4R44E Clutch Module 1997, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R44E. Ships fast from the USA.
When a 4R44E or 5R55E comes apart with burnt clutches, the steel plates between the frictions are often ruined too: blue from heat, glazed, or dished so the pack never clamps evenly. This module is the steel side of the clutch packs, new steel clutch plates listed for the 4R44E and 5R55E family from 1997 on, the rear-drive automatic in the Ford Ranger, Explorer-family SUVs and Mazda B-Series pickups. It contains steels only; frictions, seals and bands are sold separately.
Sonnax dates the 4R44E to 1995 behind the 2.3L and 3.0L Ford and Mazda engines, with the heavier 4R55E arriving in 1996 for the 4.0L. In 1997 the unit became a five-speed, the 5R44E or 5R55E, by applying the front servo for an overdriven first and fifth. Through all of those versions the clutch packs work the same way. Each pack alternates lined frictions with plain steels. The frictions spline to one member and the steels to another, and when oil pressure strokes the piston the stack clamps and the two members turn together.
The steel plate is the heat sink in that stack. Every engagement turns slip into heat, and the steel has to absorb it and stay flat. A steel that has overheated turns blue or straw colored, can warp, and loses the surface finish the new lining needs to bed in. Put fresh frictions against a glazed steel and they glaze too, which is why many rebuilders replace steels whenever a pack shows heat damage.
The steels can only be judged with the unit apart, but the cause of the burn should be found before that. Sonnax points out that a leak in the reverse modulator circuit burns the direct clutch, and that EPC circuit leakage shows up as flares and delayed reverse. Test line pressure, scan for codes and look at the fluid. Our harsh or delayed shift walkthrough covers the order of checks on this family, and the slipping diagnosis guide separates a true clutch slip from a pressure fault. At teardown, lay each steel on a flat plate and check for warp and heat color.
Listed for 4R44E and 5R55E units from 1997 on, covering Ford Ranger and Explorer-family trucks and Mazda B-Series pickups with these transmissions. Because Sonnax dates the five-speed conversion to 1997, a 1997 truck can carry either a four-speed or five-speed version, so check the tag on the case. The listing itself warns that year and application can change small details, so compare plate count, thickness and tooth pattern with your old steels pack by pack. If you are unsure, send us your year, model and VIN first. All of our parts for this family are on the 5R55 transmission page.
| Fits | 4R44E 1997 |
| Part type | Clutch Module |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
No. It is steel clutch plates only. Pair it with a friction set or a full clutch pack kit for the same years.
It is listed for 4R44E and 5R55E units from 1997 on. Compare plate count, thickness and tooth pattern with your old steels, and send us your VIN if you want it checked.
Only if they are flat, free of heat color and not glazed. Blue or warped steels will glaze new frictions and bring the slip back.
Either is possible. Sonnax dates the five-speed conversion to 1997, so read the tag on the transmission case before ordering.
Find what burned the packs. Leaks in the reverse modulator or EPC circuit are common causes on this family, so check line pressure and the EPC solenoid first.
