4R44E Planetary, new other (see details) and ready to install. Fits the 4R44E. Ships fast from the USA.
A 1995-2001 Ford Ranger or Mazda B-Series with the 2.3L four-cylinder or 3.0L V6, or a 1995-1997 Aerostar, that whines only once it shifts into fourth, or that went back together after a burnt overdrive band and still sounds rough on the highway, usually has a tired overdrive planetary in the front of the 4R44E. This is that gearset: a new old stock overdrive planetary, never installed, sold outside its original box under interchange number A56580C (also cross-referenced as 56580C, 5R5225BN and 56-4R-545-HP). You receive the planetary by itself, exactly as shown in the photo, with no drum, band or clutches.
The 4R44E is the electronic version of the A4LD, which Ford created by bolting an overdrive section onto the front of the old C3 three-speed. Engine power enters this front planetary first. In first, second and third the overdrive one-way clutch holds the gearset locked, so it spins as a single unit and simply passes turbine speed back to the three-speed section at 1:1. For fourth gear the overdrive band stops the sun gear, the carrier keeps driving, and the ring gear and output turn faster than the input at a 0.75 ratio. That gives the familiar A4LD-family spread of 2.47, 1.47, 1.00 and 0.75. Because the pinions only spin relative to the carrier in fourth, a worn set often stays quiet around town and makes its noise at cruise.
Noise and a slipping fourth can also come from the valve body. Sonnax points out that coast clutch valve leakage can cost the 4R44E fourth gear or engine braking, and EPC circuit problems are a known cause of broken bands, so start with a gauge using our line pressure checking guide. A quick road test helps too: if the whine follows overdrive on and off at the same road speed, it is in the front gearset, not the differential or wheel bearings. On the bench, spin each pinion by hand and feel for roughness, then measure end play using the thrust washer and end play guide. Excess pinion side play or rough rotation means the carrier should be replaced.
This listing is not year-specific. The 4R44E was the light-duty member of the family, used from 1995 behind the 2.3L and 3.0L engines in the Ranger and B-Series and in the 1995-1997 Aerostar, until the five-speed 5R44E replaced it. The same overdrive planetary interchanges across the 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E, but the later 5R55W and 5R55S used a different overdrive planet ratio, so it is not a fit for those units. Compare your old carrier, pinion count and spline to the photo, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it before it ships. You can browse all 5R55-family and 4R44E transmission parts in one place.
Clean the overdrive drum and inspect the sun gear splines and the band surface while the front of the unit is open; if the drum is out of round or heat-blued, replace it with the 4R44E overdrive drum assembly. Install new thrust washers and bearings, check the overdrive one-way clutch for smooth freewheel in one direction and lock in the other, and set front end play to spec before closing the case. A new overdrive band and coast clutch pack are worth doing at the same time; the 4R44E master rebuild kit for 1995-1996 covers them. Flush the cooler so planetary debris is not pumped back in, then refill with MERCON V and check the level hot with the engine running.
| Fits | 4R44E |
| Part type | Planetary |
| Condition | New Other (See Details) |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
It is the overdrive planetary used across the 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E family. Match your old carrier to the photo, or send your year and VIN and we will confirm before shipping.
It is new old stock: never installed, sold outside its original box. Only the planetary shown in the photo is included.
No. The 5R55W and 5R55S use a different overdrive planet gear ratio. This part is for the A4LD-based 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E.
Drive at a steady highway speed and toggle overdrive off. If the whine goes away when the transmission drops out of fourth at the same road speed, the noise is in the overdrive gearset.
Thrust washers and bearings, the overdrive band and the coast clutch frictions and seals. Inspect the overdrive drum and one-way clutch, and flush the cooler before refilling.
MERCON V. Fill with the engine running and check the level at operating temperature.
