4R44E Overhaul Kit, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R44E. Ships fast from the USA.
Ford Rangers, Explorer Sports, Sport Tracs and Mazda B-series pickups with the 4R44E, 4R55E or 5R55E automatic tend to show their age the same way: a flare or slip on the 2-3 shift, a lazy Reverse, and fluid that smells burnt. This overhaul kit is built for the 1997-and-later versions of that family and gives you the wear parts for a full rebuild in one box: 15 friction plates, the intermediate and overdrive bands, a complete overhaul gasket and seal set, a pump bushing and a 2WD filter.
Steel plates are not included. Measure the steels you remove and replace any that are blued, warped or scored before you stack the new frictions against them.
The 4R44E grew out of the A4LD, and the 4R55E and 5R55E share most of its hardware. Gears are applied by a mix of multi-disc clutches and bands. The direct, forward and overdrive packs carry the frictions in this kit, while the intermediate and overdrive bands are tightened around their drums by hydraulic servos. Line pressure is commanded by the electronic pressure control (EPC) solenoid. Sonnax notes that EPC circuit problems in this valve body cause broken bands and blown servo piston seals, and that a worn intermediate servo pin bore produces the classic 2-3 flare (3-4 on the five-speed). That is why bands and seals belong in the same rebuild as frictions: replacing one without the other leaves the failure in place.
A blown gasket, a stuck valve or a leaking end plug can mimic worn clutches, so check line and EPC pressure with a gauge first; our line pressure testing guide shows how. If pressure is good and the unit still slips, a rebuild is the fix. For shift-quality complaints on these units, read the 5R55 harsh and delayed shift walkthrough, which applies to the 4R44E family as well.
This kit is specified for 4R44E, 4R55E and 5R55E transmissions from 1997 on. The application list that ships with it names the Ford Aerostar (1996-1997), Explorer (1995-1996), Explorer Sport (2001-2003), Explorer Sport Trac (2001-2004), Ranger (1995-1996) and Mazda B2300, B2500, B3000 and B4000 pickups. Because that list reaches back before 1997, confirm the transmission code on the case tag and the model year before ordering, and remember the included filter is the 2WD version; 4x4 trucks need the matching 4WD filter. Earlier units have their own 1994-1996 4R44E overhaul kit. Send us your year and VIN if you are unsure, or browse the 5R55 family parts page for related hard parts.
| Fits | 4R44E |
| Part type | Overhaul Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
No. It includes 15 frictions, two bands, the gasket and seal set, a pump bushing and a 2WD filter. Reuse steels only if they are flat and not blued; otherwise buy them separately.
Yes, it is specified for the 1997-and-later 4R44E, 4R55E and 5R55E. Confirm the code on your transmission tag and model year before ordering.
The filter in this kit is the 2WD version. A 4x4 truck uses a different pan and filter, so order the matching 4WD filter separately.
Sonnax points to a worn intermediate servo pin bore or a servo spring that is too strong, along with EPC circuit problems. Check the servo bore during the rebuild.
The intermediate and overdrive bands. Inspect the remaining band and its drum during teardown and replace it if the lining is worn or flaking.
Use the Ford MERCON-type ATF your owner guide lists, fill to the mark with the fluid hot, and clear codes before the road test.
