4R44E Clutch Drum 1997-2005, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R44E. Ships fast from the USA.
If your 4R44E-equipped Ranger or Mazda B-Series pulls into reverse normally but hesitates, flares or will not drive at all in D, the forward clutch drum belongs on the suspect list. This is a brand new forward drum for the 4R44E built for 1997-2005, the six-clutch version with a collar style bearing at the hub, cross-referenced to Ford service number 4L5Z-7A360BA. New matters here: a drum pulled from a junk unit carries the same heat history that ruined yours.
Sonnax dates the 4R44E to 1995, when Ford and Mazda put it behind the 2.3L and 3.0L engines in rear-wheel-drive trucks. It is the lighter-duty member of a family that also includes the 4R55E (the 4.0L version with stronger drive components) and, from 1997, the five-speed 5R44E and 5R55E. Inside, the forward clutch is the pack that ties engine torque into the geartrain whenever the selector is in a forward range. The drum is the housing for that pack: it holds the six frictions and their steels, contains the apply piston, and takes fluid through sealing rings on its hub. Every forward mile runs through it, which is why a drum that cracks, goes out of round or wears its ring lands shows up first as a forward-only complaint.
Rule out hydraulics first. Sonnax lists delayed forward and reverse from a misaligned separator plate, and low EPC from leakage in the EPC circuit, as known faults in this family, and it gives roughly 125-130 psi as a good maximum EPC in overdrive. A pressure gauge on the line tap settles that question in minutes; our transmission pressure testing guide shows the hookup, and the 4R/5R harsh and delayed shift walkthrough covers the valve body checks. If pressure is in range and only forward ranges misbehave, open the unit. GEARS Magazine's 5R55W delayed-engagement case points at the same inspection list for a forward drum: look for cracks and for wear on the sealing rings at the back of the drum and the bore they ride in.
This drum is catalogued for 1997-2005 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E transmissions, which covers the four-cylinder and 3.0L Ranger and B-Series trucks that used the 4R44E. Ford built more than one forward drum across this family's run, so before you order, count the frictions in your old drum (this one is a six-clutch design) and check whether its hub uses the collar bearing. For a 1995-1996 truck, or if your drum does not look like the photo, send us the year and VIN and we will check it for you. A used, lower-cost drum is listed separately as the 4R44E clutch drum, and the rest of the family's parts are on our 4R44E, 4R55E and 5R55 parts page.
Do not put old frictions in a new drum. Build the pack with new frictions, steels, piston seals and hub sealing rings, which the 4R44E master rebuild kit supplies. Soak the frictions in Mercon V before assembly, lube the piston seals, and air-check the piston once the drum is loaded so you know it applies and releases before the case is closed. Measure clutch clearance and correct it with the selective plate rather than guessing. Check the collar bearing seats fully on the hub and that the sealing rings turn freely in their grooves. Because EPC pressure is what clamps this pack, replace a dirty or varnished 4R44E pressure control solenoid while the valve body is off. Flush the cooler and lines so debris from the failed pack does not circulate through the new parts, refill with Mercon V, and road test from a cold start through full operating temperature.
| Fits | 4R44E 1997-2005 |
| Part type | Clutch Drum |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
It is the forward clutch drum, the six-clutch collar bearing design cross-referenced to 4L5Z-7A360BA. The overdrive drum at the front of the unit is a different part, listed as the 4R44E input drum.
It is catalogued for 1997-2005. Early units can differ, so compare friction count and hub bearing style with your old drum, or send us the year and VIN before ordering.
This listing is new. A used 4R44E clutch drum is available as a separate, lower-priced listing.
Possibly. Check line and EPC pressure first. If pressure is good and the slip is only in forward ranges, inspect the forward drum for cracks and worn sealing ring surfaces.
New forward frictions and steels, piston seals and sealing rings from a rebuild kit, a new filter, and a new pressure control solenoid if the old one is varnished. Refill with Mercon V.
