4R44E Master Rebuild Kit 1997-2011, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R44E. Ships fast from the USA.
If your two-wheel-drive Ranger or Mazda B-Series with the 4R44E four-speed now flares between gears, slips once it is hot, or takes a long pause before reverse, and the pan shows dark fluid with friction dust on the magnet, the transmission needs a full overhaul rather than another fluid service. This super master kit is built for the 1997-2011 small Ford rear-drive automatics that use the 2WD filter: the 4R44E plus the five-speed 5R44E and 5R55E that grew out of it. Everything in the box is new.
Not included: the rear (low/reverse) band and the torque converter. That is the main difference between this kit and our 1997 4R44E master kit, which adds a reverse band.
The 4R44E is an A4LD with electronic controls. Sonnax dates it to 1995 behind the 2.3L and 3.0L, notes that it was strengthened into the 4R55E for the 4.0L in 1996, and that from 1997 the same case became a five-speed (5R44E or 5R55E) by applying the front servo for an overdriven first and fifth. That shared case is why one gasket set, one filter and one pair of bushings can cover all three. In the four-speed, the overdrive and intermediate bands are applied by servos through every shift. Line pressure from the EPC solenoid sets how hard they grip, so when that circuit leaks a band slips during the shift, burns its lining, and sends the debris into the clutch packs. A master kit renews all of the clutch friction surfaces and both of those bands, and reseals every piston, so the shift timing comes back evenly.
Not every slip is worn friction material. Sonnax lists delayed reverse, 1-2 and 2-3 flares and harsh shifts after a kickdown as symptoms of EPC circuit leakage, and loss of overdrive or engine braking as a coast clutch valve leak. Pull the pan first: clean fluid with no debris points toward the valve body or a solenoid problem, while burnt fluid and lining on the magnet confirm the overhaul. Our harsh or delayed shift walkthrough and the slipping diagnosis guide list the checks in order.
Cataloged for the 4R44E, 5R44E and 5R55E from 1997 to 2011 in Ford, Lincoln, Mazda and Mercury applications with the 2WD filter. Four-wheel-drive trucks use a different filter and rear housing, so this is not the 4x4 version. A 1995 or 1996 4R44E is an earlier design; use the 1994-1996 kit for those. Do not confuse this family with the 5R55W and 5R55S in the 2002-up Explorer and Mustang, which share only the name. Check the transmission code on the door label and the tag on the case, and send us your year, drivetrain and VIN if you want us to confirm before ordering. Related parts for the whole family are on our 5R55 and 4R44E parts page.
| Fits | 4R44E 1997-2011 |
| Part type | Master Rebuild Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
No. It has the overdrive and intermediate bands only. The rear (low/reverse) band and the torque converter are not included, so inspect the old reverse band during teardown and buy one separately if it is worn.
No. This is the 2WD (4x2) version, with the 2WD filter and extension housing bushing. Four-wheel-drive trucks need the 4x4 filter, so tell us your drivetrain before you order.
Yes. The kit is cataloged for the 4R44E, 5R44E and 5R55E from 1997 to 2011 with the 2WD filter. It does not fit the 5R55W or 5R55S used in 2002-up Explorer, Mustang and Lincoln LS models.
The frictions are Raybestos or an equivalent brand, and the gasket and seal set is Toledo Trans-Kit or Precision International, depending on what is in stock. Steel plates are included.
If the old unit failed with burnt fluid and heavy debris, yes. The converter holds that contaminated fluid and will send it into the new clutches. The converter is not part of this kit.
