44RE Master Rebuild Kit 2004, new and ready to install. Fits the 44RE. Ships fast from the USA.
A 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.0L six, or a late Dodge Dakota with the small-case A500 automatic, is now twenty-plus years old, and most of these transmissions are on their original clutches. When a late 42RE or 44RE starts slipping into overdrive, smells burnt, or takes a long time to grab Drive in the morning, a full teardown with fresh soft parts is usually the honest fix. This master kit is cataloged for 1998-2004 A500-family units (40RH, 42RH, 42RE, 44RE) and is listed here for 2004 builds. In one package you get the overhaul kit (seals, gaskets, sealing rings and pan gasket), 29 friction plates and 18 steel plates. New, shipping from the USA.
Nothing in the gear train changed for the final years. The front and rear clutches, the kickdown (front) band and the low-reverse (rear) band produce first, second, third and reverse, and the overdrive unit bolted behind the main case adds fourth. Inside that overdrive unit the direct clutch holds the gearset locked for every range except fourth; on the 3-4 shift it lets go and the overdrive clutch applies. The factory ratios are 2.74, 1.54, 1.00 and 0.69, with 2.21 in reverse. Because the direct clutch carries load in every forward gear below fourth, and the overdrive clutch takes the whole 3-4 shift, the overdrive unit is where tired late units usually show it first.
Start with a fluid level check, a look at the pan and a line pressure test. If pressure is low in every range, the problem may be the pump, a cracked filter or a leaking valve body rather than the clutches. If pressure is good and the transmission still slips, the clutches are done. Our guide to an RE unit that won't shift into overdrive separates electrical faults from overdrive clutch wear, and the same circuits are used in the 42RE and 44RE.
The kit is listed for the A500 family, 40RH through 44RE, cataloged for the Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Dakota. Two cautions for 2004 buyers. First, the 4.7L V8 used a different, electronically shifted transmission, so this kit does not fit it. Second, the 42RLE that went into some later Jeeps is a different transmission with a different case, even though the name is similar. Pull the tag on the case, compare your old plates and seals with the photos, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it. See all our 42RE and 44RE parts in one place.
A late unit uses the rectangular governor pressure sensor, so pair the rebuild with a 2000-on 44RE solenoid kit. If the valve body has worn bores, a Sonnax-updated 2002-up valve body cures the line pressure and lockup problems that new clutches alone will not. Our high-mileage service checklist covers the follow-up service after the rebuild.
| Fits | 44RE 2004 |
| 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.
No. The 4.7L used a different, electronically shifted transmission. This kit is for the 4.0L six with the small-case 42RE/44RE (A500).
No. The 42RLE is a different electronically controlled transmission despite the similar name. Read the tag on the case or send us your VIN before you order.
A filter, bushings and bands are not listed in this kit. On a late unit, also replace the governor pressure solenoid and rectangular sensor, check the kickdown band strut, and service or replace the torque converter.
Often, yes. The overdrive clutch applies only on the 3-4 shift, and its frictions and the direct clutch spring wear out. First rule out low fluid and an overdrive solenoid fault, then rebuild.
ATF+4. Fill it to the correct level on the dipstick with the engine running and the fluid at operating temperature.
