4R70W master kit with 19 frictions, 17 steels, both bands, filter and full gasket set for 1998-2003 Ford F-150 and F-250 Light Duty.
This 4R70W master rebuild kit is put together for the 1998-2003 Ford F-150 and F-250 Light Duty, and unlike many overhaul kits it includes both bands and the pan filter along with the clutches and seals. If your truck is slipping on the 2-3 shift, flaring into overdrive, has lost reverse, or the fluid has turned dark and burned after years of towing, this one box covers the soft parts for a complete overhaul. The kit is referenced as W049820D, W049880B and W049881B.
The 4R70W is Ford's four-speed electronic overdrive automatic, and in these trucks it sits behind the 4.6L and 5.4L V8. Its gear changes come from five clutch packs and two bands. The overdrive band clamps the reverse sun gear drum in second and fourth, and the reverse band holds the planetary carrier in reverse and manual low. A slipping band produces the same flare and lost-gear complaints as a burned clutch, and a glazed band will bring them back even after new clutches, which is why this kit replaces both. The kit contains 19 friction plates and 17 steels for the clutch packs, the two bands, the filter, and a full overhaul set: pan, valve body, separator plate, pump and case gaskets, front and rear seals, piston seals and O-rings.
Scan for codes, check the fluid hot and test line pressure before tearing the truck down. Not every soft shift is a clutch: Sonnax lists broken or weak 1-2 accumulator springs as a cause of soft 1-2 shifts and 1-2 slip, and a worn pressure regulator causes low line rise across every gear. Our 4R70W F-150 shift problems guide walks through those checks in order, and the F-150 common problems guide covers the failures we see most in these trucks. If the pan shows friction flakes and metal, plan on the overhaul.
The kit is listed for the 4R70W in the 1998-2003 F-150 and F-250 Light Duty. This window spans two changes worth knowing. For 1998, Ford replaced the loose internal wiring harness with a molded lead frame, according to ATSG, which changes the solenoids and case connector but not the clutch parts. For 2001, Ford removed the two-bolt stiffener plate under the 2-3 accumulator, and Transmission Digest documents the forward-to-direct cross leak that follows and burns the direct clutch. The 4R75W and 4R75E share the family design but can differ in clutch counts, so check the ID tag on the case and count your old plates against the kit, or send us your year and VIN. Other 1998-2003 versions, including the 4R70W master rebuild kit 1998-03, are on the 4R70W collection page.
| Transmission | Ford 4R70W (4R75W / 4R75E family) |
| Vehicle fitment | Ford F-150, F-250 Light Duty 1998-2003 |
| Contents | 19 friction plates, 17 steel plates, intermediate and overdrive bands, filter, full overhaul gasket and seal set |
| Kit reference | W049820D, W049880B, W049881B |
| Shipping weight | 8 lb |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. It includes both bands along with 19 frictions, 17 steels, the pan filter and the full gasket and seal set. Replacing the bands at the same time keeps a glazed band from bringing the slip back after the rebuild.
It is listed for 1998-2003. 2004 changed the speed sensor, ring gear and sun shell parts, and many 2004 trucks use a 4R75-series unit, so use a 2004-specific kit and confirm with your VIN.
MERCON V. Do not substitute MERCON LV or Type F. Fill, run the engine, and set the final level hot on the dipstick.
Ford removed the stiffener plate under the 2-3 accumulator for 2001, and the separator plate can then leak forward clutch oil into the direct circuit. Repair that cross leak during the rebuild or the new direct clutch can burn again.
The 4R75W shares the family design but can use different clutch counts. Check the ID tag on your case and count the plates in each pack before ordering, or send us your year and VIN.
Clear codes and reset the adaptive shift values with a scan tool, then road test at light and moderate throttle through every gear so the computer relearns shift timing.
