5R44E Shift Kit 1994-07, new and ready to install. Fits the 5R44E. Ships fast from the USA.
A Ranger, Explorer or Mazda B-Series with the 5R44E or 5R55E that slips on a hard-throttle 2-3 shift, burns the forward clutch, or wears out the second and overdrive bands is suffering from the way Ford calibrated this valve body. This is the new TransGo SK 44-55E, one kit for every member of the family: the four-speed 4R44E and 4R55E and the five-speed 5R44E and 5R55E. It is the most common upgrade rebuilders install in these units, and it goes in with the transmission still in the truck once the pan and valve body are down.
TransGo's instructions explain the stock problem plainly. Clutch and band shift pressure is regulated as low as 40 psi even when line pressure is much higher, and that low apply pressure is what burns forward clutches and bands. The kit raises shift firmness to stop soft shifts and band failure, and lockup becomes slightly firmer too. Inside the box:
One change matters for anyone who has been stranded: on the stock calibration a stuck EPC solenoid leaves the truck with no forward or reverse. TransGo revises the forward circuit so the vehicle can at least be driven to a shop.
Check the electrical side first, because a bad solenoid can mimic a hydraulic fault. TransGo publishes resistance specs for this valve body: 22 to 48 ohms for each shift solenoid, 9 to 16 ohms for the TCC solenoid and 3.1 to 5.7 ohms for the EPC solenoid. Their notes also say SS2 can cause a 2-3 flare by itself. If the truck starts in third every time, it is in limp mode, which points to an electrical fault rather than a worn calibration. Our 5R55 harsh or delayed shift walkthrough lays out the order of tests.
This listing is titled 5R44E 1994-07. TransGo lists the SK 44-55E for all 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E units from 1994 on, and its instructions name the 2.3, 3.0 and 4.0 V6 Aerostar, Explorer and Ranger and the Mazda B2300, B3000 and B4000. It does not fit the 5R55W, 5R55S or 5R55N, which use a different valve body. Separator plates changed over the years, so the instructions include steps for plates with and without the EPC limit hole. If you are unsure what you have, send us your year and VIN. More parts for this family are in our 5R55 collection.
Read the instructions through before starting and keep removed parts in order. Torque the valve body bolts gently, 72 to 92 inch-pounds from the center outward; TransGo warns that overtightening causes a wrong-gear start after reverse. Adjust the second band until the output shaft just turns both directions by hand, and back a single-wrap overdrive band off two turns from snug, a double-wrap band three turns. Refill with Mercon V. Cooler flow on this unit is temperature controlled, so check it only after the truck is warm. TransGo notes EPC solenoids wear out and recommends a new one, which is why we pair this kit with a new 5R55E EPC pressure control solenoid. If the shift solenoids test out of range, add the 5R44E TCC and shift solenoid set.
| Fits | 5R44E 1994-07 |
| Part type | Shift Kit |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | TransGo |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. TransGo makes the SK 44-55E for all 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E units from 1994 on, covering the 2.3, 3.0 and 4.0 Ranger and the matching Mazda B-Series trucks.
No. The 5R55W, 5R55S and 5R55N use a different valve body. Those need the TransGo SK 5R55W kit instead.
TransGo notes that EPC solenoids wear out and recommends a new one. Check yours against the 3.1 to 5.7 ohm spec, and replace it if it is out of range or original on a high-mileage truck.
The standard red spring gives firmer shifts than stock without being harsh. Orange, or orange and yellow together, makes shifts and the 3-2 coast downshift firmer still, so you can tune it to towing or daily driving.
The valve body work can be done with the transmission in the vehicle, but the center support rings and shim go in only during a rebuild. Most shops install the full kit when the unit is apart.
