plates, plus a Transtec overhaul kit carrying the rubber seals and gaskets. It also includes a new filter, the front pump bushing, the extension housing bushing and a new front band. It ships from the USA.
These transmissions make first through third with a front clutch, a rear clutch, two bands and a low-reverse overrunning clutch, then add fourth through a separate overdrive section with its own direct clutch and overdrive clutch. The 1998 factory manual lists 4 front, 4 rear, 3 overdrive and 6 direct clutch discs for the 42RE. Every one of those packs, the piston seals behind them and the sealing rings that feed them wear together, so after enough heat a slipping unit usually needs all of them, not one pack. Many low-cost kits leave out the steels and expect you to reuse heat-blued plates. This one includes them, along with the front band that holds second gear and kickdown.
Check the easy things first: fluid level and condition, throttle valve cable adjustment and the band adjustment. On RE units, a governor pressure problem can feel like slipping or stuck shifts, and our governor pressure solenoid symptoms guide covers that test; the RE-series layout is shared across the family. If line pressure is normal and the pan shows clutch lining, follow the checks in the RE-series slipping guide and plan a rebuild.
This kit covers 1988-1996 small-case A500 transmissions: 42RH, 44RH, 42RE and 44RE. Many vehicles of this era could have the small case or the large-case 46RH/46RE, so confirm the case before ordering. Read the ID tag on the driver side of the case, compare your pan gasket shape to the photo, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it. RH units use a hydraulic governor while RE units use the electronic governor solenoid and sensor; the soft parts and clutches here are for the transmission itself, not the governor hardware. If your unit is a 1997-1999 build, use the 1997-99 version of this kit. All small-case parts are on the 42RE/44RE parts page.
A 1988-98 44RE shift kit goes in easily with the valve body out and firms up the shifts that wore the old clutches. On RE units with governor codes, add the 1993-97 44RE solenoid kit while you are in there.
| Fits | 44RE 1988-1996 |
| Part type | Master Rebuild Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Reference | A500 |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. It includes Borg-Warner frictions and a set of steel plates, plus a Transtec seal and gasket kit, a filter, pump and extension housing bushings and a front band.
Yes, it is listed for the 1988-1996 42RH, 44RH, 42RE and 44RE small-case units. It does not fit the large-case 46RH or 46RE.
Read the tag on the driver side of the case and compare your pan gasket to the photo. If you are unsure, send us your year and VIN before ordering.
Use ATF+4. It superseded the older Chrysler ATF types and is the correct service fluid for these transmissions.
The listing includes the front band only. Inspect the rear band for wear and replace it separately if the lining is thin or glazed.
