44RE Sprag Clutch, new and ready to install. Fits the 44RE. Ships fast from the USA.
A Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler or Dodge Dakota with the 42RE/44RE that flares or barely moves pulling away in Drive, yet launches fine with the shifter pulled down to 1, is telling you the low-reverse roller clutch has stopped holding. This is that part: a new steel-cage roller clutch, often called the low sprag, with 12 rollers and 12 springs. It is made in the USA by Tri Component under number 65727 and cross-references to Chrysler 4431432. It replaces the roller and spring cage only. The cam is bolted into the case and the inner race is the hub of the low-reverse drum; neither is included.
Ahead of the overdrive unit, the 42RE/44RE is a three-speed Simpson geartrain. In first gear in D or 2, the low-reverse drum has to be held still so the rear planetary can deliver the low ratio. The roller clutch does that job: the rollers wedge between the ramped cam and the smooth drum hub in one direction and roll free in the other. When the transmission upshifts to second, the drum reverses direction, the rollers unload and the clutch freewheels, so no band timing is needed for the 1-2 shift. In manual 1 and Reverse the rear band holds the drum instead. That is why a vehicle with a dead roller clutch still pulls in manual 1. This is a different part from the overdrive roller clutch at the back of the unit, which works with the overdrive gearset.
Check the fluid level hot first, because low ATF+4 causes the same takeoff flare. Then road-test against the clutch and band chart. The service manual's rule is simple: slip in first in D and 2 but not in 1 means the overrunning clutch. A slip in any two forward gears means the rear clutch, and a slip only in fourth is the overdrive unit. Our RE-series slipping guide and no-movement diagnosis walk through those tests on the same Simpson geartrain. With the drum out, inspect the drum hub race and the cam ramps. If either is scored, pitted or cracked, a new roller cage alone will not hold.
The listing covers the A500 family from 1988 on: 40RH, 42RH, 42RE and 44RE, plus the related A904, A998 and A999 three-speeds. It is made for the smooth-race drum design only, so compare your old cage before you order: count the 12 rollers and match the overall diameter. If you are unsure, send us your year and VIN. All 44RE parts we stock are on the 44RE collection page.
| Fits | 44RE |
| Part type | Sprag Clutch |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Reference | A500 |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
It is the low-reverse roller clutch in the main case, the one that holds the low-reverse drum in first gear. The overdrive unit has its own separate roller clutch at the rear of the transmission.
No. It is the roller, spring and cage assembly. The inner race is the hub of the low-reverse drum and the outer cam is bolted into the case, so inspect both and replace them if they are scored or pitted.
With the drum seated, turn it by hand. Per the factory check it should spin freely clockwise and lock in the other direction. If it locks both ways or spins both ways, pull it and recheck the cage.
The listing covers 1988-on A500 units including 42RE and 44RE with the smooth-race drum. Compare your old cage to the photo and count the 12 rollers, or send us your VIN and we will confirm.
That is the classic factory road-test result for a failed low-reverse roller clutch. Check the fluid level hot first, since low fluid can mimic it, then plan to remove the drum and inspect the rollers and races.
