4R100 Sprag Clutch 1989, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R100. Ships fast from the USA.
If you searched for a 4R100 sprag for a 1989 Ford, here is the first thing to know: Ford did not use the 4R100 name until the 1998 model year. Before that, the same basic four-speed was called the E4OD. This listing is a new intermediate sprag element listed for 1989, so it belongs in an early E4OD out of a 1989 F-Series pickup or E-Series van. Buyers find it under both names, which is why it appears here. The usual reasons to need one are a flare on the 1-2 shift, second gear that slips when the truck is loaded, or a sprag that rolled over during a teardown.
Both versions share the same gear train and the same three one-way clutches. ATSG lists them as an overdrive roller clutch, an intermediate sprag and a low roller clutch. The sprag is the only true sprag of the three: a cage full of angled steel wedges running between an inner race on the direct clutch housing and an outer race. In second, the intermediate clutch locks that outer race to the case and the wedges jam against the races to hold. When the direct clutch comes on for third, the sprag overruns, which is what lets the 2-3 shift happen cleanly. A worn sprag stops jamming under load and second gear goes soft or disappears.
The photo shows the element alone, with no races. It suits a rebuild where the races are still in good shape.
Do not condemn the sprag from a scan tool alone. Erratic shifting on this family is often electrical, with the solenoid pack or the case connector at fault, and our E4OD shift solenoid guide walks through the resistance tests. Low line pressure can also mimic a mechanical slip, and the EPC solenoid guide covers that circuit. Once the transmission is apart, hold the direct drum and turn the outer race. ATSG specifies free rotation counter-clockwise and lockup clockwise. Anything else, including a rough or notchy feel, means the sprag is worn.
This element is listed for the 1989 E4OD. If your transmission is a true 4R100, meaning a 1998 or later Super Duty, Excursion or E-Series, check the later listings first: the 4R100 sprag clutch 1998 and the 1999-2004 versions are listed for those years. The listing gives no Ford part number or wedge count, so lay the new sprag next to your old one and compare the count, cage width and outside diameter. Our 4R100 vs E4OD comparison explains which parts changed in 1998 and which carried over, and every part for both versions is on the E4OD and 4R100 parts page. When in doubt, send us your year and VIN.
Heat is what wears out sprags in these heavy trucks, so keep the cooler clean if the truck tows.
| Fits | 4R100 1989 |
| Part type | Sprag Clutch |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
No. Ford introduced the 4R100 name for the 1998 model year. In 1989 the transmission was the E4OD. This sprag is listed for the 1989 E4OD and is shown under the 4R100 name because buyers search for it both ways.
It is listed for 1989, not for 1998-up units. Compare the wedge count and size with your old sprag, or look at our 1998 and 1999-2004 4R100 sprag listings, and send us your VIN if you want us to check.
The photo shows the sprag element by itself, without the inner or outer race. Replace the races too if they are pitted or worn.
Typically a flare on the 1-2 shift, a slipping or missing second in Drive, and slip that gets worse with heat or load. Second often still holds in manual 2 because the intermediate band also applies there.
Per the ATSG manual for this family, with the direct drum held the outer race should turn freely counter-clockwise and lock clockwise.
