5R44E Overhaul Kit 1997-2011, new and ready to install. Fits the 5R44E. Ships fast from the USA.
This is the gasket and seal overhaul kit for the small Ford rear-drive automatics: the 5R44E behind the 2.3L and 3.0L Ranger, the 5R55E behind the 4.0L, and the four-speed 4R44E they grew out of. It covers 1997-2011 applications in Ford, Mercury, Mazda and Lincoln vehicles, which in practice means Rangers, Mazda B-Series pickups and the 1997-2001 Explorer. Owners usually need it for one of two reasons: the truck is leaking from the pan, front pump or tailshaft, or the transmission is coming apart for slipping or a lost gear and every seal disturbed in the teardown should be new. Inside are gaskets, metal-clad seals, O-rings and piston and lip seals. Frictions, steels, bands, the filter and the bushing kit are not included.
Sonnax traces the family back to the 1995 4R44E in 2.3L and 3.0L trucks. With the 4.0L in 1996 the drive components were strengthened into the 4R55E, and for 1997 Ford made it a five-speed by applying the front servo to get an overdriven first and fifth, producing the 5R44E and 5R55E. That design leans hard on bands and servos, and each servo piston, clutch piston and sealing ring in this kit is what lets those apply circuits hold line pressure. When the rubber hardens, oil escapes, the band or clutch applies weakly, and the lining starts to burn. The external gaskets and the front and rear seals are the other half of the job: they keep the fluid level where the pump needs it.
In this family a valve body fault often looks like a seal or clutch failure, and it can destroy new parts if it is left in place. Sonnax reports that leakage in the EPC circuit causes delayed reverse, 1-2 and 2-3 flares and harsh shifts after a forced downshift, and that the same leakage leads to broken bands and blown servo piston seals. Their vacuum test guide also links a worn pressure regulator valve to delayed engagement and overheating. Check line pressure and the EPC solenoid before the teardown, following the steps in our 5R55 harsh or delayed shifts walkthrough. If pressure checks out and the fault is a leak, this kit is the fix.
The kit is listed for 1997-2011 5R55E, 5R44E and 4R44E transmissions. The Ranger Station lists the 5R44E in 2.3L and 3.0L Rangers and the 5R55E in 4.0L Rangers through 2011. It does not fit the 5R55W, 5R55S or 5R55N, which are different transmissions despite the similar name; our 5R55 identification guide explains how to tell them apart. Because this family had many valve body, plate and solenoid changes, read the transmission code on the door-jamb label and confirm your model before ordering, or send us your year and VIN and we will check it. The rest of our parts for these units are on the 5R55 transmission parts page.
| Fits | 5R44E 1997-2011 |
| Part type | Overhaul Kit |
| 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.
Yes. The kit is listed for the 5R55E, 5R44E and 4R44E from 1997 to 2011, which covers the 4.0L Ranger 5R55E. Confirm the transmission code on the door-jamb label before ordering.
Probably not. Most 2002 and later Explorers use the 5R55W or 5R55S, a different transmission. This kit fits the 5R55E used in 1997-2001 Explorers and in Rangers. Send us your VIN if you are unsure.
No. This is an overhaul kit with gaskets, metal-clad seals, O-rings and seals only. Frictions, steels, bands, the filter and bushings are not included.
Only if leaking seals are the cause. Sonnax documents EPC circuit leakage in the valve body as a common cause of 1-2 and 2-3 flares in this family. Check line pressure before replacing parts.
Mercon V automatic transmission fluid. Check the level hot with the engine running after the rebuild.
