5R55E Banner Rebuild Kit 1997-2011

Ford Ranger, Mazda B-series and early Explorer owners searching for a 5R55E rebuild usually have the same story: the truck flares between gears, loses fifth or engine braking, or creeps into reverse, and the pan is full of dark fluid and lining. This kit covers the 5R55E along with its close relatives, the 5R44E and 4R44E, from 1997-2011 in two-wheel-drive form. In one box you get the overhaul gasket and seal kit, friction clutch plates, steel clutch plates, a 2WD filter, two overdrive/intermediate bands, a front pump converter bushing and an extension housing bushing.

What this kit renews in a 5R55E

Sonnax traces the family back to the 1995 4R44E behind the 2.3L and 3.0L, which became the heavier-duty 4R55E with the 4.0L in 1996. For 1997 Ford added a front servo apply to produce an overdriven gear, and from then on the unit is a 5R44E or 5R55E. The overdrive and intermediate bands share the work of holding drums, so when line pressure sags they slip and shed lining before the clutches do. That is why this kit includes both of those bands along with the clutch frictions and steels. The reverse band is not included, so inspect it and order one separately if it is glazed or cracked.

Symptoms this kit is meant to fix

• Flare or slip on the 1-2 or 2-3 shift, especially once the fluid is hot
• Loss of fourth, fifth or engine braking when coasting
• Delayed or soft Reverse engagement
• Broken or burned bands and blown servo piston seals found on teardown
• Black, burnt-smelling fluid with lining and clutch material on the magnet

How to confirm the cause first

Sonnax warns that many of these complaints start in the valve body, not the hard parts. A worn or leaking EPC circuit can cause delayed reverse, 1-2 and 2-3 flares and harsh shifts after a forced downshift, and the same leak can break bands and blow out servo seals. Leakage at the coast clutch valve can take away fourth, fifth or engine braking. So if you rebuild with this kit, plan to repair or replace the valve body at the same time, or the new bands will fail the same way. Clean fluid and a clean magnet point to a hydraulic or electrical fault instead; see our 5R55 harsh or delayed shifts walkthrough to separate pressure problems from worn parts.

Fitment

The listing covers 1997-2011 5R55E, 5R44E and 4R44E transmissions with the 2WD (4x2) filter. Four-wheel-drive units use a different filter and rear case section, so a 4x4 truck needs a different kit. Ford changed valve bodies, separator plates and solenoids many times over this run, and the 5R55E is a separate design from the 5R55W, 5R55S and 5R55N found in later Explorers, Mustangs and Lincolns. Confirm the transmission code on the door-jamb label and the drivetrain, or send us the year and VIN. All versions we stock are on the 5R55 transmission parts page.

Install notes

• Install the new pump converter bushing and extension housing bushing; a worn rear bushing lets the output shaft wobble and eats the tail seal.
• Soak frictions and bands before assembly and check clutch pack clearance with the new steels.
• Fill with Mercon V. Sonnax notes the early Mercon V used at the factory before May 2005 degraded solenoids in this family, so use current fluid and replace a tired 5R55E pressure control solenoid while the pan is off.
• Pair the rebuild with a 5R55E valve body for 1995-2011 if the EPC or coast clutch circuits test leaky.

If you also need a reverse band and a complete parts set in one order, compare the 5R55E master rebuild kit.

Does this kit fit a 4x4 Ranger?

No. It comes with the 2WD (4x2) filter and extension housing bushing. Four-wheel-drive 5R55E units use a different filter and rear section, so send us your VIN and we will point you to the right kit.

Which bands are included?

Two overdrive/intermediate bands are included. The reverse (rear) band is not, so inspect it during teardown and replace it separately if it is worn.

Will this fit a 4-speed 4R44E as well as a 5R55E?

The kit is listed for 5R55E, 5R44E and 4R44E transmissions from 1997-2011 using the 2WD filter. Confirm your transmission code on the door-jamb label before ordering.

Why did my old bands break?

Sonnax links broken bands and blown servo seals in this family to EPC circuit leakage in the valve body. Repair or replace the valve body during the rebuild so the new bands are not starved of pressure.

What fluid should I use?

Use Mercon V. Avoid any leftover early-formula fluid, which Sonnax ties to solenoid problems in 5R55 units filled before May 2005.

• 5R55 Harsh or Delayed Shifts: A Diagnostic Walkthrough