4R44E Clutch Module 1985-1989, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R44E. Ships fast from the USA.
This friction module, part A56119A (industry 041752A), is the 1985-1989 set from the A4LD family, the group that later produced the 4R44E. If you have a late-1980s Ranger, Bronco II, Aerostar or 2.3L Mustang whose automatic now slips on take-off, flares into third or runs out of overdrive, this is the set built for the transmission in your truck. One thing to clear up first: the 4R44E name appears in the catalog interchange, but no 1985-1989 vehicle left the factory with a 4R44E.
Ford introduced the A4LD in 1985 by putting an overdrive section in front of the three-speed C3. The electronic 4R44E did not arrive until 1995, when Sonnax says it went into 2.3L and 3.0L Ford and Mazda rear-drive trucks. Parts catalogs file the whole line under one heading, which is why this early set shows the newer name. If your truck is a 1995 or later 4R44E, this is not your set; use the 1990-1996 friction module.
The A4LD runs ratios of 2.474 first, 1.474 second, 1.000 third and 0.750 overdrive, with 2.111 reverse, according to The Ranger Station. The overdrive section holds the coast clutch and overdrive band; behind it the forward and reverse-high clutch packs and the intermediate and reverse bands produce the three C3 ratios. On these early units most shifting is hydraulic: a vacuum modulator sets pressure and a mechanical governor times the shifts. That means a leaking modulator or a sticking valve can cook a clutch pack quickly, and once the lining is burnt no adjustment brings it back.
The Ranger Station calls heat the number one killer of these units. Check the fluid level and smell, pull the vacuum hose off the modulator and look for ATF inside it, and confirm the hose has vacuum at idle. Worn bands can feel exactly like a slipping clutch, so try a band adjustment before condemning the packs. Our harsh or delayed shift walkthrough covers the order of checks for this family.
Listed for 1985-1989 A4LD-family units. Using The Ranger Station application list, that window takes in the 1985-1989 Ranger and Bronco II, the 1986-1989 Aerostar, the 1987-1989 Mustang with the 2.3L and the 1987-1988 Thunderbird with the 2.3L. Ford made a running change in this period: the first units had one solenoid for converter lock-up only, and later units added a second solenoid for an electronic 3-4 shift. Because of that, lay your old discs beside the new ones and match tooth count and outside diameter, or send us the year and VIN before you build. More parts for the family are on the 5R55 and A4LD parts page.
| Fits | 4R44E 1985-1989 |
| Part type | Clutch Module |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Reference | A56119A |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
No. A 1987 Ranger automatic is an A4LD. The 4R44E came in 1995. This 1985-1989 friction set was made for the A4LD and simply carries the family name in the catalog.
Early units used one solenoid for converter lock-up only; later ones added a 3-4 shift solenoid. The Ranger Station uses the case connector to tell them apart: two pins for single solenoid, three pins for dual.
A seal and gasket overhaul kit, steels if yours are blued or warped, and a vacuum modulator if the old one leaked fluid. Inspect the overdrive sprag and sun shell while the unit is apart.
Only if the overdrive clutch lining is the problem. On the A4LD a missing fourth gear is often a locked overdrive sprag tearing the forward clutch spring pack, which needs those parts too.
It was filled with Mercon from the factory. Mercon V is the recommended replacement, about 9.5 quarts on a dry unit.
