Replaces the worn overdrive and reverse bands in a Ford 4R70W with Kevlar-lined Pro-Series bands that hold up to towing and high-torque use.
A 4R70W that flares between third and fourth, drops into neutral on a 4-3 downshift, or takes a long breath before it backs up is very often eating its bands. This set replaces both of them at once: a flex-type overdrive band and a multi-wrap reverse band, each lined with Kevlar-based friction material in place of the standard lining. It is built for Ford F-150, Expedition, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mustang, Town Car and Navigator owners rebuilding a 4R70W, 4R75W or the earlier AODE, especially trucks that tow or engines that make more torque than stock.
The 4R70W uses two bands alongside its clutch packs. The overdrive band wraps the reverse clutch drum and holds the reverse sun gear still, which is how the transmission gets second gear and fourth gear. Its servo is fed by the shift valves, so it applies and releases on the 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 shifts and every downshift through them. The reverse band, also called the low-reverse band, wraps the planet carrier drum and holds it for reverse and manual first. Because the overdrive band cycles on almost every shift and carries the load in fourth at highway speed, it is usually the first of the two to glaze or burn. The reverse band takes the shock of every garage engagement into reverse.
Start with the fluid: pull the pan and look for black flaked material and a glazed sheen on the magnet. Then note which gears misbehave. Second and fourth trouble with first and third fine points at the overdrive band or its apply circuit; reverse and manual-low trouble points at the reverse band. Line pressure and solenoid faults can mimic a slipping band, so rule out the EPC solenoid and valve body wear first. Our 4R70W Crown Victoria shift problems guide walks through those checks, and the F-150 common problems guide covers the truck-specific failures.
The overdrive band is listed as part RPS54010 and replaces Ford F2TZ-7F196-A-HP and F2VP-7F196-BA. The reverse band replaces Ford F0AZ-7D095-A. The listing covers the AOD from 1980 up, the AODE, 4R70W, 4R75W, 4R70E and 4R75E in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars, trucks and vans. That family shares band dimensions, but check the band width and the anchor end shape against your old parts, and if anything looks different send us your year and VIN. Everything else for this unit is on our 4R70W parts page.
Most builders install this set as part of a full overhaul. The AODE and 4R70W overhaul kit for 1996-2002 supplies the gaskets, seals and frictions, and for 2004-later units the complete rebuild kit with steels covers the clutch packs, so these Kevlar bands become the upgrade on top.
| Set includes | |
| Overdrive band | |
| Reverse band | |
| Replaces OE | |
| Fits | |
| Applications |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
The overdrive band applies in second and fourth gear. The reverse band applies in reverse and manual first. If only second and fourth slip, suspect the overdrive band or its servo circuit.
Yes. The listing covers the AOD from 1980, the AODE, 4R70W, 4R75W, 4R70E and 4R75E. Compare the width and anchor ends with your old bands before installing, or send us your year and VIN.
No. Both bands sit around drums inside the case, so the unit has to come out and be disassembled. That is why most people install them during a rebuild.
Common causes are low line pressure, a worn overdrive servo regulator valve on 2001-later units, a leaking servo seal, a scored drum, or wrong servo rod length. Fix the cause or the new band will fail the same way.
Use the fluid your transmission calls for, which is MERCON V for most 4R70W applications. Soak the bands in it before installation.
