44RE Overhaul Kit 1998-2004

This kit is for the owner or shop rebuilding a 1998-2004 small-case Chrysler four-speed: the 42RE or 44RE (A500) found behind the 4.0L in the Grand Cherokee and behind the V6 in the Dakota. Typical reasons to buy it are a transmission that slips on the 2-3 shift, takes a second or two to grab Drive on a cold morning, leaks at the pump, or has already lost fourth gear. Inside the package: one complete overhaul set (seals, gaskets, O-rings, sealing rings, pan gasket), 29 friction plates and 18 steel plates, matching the photo. New, shipping from the USA.

Where these parts work inside a 1998-2004 A500

Power flows through two simple planetary sets in the main case and one more in the overdrive housing. The front clutch and kickdown band give second and third, the rear clutch is on in every forward gear, and the low-reverse band holds for first-manual and reverse. Behind them the overdrive unit runs a direct clutch, clamped by a heavy spring, for first through third and an overdrive clutch for fourth. Factory ratios are 2.74, 1.54, 1.00 and 0.69, with 2.21 reverse. Each clutch depends on lip seals and sealing rings to hold apply pressure, so the overhaul set renews every place fluid can escape, and the friction and steel sets renew the surfaces that actually transmit torque.

Symptoms this kit is meant to cure

• Delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse that improves as the fluid warms
• A 2-3 shift that flares, or a soft kickdown downshift, often from a worn front clutch or kickdown band
• Overdrive that slips, shudders, or never arrives; in the overdrive unit the direct clutch spring can lose tension and the direct clutch then slips under load
• Burnt fluid, friction debris in the pan and a plugged filter
• Leaks at the front pump seal or the extension housing

Rule out the cheaper fixes first

Many 1998-2004 complaints are governor or solenoid problems, not clutches. A sticking governor pressure solenoid or a failed sensor can cause second-gear starts, missing shifts or codes P1763 and P1764 while the clutches are fine. Scan for codes, check the fluid, and gauge line pressure. If the problem is only delayed engagement, read our delayed engagement guide first, because a pump, filter or valve body issue can produce the same feel. If the pan shows lining material and the unit slips with good pressure, rebuild it.

Fitment and the 1999/2000 split

The kit is listed for the A500 group 40RH, 42RH, 42RE and 44RE, cataloged for the Grand Cherokee 1994-2004 and the Dodge Dakota 1989-2003. The soft parts carry across those years, but the electronics do not. Sonnax's valve body identification notes that 1999-and-earlier units use an early pressure sensor with an oval connector, while later ones use a rectangular plastic sensor, so solenoid and valve body parts must match your year even though this kit does not. Also note that Dakotas with the 5.9L used the larger 46RE and 4.7L trucks used an electronic transmission; neither takes this kit. Check your case tag or send us your year and VIN. Compare other parts on our 42RE/44RE parts page.

Install notes

• Pre-soak the frictions in ATF+4 and build each pack to the count of your old one; the extra plates allow for different year stack-ups.
• Check the overdrive direct clutch spring for lost height, and use the proper compressor; never pry it apart.
• Look at the kickdown band strut and lever. A bent strut lets the band slip no matter how carefully you adjust it.
• Front clutch clearance: 0.067-0.134 in. Bands: tighten to 72 in-lb, then back off the kickdown 3-5/8 turns and the low-reverse 4 turns.
• The kit has no filter or bushings listed, so order a filter and replace worn bushings while the unit is apart.

For a 1998-1999 unit, a governor pressure solenoid is cheap insurance while the valve body is off. On 2000-2004 units, the lock-up and overdrive solenoid with harness fixes the common no-lockup and no-overdrive complaint. If the old valve body has worn bores, look at a remanufactured 1999 valve body.

Does this kit fit both 1998-1999 and 2000-2004 units?

Yes, the seals, gaskets, frictions and steels carry across 1998-2004 small-case A500 units. The governor sensor and solenoids changed for 2000, so buy electrical parts for your exact year.

What is included?

One overhaul kit (seals, gaskets, O-rings, sealing rings and pan gasket), 29 friction plates and 18 steel plates. Filter, bands, bushings and pistons are not listed.

My Jeep starts in second gear. Do I need this kit?

Not necessarily. Second-gear starts are often a governor pressure solenoid or sensor fault. Scan for codes and test governor pressure before you pull the transmission.

Can I use it on a 46RE?

No. The 46RE is the large-case unit used with the bigger V8s and has different clutch and seal sizes. This kit is for the small-case 40RH, 42RH, 42RE and 44RE.

How do I adjust the bands after the rebuild?

Tighten each adjuster to 72 in-lb, then back the kickdown band off 3-5/8 turns and the low-reverse band off 4 turns, per the factory manual.

What fluid should I use?

ATF+4. Fill, run the engine, cycle through the gears and check the level hot in Park.

• 46RE Delayed Engagement: Causes, Pressure Tests and the Fix
• 46RE Won't Shift Into Overdrive: Causes and Fix
• 46RE Rebuild Guide: Known Wear Points and Upgrades
• 46RE Fluid Type and Capacity