Master overhaul kit for 1997-2003 Ford 4R70W, 4R75W and 4R75E rebuilds - the gaskets, seals and rings needed to reseal the unit on the bench.
This master rebuild kit covers the sealing side of a 1997-2003 Ford 4R70W overhaul, along with the closely related 4R70E, 4R75W and 4R75E. It is meant for the unit behind the 4.6L or 5.4L V8 in an F-150, Expedition, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis or Mustang that has come out of the vehicle because it slips on the 2-3, takes a long time to engage drive or reverse after sitting, flares on the 1-2, or is weeping fluid at the front pump or the rear extension housing. The manufacturer part number is CXT-GN02979 and the kit ships at 8.1 lb.
Every clutch in a 4R70W is applied by oil, and that oil has to get from the pump, through the case, across rotating shafts and into each drum without bleeding off. Lip seals on the pistons, scarf-cut sealing rings on the shafts and support, O-rings on the servos and gaskets at the pump, valve body and case joints are what hold that pressure in. As they harden with heat and age, apply pressure leaks away before it reaches the piston, the clutch pack slips, and the frictions start to burn. Replacing every one of those sealing parts in one pass is what this kit is for. Its contents are described as gaskets, lip seals, sealing rings and O-rings for the pump, drums, servos and case. Frictions and steels are not part of the listed contents, so if your packs are burned, plan for a clutch set as well, or choose the 4R70W master rebuild kit for the F-150 that includes frictions and steels.
Line pressure loss can come from places a seal kit will not fix. Transmission Digest reports pressure regulator bore wear that bleeds EPC oil back to the pump inlet, and on 2001 and later units the missing stiffener plate under the 2-3 accumulator lets forward clutch oil cross leak into the direct circuit. Check the fluid level hot, scan for codes and take a line pressure reading before you pull the unit. On the bench, a vacuum or air check of each circuit shows which seals are actually leaking. Our 4R70W Expedition shift problems guide and Crown Victoria common problems guide walk through the checks for each symptom.
The kit is listed for 1997-2003 4R70W, 4R70E, 4R75W and 4R75E units. That window spans a few internal changes. 1997 units still use a loose internal wiring harness, while 1998 and later moved to a molded frame, which affects the solenoid side but not the seals. 2001 and later valve bodies lost the two-bolt stiffener plate. Ford also built the 4R70W in several calibrations across cars and trucks, so read the ID tag on your case and compare it to the listed fitment, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it. More kits and parts for this unit are on the 4R70W collection page.
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Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
The listing describes the sealing parts: gaskets, lip seals, sealing rings and O-rings. It does not list frictions or steels, so if the clutch packs are burned you will need a clutch set too, or a master kit that includes them.
Yes, 1997 is inside the listed 1997-2003 range. Confirm the case tag before ordering, since 1997 uses the older loose wiring harness and 1998 and later changed to a molded frame.
The listing covers 4R70W, 4R70E, 4R75W and 4R75E units from 1997-2003. For 2004 and later units, use a 2004-specific kit, because Ford changed several internal parts that year.
Only if the slip comes from lost apply pressure. On 2001 and later units a forward to direct cross leak under the 2-3 accumulator can burn the direct clutch, and a worn pressure regulator bore also drops line pressure, so test before you buy.
1997-2003 4R70W units take MERCON V. Do not use MERCON LV or Type F in this transmission. Fill, run the engine through the gears and set the final level hot.
