4R70W Sun Shell 2001, new and ready to install. Fits the 4R70W. Ships fast from the USA.
This listing is the bearing that rides behind the sun shell, not the shell itself. You get two new pieces: a thrust bearing, Ford 3L3Z-7D234-AA, 0.145 in. thick, and its bearing race, 3L3Z-7D235-AA, 0.058 in. thick. Both fit the rear side of the sun shell in 2001-and-later 4R70W and 4R75W transmissions. Rebuilders reach for this part when the old bearing comes out rough, discolored or with broken rollers. That is common in high-mileage F-150s, Expeditions, Crown Victorias, Grand Marquis and Town Cars.
The sun shell carries the reverse sun gear, and the forward sun gear sits inside it. The two turn at different speeds in most ranges, and they are pushed together by gear thrust. This needle bearing sits between them on the rear side of the shell and carries that load. It also sets part of the stack height of the gear train, so its thickness affects end play. A worn bearing lets the sun gears rub, puts steel in the fluid and can open up end play enough to change how the clutches and band apply.
You usually find this bearing during a rebuild rather than from the driver's seat, because the noise is hard to tell apart from pinion or rear-axle whine. Check the axle and differential first, then look at the pan. The Expedition common problems guide and the F-150 shift problems guide list the cheaper electrical and pressure faults to rule out. Once the unit is apart, spin the bearing by hand and replace it if it feels gritty, is blued or has missing needles.
The listing covers all 2001-and-later 4R70W and 4R75W applications in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars, trucks and vans. Ford changed the sun shell for 2004. ATRA says the 2004-up shell has a bearing surface about .030 in. lower to fit a thicker two-piece bearing, and the shell, bearing and forward sun gear must be matched as a set. Measure your old bearing and race with a micrometer before ordering. If they are the same thickness as these, you have the right parts. Send us your year and VIN if you are not sure. Other parts are in the 4R70W collection.
| Fits | 4R70W 2001 |
| Part type | Sun Shell |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
No. It is the thrust bearing and race that sit on the rear side of the sun shell, Ford 3L3Z-7D234-AA and 3L3Z-7D235-AA.
The listing gives the thrust bearing as 0.145 in. thick and the race as 0.058 in. thick. Measure your old parts to confirm they match.
It is listed for all 2001-up 4R70W and 4R75W units. Ford changed the 2004 sun shell and bearing height, so compare thickness with your old bearing before installing.
It is cheap insurance. A rough bearing can wipe out the sun gears and change end play, so many rebuilders replace it whenever the gear train is out.
MERCON V on most 4R70W and 4R75W units. Some 2009-up Panther cars specify MERCON LV, so check your owner guide or dipstick.
