4R55E Master Rebuild Kit, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R55E. Ships fast from the USA.
If you own a four-wheel-drive Explorer, Mountaineer or Ranger with the 4.0L Cologne V6 and the four-speed 4R55E automatic, and it now slips on the 2-3 shift, hesitates going into Reverse, or has dark fluid with band lining in the pan, a piecemeal repair rarely holds. This master rebuild kit is the 4x4 version listed for 1997-up units, so it carries everything you need to take a tired 4R55E down to the case and bring it back with new frictions, steels and bands.
The extension housing bushing is left out on purpose. A 4x4 4R55E bolts to a transfer case through an adapter, so the 2WD tailshaft bushing is never used.
The 4R55E is the heavy-duty half of the family Ford created in 1995 when it gave the old A4LD full electronic control. The Ranger Station describes the 4R44E and 4R55E as the same basic design, with the 4R55E built up for the 4.0L and rated for 550 ft-lb after converter multiplication. Shifts are made by solenoids on the valve body, but the holding is done by clutch packs and three bands. A 4x4 that tows or crawls in low range puts more heat into those bands than a 2WD commuter ever does, which is why this kit renews all three instead of only the intermediate band.
Several of these complaints are not worn friction material. The Ranger Station's list of common 4R55E problems points to solenoid failure first, with a healthy solenoid reading roughly 20 to 30 ohms, then to a misplaced solenoid regulator valve, a missing 2-3 shift valve spring, and a valve body that was not seated on its alignment pins. Our guide to testing a transmission solenoid with a multimeter walks through that ohm check. If the solenoids pass, the walkthrough in 5R55 harsh or delayed shifts covers line pressure and the valve body checks that apply to this family. Burnt fluid plus debris on the magnet means the unit has to come apart, and that is where this kit earns its price.
This kit is listed for 1997-up 4x4 4R44E, 4R55E and 5R55E transmissions in Ford and Mazda trucks. For the 4R55E, the Ranger Station shows it in 4.0L Rangers from 1995 to 1997, with the 5R55E taking over during the 1997 model year, so the 4R55E trucks this kit matches are 1997 four-wheel-drive units. A 1995-1996 4x4 needs the earlier 1994-1996 master kit, and a 1997 two-wheel-drive truck should use the 2WD 1997 master kit with its tailshaft bushing. To tell a 4R55E from a 4R44E, look at the bellhousing: the 4R55E carries the 4.0L bolt pattern. If you are unsure, send us the year and VIN before ordering. Every part for this family is on our 5R55 and 4R55E parts page.
| Fits | 4R55E |
| Part type | Master Rebuild Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
No. This kit is listed for 1997-up 4x4 units. A 1995 or 1996 4x4 4R55E should use our 1994-1996 master kit. Send the year and VIN if you are not sure which one you have.
On a 4x4 the transmission mates to a transfer case through an adapter, so the 2WD tailshaft bushing is not used. The kit includes the front pump bushing instead.
Yes. It includes the intermediate, overdrive and reverse bands, plus friction and steel plates, the gasket and seal set and the deep 4x4 filter.
Not always. A failed shift solenoid or a valve body that was installed off its alignment pins can cause no Reverse or a delayed Reverse. Test the solenoids and check line pressure first; rebuild when the fluid is burnt or the reverse band has failed.
Use the Ford-specified ATF marked on the dipstick or listed in your owner's manual, flush the cooler first, and set the final level with the transmission at operating temperature.
