4R44E Master Rebuild Kit, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R44E. Ships fast from the USA.
Four-wheel-drive Rangers and Mazda B-Series pickups with the 4R44E work their transmission harder than the two-wheel-drive trucks: extra weight, bigger tires, trail use and towing all raise band and clutch heat. When a 4x4 starts slipping into third or overdrive, hesitates going into reverse, or leaves black fluid and band lining in the pan, this master rebuild kit is the 4x4 version of the overhaul package. It is listed for 1997-up 4R44E units and the related 4R55E and 5R55E.
The extension housing bushing is left out on purpose. The 4x4 version of this transmission does not use the 2WD tail bushing. The torque converter is not included.
Sonnax describes the 4R44E as the 1995 electronic four-speed Ford built for the 2.3L and 3.0L, with the heavier 4R55E following for the 4.0L in 1996. Wikipedia notes that the 4WD versions of this family use a different tailshaft housing, which is why the filter and bushings in a 4x4 kit differ from the 2WD set. Inside, three bands do much of the work. The intermediate and overdrive bands hold reaction members for the upshifts, and the rear band holds for reverse and manual low. A 4x4 that is driven in low range, backed up steep driveway grades or used to pull a trailer loads the reverse band and the servos far more than a commuter truck does. Replacing all three bands together with the frictions and steels gives the rebuilt unit matching holding capacity in every range.
Check the electronics and valve body before you tear the unit down. Sonnax ties delayed reverse, 1-2 and 2-3 flares and even broken bands to leakage in the EPC circuit, and its vacuum test guide shows where to check each valve body circuit. If the fluid is clean and the magnet is free of debris, start with the 4R44E solenoid kit or the valve body. Our slipping diagnosis guide and the harsh or delayed shift walkthrough cover the order of checks.
This kit is listed for 1997-up 4R44E, 4R55E and 5R55E transmissions in four-wheel-drive Ford and Mazda trucks. It is not for 2WD trucks, which need the shallow 2WD filter and the extension housing bushing; those owners should look at our 1997 2WD master kit. A 1995-1996 4x4 4R44E has its own kit, the 1994-1996 version. Confirm the transmission code on the door label and the ID tag on the case, and send us the year and VIN if you want a second check. The full parts lineup for this family is on the 5R55 and 4R44E page.
| Fits | 4R44E |
| Part type | Master Rebuild Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
It is the 4x4 kit. It comes with the deep 4x4 filter, and it does not include the extension housing bushing because the 4x4 version does not use the 2WD tail bushing.
Yes. The kit has the intermediate, overdrive and reverse bands, along with friction plates, steel plates, the gasket and seal set, the filter and the front pump bushing.
It is listed for 1997-up 4R44E, 4R55E and 5R55E transmissions. For a 1995 or 1996 4R44E, use the 1994-1996 kit, and send us your VIN if you are not sure which one you have.
It is not included. Replace or rebuild the converter if the old transmission failed with burnt fluid and heavy debris, because the converter holds that material and will feed it to the new clutches.
Maybe not. Sonnax traces delayed reverse to EPC circuit leakage in the valve body as well as worn bands. Check the fluid and magnet first. If they are clean, test the valve body and solenoids before doing an overhaul.
