4R55E Planetary 1995-96, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R55E. Ships fast from the USA.
The 4R55E only lived for two model years, which makes good hard parts for it hard to find. This is a new overdrive planetary carrier assembly for 1995-96 4R55E transmissions, the heavy-duty four-speed Ford put behind the 4.0L Cologne V6 in the Explorer, the Ranger and the Mazda B4000. It has solid pinion pins and the electric pick-up reluctor installed. Buyers usually land here with a 4.0L truck that whines at cruise, drops out of overdrive, or has a carrier that came out loose and discolored during an overhaul.
Like the 4R44E, the 4R55E is a descendant of the A4LD: the C3 three-speed with an overdrive gearset mounted in front of it. Turbine shaft torque goes into this carrier first. When the overdrive section is locked, the whole gearset turns together and passes input speed to the rear gear train for 1st, 2nd and 3rd. In 4th, the overdrive band holds the sun gear so the carrier spins the ring gear faster than the engine, which drops cruise rpm. The coast clutch ties the gearset together when you select a manual range and want engine braking.
What separates the 4R55E from the 4R44E is load. The 4.0L made more torque than the 2.3L and 3.0L, so Ford beefed up the drive components and rated the unit at 550 lb-ft instead of 440. That extra torque, plus the towing a lot of Explorers did, is hard on pinion bearings and pins in the overdrive set. The reluctor on the carrier gives a speed sensor a toothed target, and the electronic controls rely on that signal for shift and converter clutch timing.
Many 4R55E overdrive complaints are hydraulic. Sonnax calls out EPC circuit leaks and the EPC and engagement control valve for delayed reverse, flares and broken bands on this family, so check pressure and the overdrive band first. Our transmission slipping diagnosis guide lays out the order. For noise, listen in park and neutral, then in each gear under light throttle; our whine and clunk diagnosis guide covers how to tell gear noise from pump and converter noise on this Ford family. On the bench, spin each pinion and check pinion end play and the thrust surfaces.
Fits the 4R55E for 1995 and 1996, used with the 4.0L V6 in the Explorer, Ranger and Mazda B-Series before Ford switched those trucks to the five-speed 5R55E in 1997. The five-speed uses a different overdrive arrangement, so this carrier is not a 1997-up part; for those years see the 5R55E planetary. Parts changed during this period, so check the spline count, pinion count and reluctor tooth count on your old carrier, or send your year and VIN before ordering. More parts for this family are on our 5R55 family parts page.
| Fits | 4R55E 1995-96 |
| Part type | Planetary |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
It fits the 1995-96 4R55E used behind the 4.0L V6 in the Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series. Check your old part or send your year and VIN to confirm.
No. Ford replaced the 4R55E with the five-speed 5R55E for 1997. Use the 5R55E planetary for those years.
Both units share the A4LD design, but the 4R55E has heavier drive components for the 4.0L. Buy the part listed for your transmission and compare it with your old carrier before installing.
Heat and load. Towing, low fluid, or a slipping overdrive band make the pinion bearings and pins run hot. Fix the cause or the new carrier will see the same stress.
Use the Ford fluid shown in your owner's manual. MERCON V is the usual service fluid for these transmissions.
